Technology on Wheels: Bringing STEM Education to Remote Villages

Walking the talk of inclusivity and accessibility requires us to meet the communities we serve where they are. This calls for adaptability and resilience, as was learned by Nidhi Dixit, Co-lead of India Flying Labs, during their Fly for the Future STEM program activities. 

In the remote village of Hasalpur in Gujarat, the team arrived to find that basic technological infrastructure, such as projectors and proper screens, was unavailable. Instead, a simple cloth screen and a blackboard were set up in the training hall, reflecting the daily learning experience of many students in countries across the Global South. So Nidhi and her team adapted, switching from PowerPoint slides to writing on the blackboard. The experience highlighted an essential lesson: the medium should never limit educators. True accessibility in STEM education requires the ability to improvise and adapt to whatever resources are available.

Through our STEM/Youth sector program, the Flying Labs Network is shifting mindsets across the Global South. More and more, local communities see the value of incorporating emerging technologies such as drones into education for both girls and boys, opening the door to a future where they can better fortify themselves against challenges such as natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Nidhi imagines a future where India Flying Labs can take their technology with them on the road, allowing this transformation to take place in many more under-resourced communities.

Watch the video below to hear Nidhi narrate her experience, sharing the impact of STEM education when it is combined with adaptability, commitment, and a vision for true accessibility and inclusivity.