Stok Government School

Bridging Possibilities: A Remote School’s First Connection
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The Challenge

Bringing internet connectivity to a remote government school in Stok, Ladakh, enabling teachers and students to access the digital tools and resources they need for education and development.

Project

Government Primary School in Stok

Duration

2024 – Present

Members

MUFT Internet Volunteers, Stok Community Members, and Local Administration

Life without Internet

Teachers struggled to meet government-mandated digital tasks like marking attendance, often leaving the school to search for weak mobile signals. Students had no access to online learning tools or content, which stifled their ability to compete with peers in better-connected regions. The lack of digital infrastructure left both teachers and students disconnected from modern educational opportunities.

Our Association

Stok Primary Government School partnered with us to overcome its connectivity challenges. We devised an innovative solution to establish reliable internet access, transforming teaching and administration. This initiative has opened doors to digital education, efficient operations, and new opportunities for the school and its community.

Connectivity Roadblocks

Electricity

Lack of stable grid resulting in, extra steps for a solar + battery deployed networks.

Poor road access

Limited road infrastructure adds significant delays and logistical hurdles

Extreme Weather

Mountainous terrains with extreme weather conditions affects hardware.

Personnel

Difficult to find skilled personnel to troubleshoot and manage the network.

Affordability

Low budgets for the project development and sustained network maintenance.

Hardware Availability

It takes weeks to source equipment from the cities when things break down.

Overcoming challenges

Our approach to enabling and sustaining Internet access at the Stok

Need Analysis

Our initial discussions with teachers and the local administration revealed clear priorities: real-time attendance management, access to digital learning tools, and improved teacher training.

Site survey

We conducted an on-ground survey to map connectivity challenges and identify the best location for the access point.

Network Planning

Given the terrain, a creative solution was devised to place the access point on a tree. This allowed us to establish a stable signal and route cables securely to the school.

Implementation

Despite logistical hurdles, our team successfully installed antennas, routers, and cables. The process also included weatherproofing the setup to endure Ladakh’s harsh climate.

Training and Handover

Teachers were trained to manage basic troubleshooting and network management, ensuring long-term sustainability of the network.

Monitor and Support

Remote monitoring and support services ensure that the connection remains stable and operational.

Sustaining Connectivity

Teachers now have efficient systems for attendance and training, and students are poised to benefit from digital learning tools as resources become available.

Outcomes

After bringing Internet access to Stok Primary Government School

Enhanced Learning

The groundwork has been laid for introducing digital learning tools, creating a world of opportunities for students.

Improved Administration

Teachers can now mark attendance and access resources on-site, saving time and improving efficiency.

Empowered Community

The project has set the stage for broader digital integration within the Stok community, empowering residents and fostering growth.

Future Plans

After bringing Internet access to Stok Primary Government School

Expansion

Extend the network to other schools and community hubs in the region.

Advanced Training

Support the integration of computers, e-learning platforms, and resources into the school’s curriculum.

Empowerment

Provide advanced training to equip teachers with digital skills for modern education.

“This internet connection has saved us countless hours and opened new doors for our students. We’re excited about the future it brings.”


— Tashi Dorjay, Stok Primary Government School Principal