Recently, the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs inaugurated the GOAL (Going Online As Leaders) programme via a webinar in New Delhi. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Facebook and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aiming to empower and guide tribal youth through digital means.
Key Features of the GOAL Programme
The GOAL programme concentrates on three primary areas: Digital Literacy, Life Skills, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. It delivers a long-term vision of fostering the potential of tribal youth and women, enabling them to acquire skills and knowledge in various sectors through mentorship. This involves fields such as horticulture, food processing, beekeeping, tribal art and culture, medicinal herbs, entrepreneurship, among others.
Upskilling and Empowering Tribal Youths
The programme aims to upskill and empower 5,000 tribal youths in the current phase. It is devised so that they can fully leverage digital platforms and tools to learn innovative ways of conducting business, whilst connecting with both domestic and international markets.
Enabling Remote Connectivity
The GOAL program intends to facilitate Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth, particularly those in remote areas, to utilise digital platforms for sharing their dreams, aspirations, and talents with their mentors. To make this possible, Facebook will provide all mentees with smartphones and one year of internet access. They will also gain exposure to various external forums presenting opportunities to exhibit their entrepreneurial skills and leadership abilities.
Awareness and Welfare
A significant aspect of the GOAL program is its potential to create awareness amongst tribal beneficiaries about numerous schemes initiated by Central and State Governments for the welfare of STs. In addition to giving them assistance and opportunities, the program also emphasises their fundamental duties and roles within their communities and society at large.
