Google.org announces $8.4 million in grants to four Indian NGOs

NEW DELHI: Google.org has announced $8.4 million (Rs.54.42 crore) in grants over the next two years to four Indian NGOs: Learning Equality, Million Sparks Foundation, Pratham Books - StoryWeaver and Pratham Education Foundation.

The funding from the philanthropic arm of Google will be used towards enhancing the learning experience for students in classrooms. The grants are part of a global $50-million commitment that Google. org has already made towards supporting non-profits that are building tech-based learning solutions.

The money will be used to scale up existing initiatives to reach more children, and build innovative and engaging tech-based learning solutions to close the gap in learning and academic opportunity. Nick Cain, programme manager for education at Google.org, said technology can help bridge the gap in the education system in India.

The funding will focus on making technology available for quality learning material that overcomes language and connectivity gaps. It will also seek to provide better training and support to teachers, and support students beyond classroom learning.

Under the programme, Pratham Books - StoryWeaver will get $3.6 million and Pratham Education, another $3.1million. The share of Million Sparks Foundation is $1.2 million while Learning Equality will get $500,000.