Tribal Woman turned her life around using technology



Tribal youth have significantly lower digital connectivity than their counterparts elsewhere in the country. However, technological advancements are giving tribal youth hope. Skalzang Dolma, 27, from the Bot tribe in Leh district, is one of many who used technology to change her life.

Skalzang grew up in a small village called ‘Tunah’ at a height of 34,000 metres, surrounded by snowcapped mountain ranges, with limited access to digital media and the internet. Her ability to express herself, share experiences, and communicate with the rest of the world was hampered by digital and social exclusion.

She was a sportsperson who competed at the national level in boxing and was running in the National Ultra Marathon in Ladakh, but she had to stop playing due to a major surgery. That is when she learned about the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ GOAL programme and Facebook (Now Meta). “I took up the opportunity it provided. With this, the youth of tribal communities are digitally skilled and empowered,” Skalzang said.

Going Online As Leaders (GOAL)

GOAL is an affirmative action programme run by Meta and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs that aims to provide tribal youth with mentorship in order to improve their digital literacy and interpersonal skills. It was launched on May 15, 2020, to assist tribal youth in discovering their innate talents, resulting in personal development and the ability to contribute to society.

“I met my mentor Ishtiaq Ali through this GOAL programme. He helped me with various skills like English and Hindi speaking, confidence building, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills development,” Skalzang said. She now runs a Facebook page that goes by the name, “Lamstan” where she posts regularly about her community, with a view to preserving her culture, and spreading awareness.

Venture to Impart Digital Skills to Other Women

When asked how digital literacy changed her life, Dolma said ” The GOAL programme has helped me build my own venture called Lamstan Young Association. Today at least one person from every household in my village has become a part of this association and we all share and teach each other our skills.”

“While the craftsmen in my village like my grandfather create musical instruments and their traditional hats called ‘Sertot’, the women are better known for their weaving and knitting skills. We can now showcase this work to the world,” she added.

Skalzang’s Facebook page contains information, photos, and videos about her community. She has received likes and comments on her posts primarily from users in the Ladakh region, with a few from other parts of the country. On her page, she has also received a few individual sales inquiries for Dramyin, the traditional musical instrument.

167 tribal youth trained and improved their skills

The programme mentored tribal youth through digital means, focusing on three core areas: digital literacy, life skills, and leadership and entrepreneurship in industries such as agriculture, art and culture, handicrafts and textiles, health, and nutrition, among others. 167 tribal youth from across the country were trained and improved their skills in the program’s first phase.

Skalzang completed her graduation from the University of Jammu and post-graduation from the Central University of Jammu in National Security Studies. Recently, she has been selected for the constable post in Ladakh police. “In future, I not only want the communities in Sikkim and J&K to get inspired but also youth and women across the country living in the most remote corners of the world to hear my story and realize the true potential of digital platforms,” she added.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

CATEGORIES Business Agriculture Technology Environment Health Education

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