Strengthening ISV activities to hone practical-oriented skills among common public in Tirunelveli District by Vidya students 

Embracing the scholastic ethos of ISV, Vidya students conducted wide variety of enhancement activities which are tailored to meet unprivileged communities  and interests of needy students and common public.

IEEE Smart Village (ISV) embraces a unique approach to support energy-impoverished communities worldwide, by integrating renewable energy solutions, community-based education, and entrepreneurial opportunities, ISV strives to make a lasting impact. In line with this vision, volunteers from Vidya Academy of Science and Technology, under the guidance of Dr Sudha Balagopalan (Dean, Academics & South Asia Working Group Lead – ISV) have been actively engaged in the Vocational Awareness Programs.

Initially, the program focused on providing training in “snap circuits” kits to children and students in the SOS Village and schools under contact with VSEC in Thrissur.Building upon this success, the vocational awareness initiative expanded its reach to Tirunelveli during 12 – 16 May 2023. ISV collaborated with Vidyarambam Trust to train 24 mentors who, in turn, will impart their knowledge to students across 14 schools in the Tirunelveli region.

To kick-start the program, volunteers from Vidya Academy of Science organized a hands-on session on snap circuits. A group of student volunteers, including Sakthi S (S6, ECE Dept), Jesto K J (S6, ECE Dept), Sanjo P Rejin (S6, ECE Dept), Kiran M (S6, ECE Dept), Rahul Jayaram (S6, ECE Dept), and Vijith P V (S6, ECE Dept), actively facilitated the workshop. The session, divided into two parts.

During the first segment, the mentors provided an introduction to basic electronics terminology. This foundation was followed by engaging snap circuit projects, allowing participants to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Mr. Kannan Nallathampi, a former associate of ISV, lent his expertise, assisting the mentors and clarifying doubts during the sessions.

The mentors displayed exceptional enthusiasm and curiosity, exhibiting a keenness to learn and presenting original ideas they had developed during the workshop. Their aptitude demonstrated a solid understanding of the covered concepts. To ensure continuous support and progress, online groups and classrooms have been established in collaboration with Ms Prabhavati (State Coordinator, Vidyarambam Trust) to monitor activities in the upcoming weeks. Regular review meetings will also be held to address doubts, refine teaching methods, and evaluate the program’s impact.

The overarching objective of the Vocational Awareness Program was to ignite young minds through practical learning, fostering a solid foundation in electronics concepts.