The Digital Saathi Program, supported by FICCI FLO Bengaluru Chapter, is a structured, year-long digital inclusion initiative designed to strengthen digital literacy and confidence among women and youth from underserved communities in Bengaluru. Implemented from April 2026 to March 2027, the program focuses on enabling participants to engage meaningfully with technology for everyday needs, personal safety, and income-generation opportunities through hands-on, community-based learning.
During the first quarter (April–June 2026), the program successfully delivered 11 interactive training sessions across 11 diverse community locations, reaching a total of 250 beneficiaries. These sessions were conducted in neighbourhoods such as Ejipura, Channasandra, Bevinamara, Basavanapura, Hosakerehalli, Ragigudda, Nisarga Layout, along with VIDYA Centres of Excellence in East and South Bengaluru. The decentralized delivery model ensured accessibility, comfort, and high participation by hosting sessions within familiar community environments.
The curriculum was thoughtfully tailored to address the distinct needs of women and youth. Women-centric sessions focused on building foundational digital skills, including effective smartphone usage, navigating mobile applications, understanding cybersecurity risks, improving financial literacy, and accessing government schemes through digital platforms.
These modules aimed to enhance independence, safety, and informed decision-making in daily life. Youth-focused sessions introduced participants to productivity and creative tools such as Google Workspace and Canva, alongside foundational exposure to Artificial Intelligence, supporting skill development aligned with emerging employment trends.
The program demonstrated tangible outcomes, with participants showing increased confidence in using digital devices, greater awareness of online safety practices, and improved ability to apply digital tools in practical contexts. Personal testimonials from beneficiaries, including Elizabeth Rani, Deepika, and Bhanushree, highlight the transformative impact of the initiative—reflecting newfound confidence, access to information, and aspirations for economic and personal growth.
The VIDYA Centres of Excellence serve as trusted community learning hubs that enable inclusive education and skill development for underserved populations. Supported by experienced, locally rooted trainers, the Centres play a vital role in delivering the Digital Saathi Program with empathy and effectiveness. VIDYA trainers bring strong grassroots experience, cultural sensitivity, and hands-on teaching methods that make digital learning accessible and relatable. As facilitators of the Digital Saathi Program, they guide women and youth through practical smartphone usage, online safety, and digital tools with patience and clarity. Their consistent mentoring ensures confidence-building, sustained engagement, and meaningful digital adoption at the community level. Overall, the Digital Saathi Program has laid a strong foundation for sustained digital empowerment at the grassroots level.