Enabling Digital Learning and Career Readiness for Youth in the Nilgiris

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | January 27, 2026

Microland Foundation has launched a digital enablement initiative at Providence College in the Nilgiris, commencing with the upgradation of its computer and data science learning facilities. This effort aims to improve how students in the Nilgiris region learn, engage, and prepare for careers. The initiative reinforces the Foundation’s sustained commitment to enhancing access to education, employability, and digital capabilities across the region. Over the years, Microland Foundation has collaborated with institutions and communities in the Nilgiris to implement programs that are locally relevant, sustainable, and designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the digital economy.

Tmt. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector, The Nilgiris, addresses students and faculty at Providence College, Coonoor, during the DigiShiksha initiative by Microland Foundation

The facilities were inaugurated by Tmt. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector, The Nilgiris, at the college campus. Speaking at the inauguration, the District Collector said, “Access to digital learning spaces like these changes how students engage with education. When students learn through interaction, application, and exposure beyond textbooks, it builds confidence and prepares them better for the next stage—whether that is employment or higher studies. This initiative reflects a steady, place-based approach to digital enablement, focused on strengthening existing institutions in the Nilgiris."

The engagement at Providence College includes the upgradation of a Data Lab and the creation of a video conferencing studio, together establishing an enabled learning environment, along with career-readiness support and training for students and faculty.

Tmt. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector, The Nilgiris, unveils the plaque marking the inauguration of DigiShiksha at Providence College, an initiative by Microland Foundation, in the presence of Mrs. Kalpana Kar

The Data Lab will assist students in developing analytical skills, working with data and contemporary digital tools, and applying classroom concepts to real-world scenarios. The video conferencing facility enables interaction with external experts, guest faculty, and industry practitioners, allowing students to access broader perspectives and connect with practitioners from their own campus.

Additionally, faculty members receive support in meaningfully integrating these facilities into their teaching and learning practices through focused orientation and capacity-building initiatives. This ensures the upgraded infrastructure is used consistently and effectively in daily academic practice.

This initiative is anchored within Microland Foundation’s broader work in the Nilgiris, which has focused on strengthening institutional capacity, building models for community upliftment, and improving access to skills and opportunities over time.

Tmt. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector, The Nilgiris, inaugurates the upgraded Data Lab and Video Conferencing Studio at Providence College as part of DigiShiksha by Microland Foundation, alongside Mrs. Kalpana Kar, Managing Trustee, Microland Foundation, and Dr. Sr. V. J. Sheela, Principal, Providence College

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sr. V. J. Sheela, Principal, Providence College, said, “Our earlier engagement with Microland Foundation, particularly through support for access to education and scholarship initiatives, helped address access and continuity for several of our students. This phase of the partnership strengthens the institution by improving our digital learning infrastructure and supporting faculty to integrate these facilities into everyday teaching. This directly enhances classroom learning, student exposure, and career preparedness across departments.”

Speaking on Microland Foundation’s long-term engagement in the Nilgiris, Kalpana Kar, Managing Trustee, Microland Foundation, said: “Our focus in the Nilgiris has always been on working with institutions over the long term—strengthening systems, building capacity, and responding to what the community actually needs. This initiative is a step toward enabling digital transformation and improving how students learn and prepare for their futures.”

Through continued partnerships across the Nilgiris, the Microland Foundation aims to support the community in building relevant, future-ready skills and confidence—ensuring that geography does not limit access to learning, exposure, or opportunity.

About Microland Foundation

Microland Foundation works across education, employability, health, and the environment, with a focus on place-based, technology-enabled solutions. The Foundation partners with institutions and communities to strengthen systems, build capacity, and enable sustainable outcomes aligned to local needs.

For more information, visit: https://www.microland.com/about/microland-foundation

About Providence College for Women

The Providence College for Women is managed and run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, a Catholic minority institution registered under the Nilgiris St. Joseph's Sisters Society. It is nestled in Coonoor and was started for the benefit of higher education of young women, underprivileged youth, and the Catholic community, without distinction of caste or creed. The college celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2015-2016.

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