How CSC Patel Nagar and Apni Pathshala Empower Youth Through Digital Education?.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela. Common Service Center (CSC), Patel Nagar, Delhi. Known for years as a place where locals could get help with tasks like filling out forms or submitting online applications for just ₹200, this centre has now become so much more. Thanks to a determined 12th-grade student named Nikhil and the support of Apni Pathshala, this spot is now a hub for digital skills training and growth. Today, this learning pod has become a place where young minds are not just learning new skills but are also gaining the confidence to dream big. This is a story of how Apnipathshala and CSC Patel Nagar are working together to open up new opportunities, bridging the digital gap and promoting community empowerment. From Student to Mentor: Nikhil’s Inspiring Journey Nikhil’s involvement with CSC began as a student himself, with no grand plans other than to learn and just manage the centre. But he quickly grew passionate about giving back, inspired by a teacher who saw his potential and encouraged him to take on a leadership role. With continuous guidance, Nikhil took on the responsibility of running the learning pod, turning it into a proper digital education centre. Initially, CSC had only three computers, and Nikhil’s resources were limited. But he knew the community needed digital skills training, especially for young minds with few opportunities to learn about technology. So, he started teaching and focusing on essential digital skills training like Canva, graphic design, coding, web development, etc. The learning pod quickly attracted a small, enthusiastic group of students eager to learn skills that could open doors for them in the current and future world of technology. The Role of Apni Pathshala in Nurturing Young Digital Minds The growing success of the learning pod soon drew the attention of Apni Pathshala, an organisation with the ultimate mission to make digital education accessible for everyone. Recognizing Nikhil’s commitment and the potential to create an even bigger impact, Apni Pathshala stepped in with a generous donation of 15 computers, transforming the CSC into a proper digital learning pod. Where only a few students could once attend, they could now welcome more learners and structure classes in a way that truly met their needs. The donation not only expanded resources but also gave the pod a new level of credibility, inspiring more families to understand and embrace the value of digital education. “Apni Pathshala’s support was like a turning point,” Nikhil shares. “Now, students don’t have to wait for a computer to be free. Classes are more organised and interactive. With these resources, we’re able to provide quality digital education to more students who need it most.” Balancing School, Teaching, and Center Nikhil’s daily routine is all about balance and commitment. As a 12th-grade student, he’s got a lot on his plate, but he manages to manage everything so passionately. From balancing his own studies to running the CSC, helping locals, and teaching classes at the learning pod, Nikhil’s day is packed. To make things work, he divides the classes into two batches—one in the morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and another in the evening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Right after school, Nikhil heads straight to CSC, where he starts lesson planning, teaching, and assisting anyone who comes for digital help. He doesn’t just stop at teaching the basics, he goes further. He researches new ways to make his lessons exciting and creates a curriculum that suits his students’ needs. In each session, Nikhil introduces his students to things like coding, web development, and even design tools like Canva. He knows that the more engaging the classes are, the more his students will take away skills that they can really use. Overcoming challenges Nikhil faces plenty of challenges, both at home and in the classroom. Balancing his time between school, teaching, and self-care isn’t easy, and his family often worries about him overloading himself. But the hurdles don’t stop there. Keeping his students engaged can be a challenge, too. In today’s world, students are easily distracted by social media and other influences. Nikhil has noticed that while his students love the practical parts of class, they often lose interest when it comes to theory. To keep them engaged, he’s introduced creative teaching techniques, like games, interactive activities, and projects that make learning more enjoyable. He also faces some doubts from parents, who sometimes worry that their children are spending too much time on “non-traditional” subjects. In a community where mainstream academics are often seen as the only path, digital skills can be misunderstood. “A lot of parents think their kids are wasting time or going in the wrong direction,” Nikhil shares. “But I believe kids need the chance to explore. It’s the only way they’ll find a career path they truly love.” Nikhil’s Vision for the Future When asked about his goals, Nikhil shares his dream of expanding the learning pod. “I have a lot of ideas, even if they’re not concrete yet,” he admits. He imagines creating a larger space where students can access resources beyond just digital tools, like a library where they can read, study, and explore different fields. Though his vision is still coming together, Nikhil’s commitment to uplifting kids is clear. He dreams of a future where every young mind in Patel Nagar and beyond has access to the resources they need to excel in a digital world. His learning pod at the CSC is just the first step toward what he hopes will become a broader movement for educational empowerment. A Message to Aspiring Learners Before ending our conversation, we asked Nikhil if he had any advice for young people pursuing their dreams. His response was simple but impactful: “Consistency is the key to everything. Know your priorities, and make a plan. Once you figure out what’s best for you, you’ll know which distractions to set aside and which goals