Digital Villages empower families across Asia with technology, education, and new opportunities
Imagine a world where every child can learn online, parents can access essential services at the click of a button, and families can increase their income through digital skills. Across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and the Philippines, SOS Children’s Villages is making this vision a reality.
Through the Digital Villages initiative, technology is reaching communities that have long been left behind. By introducing digital tools and learning opportunities, families living in vulnerable circumstances are gaining the skills, confidence, and access they need to shape brighter futures.
"For years, I dreamed of learning to use a computer, but opportunities were out of reach in our small village,” says Radha*, a mother from Koyali, India, who enrolled at an SOS Children’s Villages training center where she learned MS Paint, Word, and PowerPoint. “Today, I confidently use a computer and even teach my children. This program transformed not just my life but our entire community.”
For Neharika*, a young woman from Nepal, the initiative was a lifeline after her father’s passing. With access to an accounting course and digital tools, she enhanced her skills and began assisting others. Now excelling in her bachelor’s program, Neharika credits the initiative with reshaping her future.
Closing the digital divide
In many rural areas, a lack of internet access and digital skills has left communities behind in a rapidly changing world. While 96% of the population in Asia and the Pacific live in areas covered by mobile broadband, only about one-third use internet services, and up to 40% lack basic digital skills.
The Digital Villages initiative helps to bridge this gap. Working with local leaders, schools, and governments, SOS Children’s Villages establishes digital hubs, offers training, and creates safe spaces for learning. These efforts are opening doors to education, income generation, and essential services. Globally, Digital Villages operate in 60 countries, reaching more than 40,000 people.
K. Boopalan, Regional ICT Director for Asia at SOS Children’s Villages, shared:
“Digital transformation helps reach underserved children and young people, and supports them in accessing new opportunities in the digital world. I am happy to see the impact in the community.”
Impact across Asia
Bangladesh: Promoting sustainability
In Sylhet, a community digital centre has trained over 3,200 people in digital literacy, mobile banking, and eco-friendly practices. Families are learning to save money, increase income, and use technology in their everyday lives, building sustainable futures.
India: Building digital literacy
In Pune, two new service centres are enabling families to access government programs in healthcare and employment. Digital skills training has reached 692 children and 4,000 caregivers. In Bangalore and Chennai, safe, tech-enabled spaces are giving 40 young people in alternative care access to digital tools to strengthen their education. And in Delhi, Umeed on Wheels (“Hope on Wheels”), the first mobile digital learning centre, is bringing technology to 500 children by year’s end.
Nepal: Enhancing education
In Itahari, Lumbini, and Surkhet, classrooms are transforming into digital learning hubs with tablets, internet service, laptops, and projectors. More than 325 children, caregivers, and teachers are being trained in digital literacy and online safety, giving rural students new ways to learn and connect.
Philippines: Creating digital learning hubs
In Barangays Tawason and San Jose, digital hubs with computers, printers, and internet access are serving over 150 participants. For many students and caregivers, it is their first experience using digital tools, an opportunity that is unlocking new paths for learning and livelihoods.
Looking ahead
SOS Children’s Villages will continue expanding the initiative to more communities, introducing advanced training programs, and strengthening partnerships with governments and local organizations. By breaking down digital barriers, Digital Villages aims to create a future where technology empowers even more children, young people and families across Asia.
*Names changed to protect privacy.