New mobile learning van aims to bridge the digital divide by providing free computer education and job-ready skills to children, youth and women from underserved communities.In a major step towards promoting digital education among underprivileged communities, SOS Children’s Villages India has launched its second Mobile Digital Learning Centre (MDLC) in North-West Delhi, in partnership with Informa Exhibitions.

The initiative was inaugurated ahead of National Education Day to bring free computer education and digital skills training closer to children, young people and women who have limited access to technology.The new centre operates through a specially equipped blue bus fitted with desktop computers and a projector screen. It will travel to underserved neighbourhoods, offering digital literacy, cyber safety, financial literacy, life skills and certified assessments.

The initiative currently operates across Delhi, Pune and Raipur, directly benefiting 804 people, including 152 children. With the launch of the second mobile centre, SOS Children’s Villages India aims to reach more than 800 additional beneficiaries in Delhi over the coming year.

The programme focuses on North and North-West Delhi, where access to digital resources remains a major challenge. According to the information shared by the organisation, around 45 per cent of government school students in the area do not have access to smartphones or stable internet connections. Moreover, 77 per cent of the region’s youth had no previous exposure to digital literacy.

Speaking at the launch, Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages India, said, “Digital inclusion is a necessity for education, employability, and social mobility. Yet, for many children and young people living in underserved communities, access to technology and digital learning remains out of reach.”

He added that the mobile centres bring technology directly to neighbourhoods, ensuring that financial or geographical barriers do not prevent children from learning.

The programme has already shown positive results. In its first year, five beneficiaries secured job placements, eight children re-enrolled in school, 28 scholarship and government scheme linkages were established, and 32 beneficiaries received support for higher education opportunities.

The mobile centre is part of the organisation’s wider digital learning network across seven states and eight cities. Through its different training models, SOS Children’s Villages India aims to empower 2,610 young people annually and help bridge India’s digital divide.