Tribal Affairs Ministry launched the “Going Online As Leaders (GOAL) programme” in partnership with Facebook at a Webinar in New Delhi on 15 May. The programme is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The GOAL programme has been designed to provide mentorship to tribal youth through digital mode.
The digitally-enabled program envisages acting as a catalyst to explore the hidden talents of the tribal youth, which will help in their personal development and contribute to all-round upliftment of their society.
Digital literacy has gained importance in view of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program intends to upskill and empower 5,000 tribal youths in the current phase to harness the full potential of digital platforms and tools to learn new ways of doing business, explore and connect with domestic and international markets. The digital skilling and technology will integrate them into the mainstream.
The programme has been designed with a long term vision to develop the potential of tribal youth and women to help them acquire skills and knowledge through mentorship in various sectors including horticulture, food processing, bee keeping, tribal art and culture, medicinal herbs, entrepreneurship among others.
It will enable Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth in remote areas to use digital platforms for sharing their aspirations, dreams, and talent with their mentors.
The programme also aims to create awareness amongst tribal beneficiaries about various schemes initiated by Central and State Governments for welfare of STs as well as their fundamental duties.
