Digital literacy, computer use and Internet browsing, is essential in today’s world to gain/improve knowledge, communicate, and work efficiently. Digital literacy enables the underprivileged youth to acquire capabilities comparable to those blessed with opportunities in life. CLP introduced Computer Literacy Center (CLC) program in 2004 to enable the underprivileged youth become digital literate. CLC provides hands-on computer and Internet browsing training cost free. A CLC is a computer lab run by trained teacher(s) to provide students with hands-on training. Typically, a CLC is established in an educational institute and is furnished with:
- Minimum of four new HP/Dell laptop or desktop computers with 18.5-inch monitors
- One printer
- Internet Modem and other computer peripherals
- Trained teacher(s)
- Structured curriculum
- Teachers’ guide
- One-year maintenance contract
- Course Hour = 40
- Class Duration = 1.5 hours
- Number of Class = 26
- Number of Students per Batch = 8-12.
(Based on number of computers; two students per computer - Curriculum: "Esho Computer Shiki"
In consultation with prominent computer scientists and educators in Bangladesh an introductory curriculum was developed. Based on that curriculum a student’s manual, “Esho Computer Shikhi” (Let Us Learn about Computers) in Bengali was published. Every student receives a copy of the manual at a nominal cost. Teacher(s) from each CLC receive intensive training provided by professionals, CLP’s implementation partner in Bangladesh. The teacher(s) are also provided with complete “Teacher’s Manual” so that upon completing their training they can teach the students. The student manual, teacher’s manual and the curricula were updated as needed. The third edition of “Esho Computer Shikhi” was published 2018.
After completion of each training course, the students are awarded a literacy certificate and the teacher will receive 1200-1500 Taka as incentive payment for completing a training course. Each CLC is expected to complete 7 to 8 training courses per year.
The school computer teacher conducts computer classes per the national curriculum in the CLC lab allowing student’s exposure to hardware.
CLP maintains all hardware in operation and ensures that the digital literacy curriculum is implemented in all CLCs for the first year and, in subsequent years, will provide the same service to all CLCs where the sponsor shares 50% of the maintenance cost, costing the sponsor USD 300 per year. The maintenance service includes:
- Site visit at least once in a calendar year.
- Telephone call at least once a month to review status (school is encouraged to call Dnet immediately when they need help).
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues as required.
- Distribute graduation certificate and Teacher honorarium.
- Provide needed supports to keep the CLC operational.
Maintenance support does not include key hardware replacement; however, CLP has been sharing 2/3 of the replacement cost. This major equipment replacement cost sharing is subject to availability of funds.
Starting in 2005, CLP has established 310 CLCs (and 97 associate CLCs) in 56 districts of Bangladesh; have produced around 157,000 digital literacy graduates, ~ 50.00 of those being females, and trained 2000 teachers. Annually 100,000 students use the digital literacy Center and Smart Classroom established by CLP.
CLP establishes CLC in partnership with a sponsor, who pays ~2/3 of the cost. CLP enables the sponsor to give back to his community. He/she can choose a school anywhere in Bangladesh to establish the CLC. His donation is honored with plaque posted at the entrance of the lab and he would be able to dedicate it in the name of a beloved person.
Taking advantage of the strong digital literacy foundation provided by the CLC, CLP has introduced the Smart Class Room (SCR), Education through Entertainment (EE), Connect Students Around the World (CSAW), and Remote Volunteer Teaching, RVT programs to improve education quality of the underprivileged students.
310
Computer Learning Centers established in Bangladesh to date.
157,000
students have successfully completed the 40 hours course.
$3300
is the total cost for establishing one Computer Literacy Center with a desktop computer.
For this we include:
- Four new brand laptop or desktop computers
- One printer
- Internet Modem and other computer peripherals
- Structured curriculum
- Teachers’ guide
- Training of one teacher
- Incentive remuneration for teachers with every month activity
- One-year maintenance contract
Sponsorship Benefits
- Opportunity to empower youths from sponsor’s locality
- Opportunity to choose the site
- Honored by a plaque at the site
- Option to dedicate the center in the memory of someone the sponsor chooses
For the list of schools with sponsored CLCs, Learn More.
Example of plaque onsite at a CLC.
