Understanding the GOAL Programme: Empowering Tribal Youth and Women

The GOAL Programme, an acronym for "Going Online as Leaders," represents a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming the lives of tribal youth and women in India. Launched as a pilot project in May 2020 and successfully completed by December 2021, GOAL has emerged as a beacon of digital empowerment in tribal communities. This article delves deep into the essence of the GOAL Programme, its objectives, and the profound impact it has had on tribal youth and women.

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Exploring the GOAL Programme

The GOAL Programme was conceived with the noble vision of bridging the digital divide that often marginalized tribal communities. This ambitious initiative sought to provide them with the tools and knowledge required to not only embrace the digital age but also emerge as leaders in their respective domains.

Mentorship: A Cornerstone of GOAL

At the heart of the GOAL Programme lies the mentor-mentee relationship. The programme implemented the concept of mentorship to facilitate the digital transformation of tribal youth and women. Through guidance, support, and shared experiences, mentors played a pivotal role in nurturing the mentees' digital skills.

Sponsorship by Meta (Facebook India)

The GOAL Programme is a shining example of public-private collaboration, with Meta (formerly Facebook India) providing full financial backing. This partnership underscores the commitment of corporate giants to empower marginalized communities through digital means.

Three Pillars of Transformation

The programme's curriculum was structured around three essential pillars, each contributing significantly to the holistic development of participants:

• Communication & Life Skills: Beyond imparting technical knowledge, GOAL placed a strong emphasis on enhancing communication and life skills. These skills are vital for personal growth and leadership development.
• Enabling Digital Presence: Understanding the significance of a digital presence in today's world, GOAL equipped participants with the ability to establish and manage their online identities effectively.
• Leadership & Entrepreneurship: Empowering tribal youth and women to become leaders and entrepreneurs was a fundamental goal of the programme. Through specialized training, participants were prepared to take on leadership roles and explore entrepreneurial ventures.

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Unveiling GOAL 2.0: An Inclusive Approach

GOAL 2.0 represents an evolution of the original programme, with a key difference—it is open to all individuals belonging to tribal communities. This inclusivity aims to broaden the reach and impact of the initiative.

Digital Mentorship Reimagined

In Phase-I of the programme, digital mentorship was delivered online, with one mentor assigned to two mentees. This model is designed to offer personalized guidance and support to tribal youth and women on their digital journeys.

Objectives of GOAL 2.0

• Upskilling and Digital Enablement: The overarching objective of GOAL 2.0 is to enhance the digital proficiency of tribal youth. This is achieved through Facebook live sessions and the Meta Business Coach—a powerful digital learning tool.
• Empowering Vandhan Self Help Groups: Special attention is given to empowering more than 10 lakh members of 50,000 Vandhan Self Help Groups. Participants receive training on market dynamics, product packaging, branding, and effective marketing strategies.
• Expert Guidance: The GOAL 2.0 initiative incorporates expert insights through chatbots and online sessions. Industry experts from various domains provide valuable guidance based on the specific needs of mentees.

Collaborative Agencies

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs collaborates closely with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure the successful implementation of GOAL 2.0. Under this initiative, 175 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will offer six digital classes each.

The Education and Research Network, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY), spearheads the project's execution.

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Other Initiatives in Skill Development

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

The Skill India Mission encompasses the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with essential skills. PMKVY 3.0, a recent iteration, focuses on digital technology and Industry 4.0, aligning with the evolving skill landscape.

eSkill India Portal

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has introduced online skilling through the eSkill India portal. This platform offers diverse learning opportunities, including emerging technologies like cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more.

Samagra Shiksha

The 'Samagra Shiksha' initiative includes vocational education components that offer National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant courses to school students. This initiative extends to tribal students, enhancing their communication skills, self-management, information technology proficiency, entrepreneurship skills, and green skills.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the GOAL Programme, with its transformative impact on tribal youth and women, stands as a testament to the power of digital empowerment. As initiatives like GOAL and GOAL 2.0 continue to thrive, tribal communities across India are poised to embrace the digital age, unlock new opportunities, and emerge as leaders in diverse fields.

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