AWS strengthening rural communities in Telangana

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is supporting local communities in Telangana, they recently renovated two government schools in Nednur, Rangareddy district. This initiative has greatly benefited over 1100 students, aged between six and 18 years. The inauguration ceremony for the refurbished schools, Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) and the Telangana State Model School (TSMS) at Nednur was officiated by Smt. Sabitha Indra Reddy, the Minister for Education, Government of Telangana. As part of the event, AWS also unveiled the AWS Think Big Space, an exclusive program designed to foster student's interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. Additionally, a morning supplementary nutrition program was launched to provide essential meals for the students attending these schools. These meaningful initiatives are spearheaded through the AWS InCommunities program, which seeks to make a positive impact on communities, particularly in regions where AWS establishes and operates its global cloud computing infrastructure.

AWS InCommunities has been working with government schools in Telangana to enhance learning outcomes since 2021, and the renovation of ZPHS and TSMS in Nednur marks the renovation of six government schools by AWS in the state. The renovation project of ZPHS and TSMS at Nednur undertaken with SEARCH, a non-government organization, included essential repairs such as electrification of all classrooms, construction of new toilets, kitchen sheds, and dining halls, and new flooring for the schools to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for the students. It also included upgrading the playgrounds and equipping students with new sports kits to inculcate a strong physical exercise component, and collectively, these efforts are aimed at creating a hospitable environment for students to focus on their learning and development.

AWS has also introduced a morning supplementary nutrition program for the students of ZPHS and TSMS in Nednur, to support their healthy development. This initiative has been launched with support from the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, a non-profit organization that offers morning nutrition programs for rural school children. This initiative will provide the school children with daily nourishing supplements such as millet and peanut chikki (snack), ragi malt, or protein-based drinks, to support the student’s general health and enable them to participate more actively in classroom education and co-curricular activities.

Smt. Sabitha Indra Reddy, Minister for Education, Government of Telangana said, “I wholeheartedly commend AWS for working hard to invest in supporting education in the society, and we will continue to work with them in the future as well. The Telangana government has increased our investments in several areas to take the state forward in all fields. It includes giving special attention to education. The Chief Minister is determined to provide free education from KG to PG, and thanks him for taking steps for that. As a part of the Mana Ooru-Mana Badi program, we are currently developing over 9000 schools in the first phase; we are also developing infrastructure to set up reading corners and libraries in 1500 schools. We believe it is the responsibility of the parents and the government to realize the dreams of the children.”

Continuing its commitment to bridging learning gaps in communities, AWS, with support from Learning Links Foundation, a non-profit organization, is establishing an AWS Think Big Space in the TSMS campus to benefit students from both TSMS and ZPHS. The AWS Think Big Spaces are labs designed to provide students a place beyond the classroom to explore and cultivate an interest in STEAM disciplines. These labs encourage a practical, hands-on approach, enabling students to experiment. It allows them opportunities to think big to solve real-world problems. The program provides learners with a STEAM-based curriculum, practical knowledge sessions, and advanced learning methods with experts. It aims to develop a generation of students who can address challenges, think critically; solve problems for the future through early inspiration and exposure to STEAM subjects.

Saji P.K., Director of Data Center Operations, Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China, AWS said, “AWS is dedicated to strengthening communities and inspiring future builders. The renovation of the two schools in Nednur, the introduction of the AWS Think Big Space, and the nutrition program for students’ well-being are testimony to our commitment to the local communities in Telangana. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the innovative minds of the future. AWS is keen to play a role to help provide essential education facilities and a STEAM-based curriculum. It ensures children have a good environment to focus on learning and have opportunities to develop science and technology knowledge. We are pleased to extend our InCommunities initiatives to Nednur; would like to thank the Telangana Government for their continued support.”

In November 2022, AWS introduced the AWS Asia Pacific (Hyderabad) Region, marking its second infrastructure Region in India. With a planned investment of over US$4.4 billion (approximately INR 36,300 crores) in the country by 2030; the establishment and operation of the AWS Asia Pacific (Hyderabad) Region are projected to contribute around US$7.6 billion (approx. INR 63,600 crores) to India's gross domestic product by 2030. In addition to these significant endeavors, AWS InCommunities has undertaken various initiatives in Telangana's Rangareddy district. These include the renovation of government schools, and the development of Anganwadi centers (rural child care centers), sub-centers, primary health centers, and hospitals. Moreover, AWS has launched AWS Think Big Spaces in several locations, including Shabad, Kandukur, Yacharam, Meerkhanpet, and Hythabad. Furthermore, amplifying their efforts in the region.