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    Internet Society Foundation
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      • Board of Trustees
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      • 2025 Action Plan
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      • Sustainable Peering Infrastructure Funding Program
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    • Resources
      • Grantee Eligibility & Compliance Guidance
      • Application Review Process
      • Alignment Requirements
      • Grant Management & Reporting Expectations
      • Grant Application and Project Implementation Guidance
      • Grant Partner Communications Toolkit
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    BOLT

    Expanding Internet Roshni (Light) for the vulnerable tea tribe & Adivasi Community in Assam and West Bengal in India

    Home / Projects / BOLT / Expanding Internet Roshni (Light) for the vulnerable tea tribe & Adivasi Community in Assam and West Bengal in India
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    Grant Program

    BOLT

    Grantee Name

    Digital Empowerment Foundation

    Grant Start Date

    1 November 2023

    Grant End Date

    31 October 2024

    Amount Funded

    $300,000.00

    City

    NEW DELHI

    Country

    India

    Region

    Asia Pacifc

    See More Projects

    OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT 

    This project seeks to bridge the digital divide for the Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities residing in remote tea gardens across Assam and West Bengal, the two leading tea-producing states in India. It aims to achieve this by expanding the successful “Internet Roshni (Light)” model. This model establishes public Wi-Fi hotspots and “Community Internet Libraries” in these areas, empowering adolescents, youth, and particularly women through access to critical information, resources, skills, and opportunities. The project leverages the Government of India’s PM WANI scheme to extend Wi-Fi reach and create a network of young women (“Soochnapreneurs”) who will manage the Internet access points and provide digital literacy training within each tea garden community. 

    WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT? 

    By bringing Internet connectivity directly to geographically isolated communities, the project opens doors to education, healthcare information, and economic opportunities that were previously unavailable. Secondly, the project focuses on empowering marginalized groups, particularly women and youth. By equipping them with digital skills and knowledge, the project allows them to navigate the online world safely and productively, leading to improved livelihoods and greater participation in society. Finally, the project utilizes a sustainable and community-driven approach. The “Internet Roshni” model relies on low-cost infrastructure and leverages existing government initiatives. Additionally, by training community members as Soochnapreneurs, the project ensures long-term sustainability and local ownership. 

    The Internet is for Everyone

    The Internet Society Foundation supports the vision of the Internet Society and its work for an open, globally-connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone.

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