<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><b>Lion Anil Garodia</b></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the education system, leaving many children at a disadvantage. In this challenging time, the&nbsp; Lions International of Vashi Gold, led by Lion Anuradha Jain, has taken a proactive step towards empowering the youth of tomorrow. Through a collaboration with BYJUS, an educational technology company, the club aims to support government school students below the poverty line by providing free licenses to access high-quality educational resources. This initiative not only addresses the limitations faced by these students but also opens doors to a brighter future. Let's explore how this collaboration is making a significant difference in the lives of these children.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Access to Quality Education:</div><div dir="ltr">Recognizing the need to bridge the educational gap caused by the pandemic, Lion Anuradha Jain partnered with BYJUS under a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This collaboration offers free licenses for children below the poverty line, from Pre-Primary school to Grade 12, in 13 different languages compatible with CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. These licenses enable students to study from the comfort of their homes at their convenience, regardless of whether they have access to smartphones during regular school hours.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Enhanced Learning Opportunities:</div><div dir="ltr">The BYJUS app provides a flexible and interactive learning platform covering subjects such as Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, and Geography. The app's content is available in the students' chosen language, making it easier for them to grasp concepts and write answers in their desired language. This feature proves particularly beneficial for children who may struggle in traditional school settings for various reasons, as it enhances their understanding and performance.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Preparing for Future Aspirations:</div><div dir="ltr">In addition to supporting academic studies, the collaboration between Lions Club and BYJUS empowers students aspiring to become doctors and engineers. The app offers comprehensive preparation materials for entrance exams such as JEE (Engineering) and NEET (Medical). This valuable resource allows students to prepare for these competitive exams from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the financial burden of expensive coaching classes, which typically cost between Rs. 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Expanding Reach and Impact:</div><div dir="ltr">The Lions International of Vashi Gold, in collaboration with BYJUS, has issued licenses for a three-year period to students in government schools across Maharashtra and other regions. A significant milestone was achieved through an MOU signed with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), resulting in the issuance of 40,000 licenses worth over 1000 crore under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of BYJUS. Numerous Lions Club members have also played a vital role in distributing licenses to schools and individuals in various parts of Maharashtra and other states, including Jaipur, Delhi, Sohna (Haryana), Kota, Bihar, and Assam.&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Transforming Lives, Building a Brighter Future:</div><div dir="ltr">The impact of this initiative is far-reaching. To date, over 70,000 licenses worth more than 1800 crores have been distributed free of cost. Children are showing improvement in their academic performance, girls are gaining access to education, and shy and introverted students are becoming more participative in class. By providing the necessary tools and resources,&nbsp; Lions International and BYJUS are actively working towards improving the social stature and overall well-being of these students. As the saying goes, educating a girl educates an entire family, emphasizing the transformative power of education.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">The collaboration between the Lions Internationalof Vashi Gold and BYJUS serves as an inspiring example of how individuals and organisations can come together to support the education system and empower disadvantaged students. By providing free licenses and access to high-quality educational resources, this initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of children below the poverty line. It is through such noble endeavours that we can create a more equitable and brighter future for generations to come.</div><div><br></div></div>