At ZS, making an impact extends beyond the workplace. Through Digital Gurukul, an initiative led by the IT team in India, volunteers are using their skills to drive meaningful change in underprivileged communities. Whether through digital literacy programs or mentoring young innovators, ZSers are not just teaching skills—they’re shaping futures.

During a Teach for India engagement, volunteers noticed a critical gap—students lacked exposure to digital tools and the internet. This realization sparked a movement.

“It was a random thought at first,” recalls Masoud Rezaee, governance and risk analyst in Pune. “When we noticed students were facing challenges with computers and digital tools, we discussed the issue with supportive leaders like Ali Khan, Ganesh Borgaonkar and Shraddha Surkar. We worked together to create Digital Gurukul. With the support of leadership, we started monthly sessions with the kids to bridge these gaps.”

ZS empowers our people to not only leverage their skills and expertise to create a meaningful impact in their communities but also to foster a culture of service and social responsibility. Through initiatives like Digital Gurukul, ZSers use their knowledge to help underserved communities.

“Giving back to the community is more than just an act of service,” says Masoud. “It’s an opportunity to create lasting change, inspire others and find a deep sense of purpose in the impact we make.”

Through a structured curriculum, ZS volunteers introduced fundamental digital skills to sixth and seventh grade students across Pune. Sessions focused on computer basics and the internet, Microsoft Office tools, social media awareness, digital emotional intelligence and online behavior, and cybersecurity fundamentals. To date, ZSers have volunteered 64 hours over 16 sessions, educating 130 students.

“We designed the curriculum to keep practical learning in mind,” says Shraddha Surkar, senior technical writer in Pune. “We focused on what the students would need to thrive in a digital era, even going so far as to set up computer labs, ensuring students could practice what they learned.”

For volunteers, the most rewarding moments came from students’ reactions. One particularly touching experience involved a girl who gifted the team a handmade card. Inside she wrote, “I want to be like you.”

“Digital literacy programs do more than teach students how to use technology—they empower them with essential skills that open doors to opportunities,” says Masoud. By learning how to navigate the digital landscape, students gain critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills and confidence.

These programs introduce children to coding, online safety and digital communication, all of which are crucial in today’s interconnected world. For many students, especially those from underserved communities, exposure to digital tools and mentorship from volunteers broadens their understanding of what’s possible, inspiring them to dream bigger and pursue careers they may never have considered before.

“It was an eye-opener,” says Masoud. “They weren’t just learning about technology, they were seeing new possibilities for their future. I’m so honored to contribute to such meaningful work.”

With demanding professional responsibilities, how do ZSers find the time to volunteer? The key lies in teamwork and flexibility.

By forming dedicated teams for logistics, communications and curriculum planning, no single person bore the entire responsibility of Digital Gurukul. Furthermore, ZS empowers our people with the flexibility to dedicate time to creating positive change. This structure made it easier for volunteers to stay committed to the work they do for ZS and its clients, as well as for their communities.

If you’re passionate about using your technical skills to drive meaningful impact, explore open opportunities at ZS. You’ll have the chance to give back to communities in multiple ways—through work on innovative solutions and volunteer initiatives like Digital Gurukul. ZSers are constantly improving life and how we live it.

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