Virginia -based Kuma Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to provide all kids with a chance at a high-tech future, has established the world's first Kuma lab in Pune, India. The fully functioning computer lab will be instrumental in providing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education to students of a rural school situated in the outskirts of the city.

Established in partnership with Rainbow Boosters and Pandit Abaji Panshikar Foundation,  the lab was inaugurated last month at Bal Siddhanth Vidyalaya School. According to a release, the foundation also provided a computer teacher, established a digital literacy curriculum in the school, and enrolled 187 boys and girls from all grade levels online.

The new lab will address the digital divide and lack of connectivity prevalent in the area due to which young people often fall behind their peers, being left with very little opportunity to catch up. As a result the lab aims to equip the students with the means to explore new frontiers of knowledge, connect with the world, and cultivate vital skills for the 21st century.

“The highlight of this marvelous day, by far and quite emotionally, was seeing the kids sit at the computers and log in for the first time! It's easy for many of us to take technology and our access to it for granted, and seeing the excitement and curiosity on their faces reminded me both of what a marvel it really is and how necessary to connect with the world and compete in the modern economy,” said Ray Kimble, founder and chairman of the Kuma Foundation on the day of the launch.‌