Smart Classes in Dugadda, Pauri Garhwal: Reaching Last-Mile Learners in Uttarakhand
In the extreme forest hills of Block Dugadda, District Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand), reaching school itself is a daily challenge. Students and teachers walk 1 to 1.5 kilometers uphill through forest paths, navigating steep mountain terrain just to attend school. Internet connectivity is unreliable or absent. Infrastructure is minimal. And yet, the aspiration to learn is limitless.
This is not the story of just one school, it represents the reality of many schools across Uttarakhand located in remote, hilly, and forested regions.
With the objective of enabling meaningful digital learning for these learners, an NGO partnered with iDream Education to establish a Smart Classroom learning environment in 12 such government schools in Dugadda block. The location had no internet connection and limited infrastructure, making implementation both logistically demanding and emotionally powerful.
Our team travelled deep into the hills, walking alongside teachers who guided us safely through forest routes – routes they and their students navigate every single day. What could have been seen as a challenge became a moment of inspiration. Conducting smart class setup and teacher training in such terrain was not easy. But witnessing the enthusiasm of teachers and the curiosity of students made every step worthwhile.
As part of this implementation in Dugadda, a total of 12 Smart Classrooms were set up
Each classroom was equipped with a 65-inch Brio Interactive Flat Panel with preinstalled iPrep Learning Management System (LMS) and preloaded Uttarakhand Board–aligned digital content for Classes 1 to 12 in both Hindi and English medium.
However, the journey from installation to training was not without challenges
During the setup and teacher training phase, our ground team encountered several real-world constraints. With no stable internet connectivity, even connecting mobile hotspot required extraordinary coordination. At one point, a team member had to sit on a school terrace searching for a usable signal, while another waited below with the device, attempting to connect it through a mobile hotspot. The installation process demanded patience, teamwork, and persistence.
What made this effort truly special was the support from teachers and students. They stood alongside our team, curious and hopeful. The moment the device finally connected to the internet was celebrated. It symbolized access, possibility, and the beginning of a new learning journey.
Despite the terrain and connectivity barriers, the installation was successfully completed, and comprehensive teacher training was conducted. The initial rollout reached more than 1,500 students and 70 teachers.
We look forward to sharing more experiences from the field. Because reaching the last-mile learner is not just about technology installation, it is about commitment, collaboration, and ensuring that geography never limits a child’s opportunity to learn.
