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GOAL Program: Empowering Tribal Youth through Digital Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the GOAL program?

GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Facebook India. The program aims to digitally skill and empower 5000 youth from tribal communities, helping them become leaders of tomorrow by leveraging digital technology. GOAL seeks to mobilize 2500 renowned individuals from various fields, such as policy makers, influencers, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, and social workers, to mentor these youths. Each mentor is assigned two mentees, fostering personal and professional growth among the tribal youth.

2. Who is anchoring/running this program?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with Facebook India Pvt. Ltd., is anchoring this program.

3. What are the objectives of this program?

The primary objectives of the GOAL program are to:

• Build the capacity of youth living in tribal areas.
• Inspire, guide, and encourage them to boost their confidence and aspirations.
• Equip them with leadership skills and the ability to identify and solve societal problems.
• Support their livelihood and socio-economic status through acquired skills and knowledge.

The mentorship program focuses on three core areas: Digital Literacy, Life Skills, and Leadership & Entrepreneurship.

4. What is the Programme Design?

The program is structured in phases, including:

• Preparatory and design phase.
• Selection of mentors and mentees.
• Execution phase involving mentoring, training, and internships.
• Follow-up on youth economic and leadership activities.

Mentors will be assigned two mentees each, with engagements lasting nine months (36 weeks):

• Months 1-7 (28 weeks): Mentees will be connected to mentors.
• Months 8-9 (8 weeks): Shortlisted mentees will receive internship opportunities in reputed organizations.

The program ensures ongoing support, quality assurance, monitoring, and evaluation through analytics and technology.

5. Who can apply to become a mentee?

Any youth from tribal communities aged 18-35 with an interest in business, education, art, culture, dance, health, politics, or entrepreneurship can apply as a mentee.

6. Can youth already working or in training apply as mentees?

Yes, tribal youth aged 18-35 can apply regardless of their current educational or professional status.

7. Who can apply to become a mentor?

Experts in fields such as business, education, health, politics, arts, and entrepreneurship who can inspire and guide tribal youth can apply to become mentors. Mentors are not required to be from tribal or ST backgrounds.

8. Where can I apply as a mentor or a mentee?

Applicants can register on the portal goal.tribal.gov.in by providing basic information about themselves.

9. Will there be any financial remuneration for mentors or mentees?

No financial remuneration will be provided to mentors or mentees.

10. How will this program reach tribal communities with limited access to technology?

MoTA has partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to use the Common Service Centres (CSCs) network. Tribal youth can visit their nearest CSC to apply. Selected youth will receive smartphones with internet access for one year, and the program will be delivered digitally through video-based mechanisms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

11. Where can I connect with the GOAL program if I have any queries?

Interested tribal youth can write to facebook-goal@tribal.gov.in or use the ‘Contact Us’ section on the GOAL portal.

12. What are the benefits for mentees?

Mentees will receive:

• A smartphone with one-year internet access.
• A joint certificate of participation by MoTA and Facebook.
• A letter of recognition from their mentor.
• Internship opportunities in reputed organizations.
• Visibility and recognition at local, state, and national levels.
• Interaction opportunities with industry leaders.
• Priority access to Facebook and MoTA events at state and national levels.

13. What recognition will mentors receive?

Mentors will receive:

• A joint certificate of participation by MoTA and Facebook.
• Interaction opportunities with like-minded peers, including industry professionals and influencers.
• Priority access to state-level events organized by MoTA or Facebook.
• Profile showcasing on the GOAL portal as a mentor.
• Opportunities to meet business and political leaders.

14. How will mentors and mentees be selected?

Selection will be based on predefined criteria according to a standard methodology finalized by the project committee.

15. How many mentors and mentees will be selected under this program?

The program will select 5000 mentees and 2500 mentors, with each mentor being assigned two mentees.

16. What are the proposed areas of mentorship?

Mentorship will cover:

• Digital literacy (computer basics, smartphone functioning, online safety).
• Life skills (critical thinking, managing relationships).
• Leadership & entrepreneurship (problem-solving, strategic planning).
• Special sessions on various MoTA schemes, central and state government schemes, and fundamental duties.

17. What sectors will the GOAL Project cover?

The project will cover sectors such as:

• Agriculture and allied activities (horticulture, animal husbandry, bamboo products, food processing, beekeeping).
• Art & Culture (painting, music, tribal dance).
• Handicrafts & Textile (artifacts, fashion, jewelry).
• Health, Nutrition, and Education (traditional medicine, skill upgradation).
• General leadership and entrepreneurship.
• Other relevant fields.

18. What support will mentors receive?

Mentors will receive content for modules, relevant presentations, related materials (videos, case studies, assessment guides), and orientation about the GOAL program and its objectives.

19. Where will mentoring sessions take place?

Mentoring sessions will be conducted digitally through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other apps. Mentees will be provided with smartphones and internet access.

20. What time commitment is required from mentors?

Mentors need to dedicate one hour per week per mentee for seven months, totaling two hours per week for two mentees.

21. How will mentee progress be tracked?

Regular assessments and interactions with mentees by mentors and GOAL Program teams will ensure tracking of progress.

22. Has this initiative been implemented before, and what was its impact?

Facebook conducted a pilot project in five Indian states (Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra) from February 2019 to October 2019. The project saw 25 women leaders mentor 100 tribal girls, resulting in: