Samsung, in collaboration with United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), has launched the ‘DigiArivu – Empowering Students Through Tech’ initiative to strengthen digital and STEM education in select government schools in Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to enhance digital infrastructure, improve STEM pedagogy, and support skill development and career guidance for students in tier-2 and tier-3 regions.
Key Highlights of DigiArivu Initiative
| Feature | Details |
| Implementing Partners | Samsung + UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) |
| Launch Region | Tamil Nadu |
| Initial Coverage | 10 Government Schools |
| Districts Covered | Kancheepuram and Ranipet |
| Beneficiary Students | 3,000+ students targeted |
| Focus Areas | Digital education, STEM learning, teacher training, career guidance, holistic student development |
| Type of Support | Infrastructure upgrade, STEM modules, libraries, digital learning tools, sports kits, expert talks, health awareness |
Project Components
STEM & Digital Learning Infrastructure
- Upgrading classrooms with Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concepts
- Installation of digital learning equipment
- Introduction of activity-based STEM modules
- Strengthening classroom technology and digital access
Teacher Training & Pedagogy Transformation
- Training teachers to deliver hands-on STEM learning
- Developing tech-enabled teaching capacity in rural regions
Holistic Student Development
- Career guidance programs for Class XII students
- Sports kits for physical development
- Libraries with Tamil, English & competitive exam books
- Health awareness camps
- Expert lectures from industry professionals
Community-Centric Approach
- Designed based on research by UN GCNI
- Inputs from:
- Samsung Sriperumbudur manufacturing plant employees
- Local community members
- State school administrators
- Tailored to address real learning gaps in underserved regions
Significance of Initiative
- Reduces digital divide between urban & rural education systems
- Boosts STEM interest and future-ready skill development
- Supports Tamil Nadu’s educational progress in technology adoption
- Strengthens school infrastructure in aspirational educational districts
- Addresses gaps in digital infrastructure in rural India
- Supports NEP 2020 goals- tech integration, skill education, experiential learning
- Strengthens CSR-driven education models
- Model for replication across Indian states
UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI)
| Key Details | Information |
| Formation | November 2000 |
| Legal Registration | 2003 as a non-profit society |
| Nature | Indian Country Network of UN Global Compact, New York |
| Significance | First legally recognized Country Network in the world |
| Mission | Promote corporate sustainability aligned with UNGC Ten Principles (Human Rights, Labour, Environment, Anti-Corruption) |
| Alignment | Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
| Presence | Major chapters in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore |
| Key Initiatives | India CEO Forum on Human Rights, Women Empowerment Principles, Collective Action Projects, National Conventions |
UNGC Ten Principles
- Human Rights (2 principles)
- Labour Standards (4)
- Environment (3)
- Anti-Corruption (1
About Samsung India
- Established in 1995 in India
- Largest mobile manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
- Major CSR initiatives: Samsung Smart Classrooms, Samsung Innovation Campus, Samsung DigiLab
About Kancheepuram & Ranipet
| District | Known For |
| Kancheepuram | Temple city, silk saree industry, educational & industrial hub |
| Ranipet | Leather manufacturing cluster, auto-component industries, separated from Vellore in 2019 |
Tamil Nadu Education Rank
- Tamil Nadu is among the top-performing states in school education
- Ranked high in Foundational Learning Index & digital education reforms
What is STEM Education?
- Interdisciplinary learning framework integrating: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Develops problem-solving, analytical & innovation skills
Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) Concept
- Uses creative space design in schools for teaching support
- Converts physical spaces into learning materials