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*Project GEIT (Goans Empowered with IT) by GITP to promote IT Education in Goan Village Schools reaches Azmane High School, Neura, Mandur* *Organizers: *Gajanan Nagarsekar (Kallows Engineering India Pvt. Ltd), Sangeeta Naik (DigitalGoa), Vincent Toscano (Infosys) *Date: *09-Sep-2015 *Time: * 10.30am-1:30pm *Location: * *Azmane High School, Neura, Mandur* *Event photos: * https://www.facebook.com/groups/Goaitp/permalink/876441205738420/ *Details:* Goa IT Professionals (GITP) group’s initiative, titled “Goans Empowered with IT” (GEIT), to promote IT Education in Goan schools for better employment in collaboration with the wider Goan IT and academic community inducted the second rural , Azmane High School, Neura in the program on 9th September. The project actively supported by the StartupGoa, GITIC and other well-wishers aims to expose every child in Goan schools, especially in the villages, to the career opportunities galore in Computers and related technologies positively affecting all spheres of human life today. Through a series of sessions and courses on Computer Programming, App Development, Robotics, Animation etc. the students will be introduced to this fascinating world in fun and exciting ways to spark their interest for further exploration through self-learning. In addition, the initiative also aims to help school teachers use IT to make regular subjects more interesting, engaging and experiential to the students. In the first phase GITP plans to work with three schools in Goa – St. Bartholomew’s High School (Chorao, Tiswadi), Dayanand Bandodkar School (Gokuldem, Paddi, Quepem), and, Azmane High School (Neura-Mandur, Tiswadi). The introductory session at the Azmane school was attended by around 200 students from standards 5th to 10th. The school Headmaster , Mr. S.P. Naik, welcomed the GITP team at the outset and reassured them that all necessary help will be extended to make the program a success. Gajanan Nagarsekar <https://www.facebook.com/GajananNagarsekar> of Kallows Engineering India Pvt. Ltd - Ponda was the presenter for the event. He kept the kids engrossed while sharing his experiences with them. Mr. Nagarsekar left his job with GE in US to come down and set up an IT firm in Ponda, Goa. GITP feels that people like him are true brand ambassadors for this project which aims at letting the Goan youth comprehend that they need not move out of Goa to make a fortune and realize their full potentials. Vincent Paul Toscano <https://www.facebook.com/vincentpaul.toscano> showed an interesting video put together by him on significance of IT, computer programming, robotics etc. in real life and the way the concepts are taken to children in other countries. Prof. Ramrao Wagh <https://www.facebook.com/SomnathWagh> of Goa University is the contact point at the school. His passion about the project was reflected in the way the school authorities and teachers reacted to this flagship session. In subsequent phases of this initiative, GITP aims to reach out to these charged minds, fuel their creativity and turn it into passion to bring innovation and employment generation to the village level in Goa. Post this session the GITP team met with the management and staff of the school. The interaction with the teachers was fruitful. They were all looking forward to being a part of the project. The issue of slow leaner’s and the need to do something about them on priority preferably using IT was raised by one of the teachers. Concerns were also raised by the school staff about the state of IT infrastructure at the school with reference to GBBN connectivity which needs urgent attention of the Department of Education without which this GITP initiative would be in jeopardy. GITP Core Team has brought these matters to the attention of the Goa government which is now considering a couple funding schemes to address such matters and support this noble initiative by GITP. Presently underway at the Azmane school and Chorao School is a detailed audit of its Basic, Science and IT infrastructure besides an Enrolment form to be filled by parents to consent their wards to participate in Project GEIT. Age-appropriate Aptitude Testing would follow in coming weeks to identify the students to be specially coached in Computers and Robotics under Project GEIT starting immediately after the Ganesh Chathurti festival. Another rural school Dayanand Bandodkar High School, Gokulde , Paddi, Quepem will be inducted in the program on 12th September 2015. Jonathan Peréira <https://www.facebook.com/jonathanpereira>of Espressotive is the key presenter at the Quepem School. GEC students Nihal Prabhugaonkar and two of his team mates Seeya and Pooja will also take one session. This school will also follow similar pattern of activities as explained above. GITP thanks the Goan press and media community in advance for spreading awareness about its Project GEIT. -- Regards, Goa IT Professionals www.goaitpro.org