Microland Foundation recently launched a digital enablement initiative at Providence College for Women in The Nilgiris, Coonoor.
This initiative marks the start of upgrading the college’s computer and data science learning facilities. The facilities were inaugurated by Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector of The Nilgiris.
The effort aims to enhance how students in the Nilgiris region learn, engage, and prepare for their careers. It reinforces the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving access to education, employability, and digital capabilities across the region.
Over the years, the Foundation has collaborated with institutions and communities in the Nilgiris to implement programs that are locally relevant, sustainable, and designed to equip students for the evolving demands of the digital economy.
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, establishing an enabled learning environment along with career-readiness support and training for students and faculty. The Data Lab will help students develop analytical skills, work with data and contemporary digital tools, and apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios.
The video conferencing facility enables interaction with external experts, guest faculty, and industry practitioners, allowing students to gain broader perspectives and connect with professionals without leaving their campus. Faculty members will also receive guidance and capacity-building support to integrate these facilities effectively into their teaching and learning practices, ensuring consistent and meaningful use of the upgraded infrastructure.
This initiative is part of Microland Foundation’s broader work in the Nilgiris, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, building models for community upliftment, and improving access to skills and opportunities over time.
Commenting on the initiative, Sheela, Principal of the college, said, “Our earlier engagement with Microland Foundation, particularly through support for access to education and scholarship initiatives, helped address access and continuity for many 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, 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, 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.
