International volunteers connect with children at DIKSHA School, GLC Varanasi online each week — sparking curiosity, digital literacy, and a lifelong love of discovery.
The Light Beam Project is a registered NGO that reaches out to children with limited educational resources at DIKSHA School near New Delhi, India.
Children from Grade 2 (age 6) to Grade 11 (age 17) meet 'Beamers' online each week to explore the internet, develop their digital literacy and get connected to the world on a very personal level. This provides the children with the opportunity to experience worlds far removed from their own.
In a session, children investigate news, technology, culture, animals, and fascinating parts of the world — the sky really is the limit. Beamers bring themes with provoking questions, but the children are free to explore as they see fit and report back. In this way, the young people become their own teachers.
DIKSHA is an NGO running a non-profit school in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, that provides free and quality education to children from low-income families, along with a nutritious mid-day meal, uniforms, shoes, and books.
See How It Works
Sessions are never the same — there's fun, games, stories, crafts, and curiosity-led exploration. Whatever the Beamer feels the children would connect to, it becomes the session.
Volunteer Beamers from around the globe join children via video call for a 30-minute session — no passport required.
The Beamer poses an inspiring question or theme. Children investigate, search the web, discuss, and share — learning to teach themselves through guided curiosity.
Students present their findings, sparking discussion and building confidence, communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills along the way.
The project is inspired by the pioneering work of Professor Sugata Mitra, who created the concept of Self Organised Learning Environments (SOLE).
In 2017, the school began offering these investigative sessions under the name of the Granny Cloud, with support from the Concern India Foundation. The Light Beam Project has since taken over and grown the mission significantly.
Prof. Mitra's landmark TED Talk "Let's Build a School in the Cloud" revealed that groups of kids could learn to navigate computers and the internet entirely by themselves — and go much further when supported by nurturing and curious adults online.
"Children started asking each other about the function of the keys on the keyboard — which we were not supposed to tell them. Now they use the keyboard efficiently and read more, instead of just watching YouTube." — Monika Banga, Project Coordinator
Our Beamers are passionate individuals from across the globe who give their time and enthusiasm to spark the imaginations of children at DIKSHA.
Monika Banga was honored with the prestigious Teacher Warrior Award in 2025 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to innovative and student-centric learning practices. Her commitment to transformative education is further strengthened by her certification under the mentorship of Dr. Sugata Mitra, globally renowned for his 'Hole in the Wall' experiment and the SOLE (Self-Organised Learning Environment) methodology. Monika actively contributes to research in Self-Organised Learning Environments, examining student autonomy, collaborative inquiry, and the impact of technology-enabled learning on critical thinking and long-term academic outcomes.
"It is the beauty of The Light Beam Project — where people meet around the world and work towards the welfare of children."
A long-time teacher based in Spain, Lesley loves that the children teach themselves — and often teach her! She has witnessed groups become increasingly confident using English and using humour in sessions. "Fun's an important part of our sessions!"
Originally from India, Manureet lives in Sydney and brings a deep cultural connection to every session. "Their enthusiasm sparks the light for knowledge in them" — she has enjoyed every minute of her interactions with the children at DIKSHA.
Former preschool teacher in Muscat, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Parul loves books, drawing, painting in different media, and crafts — bringing creative energy to the younger grades at DIKSHA.
Sue has always had a deep interest in working with children. She interacts with Grade 3 children at DIKSHA, bringing her passion for watercolour painting, handicrafts, and art projects into every session.
An English teacher for over 20 years, Philippa moved from the UK to Czech Republic in 2002. She loves global projects with children and young people, nature walks, and her two dogs Cookie and Snoopy.
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Afrah is a psychology student who has been interacting with DIKSHA students for over 4 years. She loves sharing the gift of knowledge, travelling, and volunteer work.
From Lisbon, Portugal, Maria's professional background spans photography, advertising, and working with children aged 10–18. She uses her creative skills to make learning exciting and visual.
A teacher at a private tutoring school in Japan, Hiroaki joined the Granny Cloud in 2018 and found his way to The Light Beam Project. He is happy to explore Big Questions with the amazing students at DIKSHA School.
Lakshmi brings warmth and dedication to every session with the children at DIKSHA School.
An ENT specialist and author in India who has been teaching young doctors for 20 years. Associated with the project for 8 years, she believes that education that teaches kids how to learn by themselves — as is the goal of the Light Beam Project — is a blessing that should be available to every child.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She particularly enjoys sharing stories and loves observing how children learn when they research and exchange ideas.
Initially when we started this program, children sat blankly in front of the computer screen and had no idea how to get started. Slowly but steadily, by challenging them with just the right questions, they got excited and curious to know the answers. They started asking each other about the keyboard — and now we are glad that they use it efficiently and read more instead of just watching videos.
Real moments from real sessions — children learning, laughing, and discovering their potential through the magic of connection.
Support the Mission
We need your support to educate and inspire these children so that they may have a bright future. Every donation goes directly to sustaining sessions, technology, and school resources at DIKSHA.
Questions about donating? Reach us at thelightbeamproject@gmail.com
📞 +61 431 131 136 | +91 99103 40790
All you need is 30 minutes a week, a working internet connection, and a genuine enthusiasm for children's learning. Whether you are a teacher, a retiree, a professional, or simply someone who cares — there is a place for you here.