Financial literacy is a key empowerment tool, especially for women, as it goes beyond traditional literacy by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. SHIKSHA Initiative recognizes and addresses this critical need through its SHIKSHA Plus Adult Literacy program. This program plays a pivotal role in advocating the importance of financial literacy, emphasizing that being financially literate is just as crucial as being literate.
In rural communities, women often face unique challenges when it comes to financial matters. Limited access to formal financial institutions, lack of awareness about available financial tools, and societal norms can contribute to financial disempowerment. SHIKSHA Plus Adult Literacy Program steps in to bridge this gap, aiming to empower rural women with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of personal finance.
The recently conducted training on financial literacy by SHIKSHA Initiative, held from November 27th to 28th, involved nine dedicated volunteers. The sessions focused on imparting practical skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge. Financial literacy encompasses making informed choices about savings, insurance, budgeting, and understanding and guarding against potential financial fraud. The aim is to empower rural women with literacy and the ability to make sound financial decisions that contribute to their overall well-being.
SHIKSHA Initiative recognizes that financial literacy is a pathway to economic independence and improved quality of life for rural women. Through the SHIKSHA Plus program, the organization is committed to instilling confidence and competence in financial matters, enabling women to contribute actively to their households and communities.

SHIKSHA Initiative collaborated with RASTA NGO in November 2022 to promote literacy in remote villages of Bulandshahr district. SHIKSHA Plus Adult Literacy Program of SHIKSHA Initiative has been actively working towards adult education, with over 60,000 adults being literate to date. The program uses ICT-based content to deliver the content and equip the learners with basic reading, writing, and mathematics.
On November 28, 2023, a certificate distribution ceremony was organized to celebrate the achievements of 1665 learners from 15 villages in the Sikandrabad and Khurja Blocks of District Bulandshahr. A dedicated team of 36 volunteers and 600 learners actively participated in this significant event. Distinguished guests from SHIKSHA Initiative, Shiv Nadar Foundation, and Rasta NGO graced the event.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10th, the Shiksha Samriddhi Team conducted a comprehensive awareness session at GGIC BB Nagar. The session, designed to encompass crucial aspects of Human Rights, aimed to educate and empower students on the significance of this global observance.
The session’s theme covered fundamental elements, including an introduction to the concept of Human Rights, insights into their significance, a tribute to notable Indians advocating for Human Rights, an overview of Human Rights Day, and a glimpse into its historical background. The interactive session delved into the 30 identified Human Rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), shedding light on government initiatives in India.

In addition to informative presentations, the session fostered discussions around rights and duties, encouraging students to reflect on their role as responsible global citizens. The Shiksha Samriddhi team believes that such awareness sessions contribute significantly to the holistic development of students, nurturing a sense of responsibility and a heightened awareness of the world around them.

शिव नादर विश्वविद्यालय, दादरी, गौतमबुद्ध नगर में तीन दिवसीय स्तर -2 एवं स्तर -3 का आईसीटी प्रशिक्षण का आयोजन 3-5 अक्तूबर 2023 के दौरान किया गया। स्तर 2 का प्रशिक्षण जनपद स्तरीय है जो अकादमिक रिसोर्स पर्सन को प्रदान किया गया है एवं स्तर 3 ब्लॉक स्तरीय प्रशिक्षण है जो शिक्षकों को प्रदान किया गया है। जनपद बुलंदशहर के सिकंदराबाद ब्लॉक और गौतम बुद्ध नगर के दादरी ब्लॉक से चयनित 4 अकादमिक रिसोर्स पर्सन तथा 19 विद्यालयों से 34 शिक्षकों को प्रशिक्षण दिया गया। डिजिटल सामग्री से शिक्षण प्रक्रिया को आकर्षक, प्रभावी और बेहतर बनाने पर ज़ोर दिया गया।

प्रशिक्षक के रूप में बेसिक शिक्षा विभाग, बुलंदशहर से सचिन कुमार गुप्ता, स्टेट रिसोर्स पर्सन , रंजीता रानी, डायट प्रवक्ता, गौतम बुद्ध नगर से कंचन बाला, स्टेट रिसोर्स पर्सन, एवं प्रताप सिंह, डायट प्रवक्ता ने आईसीटी के माध्यम से सीखने के प्रदर्शित किए। उन्होंने कहा कि, “कार्यक्रम के प्रशिक्षण के दौरान शिव नादर फाउंडेशन द्वारा प्राथमिक शिक्षा में कक्षा 1 तथा कक्षा 2 के लिए कंटेंट मैनेजमेंट सिस्टम पर ICT पाठ्यक्रम तैयार किया गया है। जिन शासकीय विद्यालयों में स्मार्ट क्लास संचालित है, उन विद्यालयों में शिव नाडार फाउंडेशन द्वारा विकसित यह आईसीटी आधारित शिक्षण चलाया जाएगा।”

प्रशिक्षण के समापन पर गौतमबुद्ध नगर डायट प्राचार्य आर .एस. यादव ने शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव के ऑफिस में कार्यक्रम के संचालन एवं इसकी गुणवत्ता पर चर्चा की, तत्पश्चात इस कार्यक्रम को विद्यालयों में और बेहतर तरीके से संचालित करने के लिए प्रेरित हुए प्रशिक्षुओं को प्रमाण पत्र प्रदान किए साथ ही शिव नादर फाउंडेशन की टीम को इस कार्यक्रम के आयोजन हेतु धन्यवाद दिया।

An impactful event was organized by YUVA Unstoppable in partnership with The Financial Express at Government Senior Secondary School in Islampur, Gurugram. Lalitendra Bhartiya, Senior Project Manager, SHIKSHA Initiative, Shiv Nadar Foundation, shared valuable experiences and insights with the students. He shared anecdotes and success stories to illustrate that dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge can lead to remarkable accomplishments. He highlighted the vast array of opportunities available to the youth and encouraged them to explore their interests, fostering a sense of curiosity and innovation. Billionaire philanthropist, S.D. Shibulal, Co-founder & and former CEO of Infosys, actively fostered inspiration. This event aimed to empower students through direct interaction with corporate leaders. S.D. Shibulal presented Lalitendra Bhartiya with Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Charkha,’ evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression of accomplishment and aspiration.

The Economic Times Vision Conclave, organized by ET on November 3, 2023, under the banner of The Economic Times, was a notable event attended by ministers, government officials from Uttar Pradesh, the central government, industry experts, start-up leaders, and various stakeholders. The gathering was graced by over 250 high-profile delegates, reflecting the significance of the conclave.
One of the distinguished participants at the conclave was, Robin Sarkar, Project Director, SHIKSHA Initiative who played a pivotal role as a panel member.
The event featured panel discussions and presentations throughout the day, with Robin Sarkar actively contributing as a speaker. The theme of the panel discussion revolved around “Education and skills for a better tomorrow through digital intervention.”
In his address, Robin Sarkar presented the remarkable journey of the Shiksha Initiative, showcasing how technology had been harnessed to revolutionize teaching methods in rural government schools and promote rural adult literacy in a village in Uttar Pradesh. Robin stated, “The impact of the Shiksha Initiative has been nothing short of transformative, with more than sixty thousand individuals gaining literacy skills and over two lakh students benefiting from the program in rural areas.” This significant shift extended beyond the confines of the classroom and led to a notable enhancement in rural adult literacy rates.

Within the framework of SHIKSHA Samriddhi, the SHIKSHA Initiative continues its unwavering commitment to empowering girls and cultivating future leaders through a robust educational ecosystem. As part of a series of awareness sessions conducted at regular intervals, a notable event centered on International World Toilet Day took place on November 19th at Government Girls Inter College, BB Nagar. A total of 190 students, ranging from class 6th to 12th, actively participated in this enlightening session.
International World Toilet Day, observed globally on November 19th, serves as a crucial platform to address the global sanitation crisis. The Government Girls Inter College session aimed to shed light on this significant day, providing students with essential facts and insights into sanitation challenges. Students learned about the staggering statistics related to inadequate sanitation facilities worldwide, which disproportionately affect girls and women. The session emphasized the importance of access to clean and safe toilets in preserving human dignity, ensuring public health, and empowering communities.
Moving forward, SHIKSHA Samriddhi aims to continue organizing such impactful sessions, fostering a holistic educational experience that nurtures academic growth and instills a sense of social responsibility in the students. By empowering them with the facts and significance of global initiatives like International World Toilet Day, SHIKSHA Samriddhi is shaping students into informed, empathetic, and conscientious leaders of tomorrow.

On the 18th of September 2023, the Department of Secondary Education/Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SHIKSHA Initiative’s – SHIKSHA Samriddhi program. The MoU was signed by Vishnukant Pandey, Additional Director of Education, and Robin Sarkar, Project Director, SHIKSHA Initiative, to support the education of girl students at Government Girls Inter College – Kamalapur, Sitapur, and Government Girls Inter College – B.B Nagar, Bulandshahr.
Over the past year, SHIKSHA Initiative has worked closely with both government colleges, leveraging ICT (Internet and Computer Technology) and enhancing basic resources to improve students’ learning outcomes. The focus has been on elevating the education level of girls, and the colleges have been provided with various facilities such as libraries, computer labs, clean drinking water, bicycle stands, and clean toilets to promote lifelong learning.
The SHIKSHA Samriddhi program is committed to improving learning outcomes, reducing dropout rates, enhancing the personality development of girls, building teacher capacity, raising parental awareness, providing practical vocational courses for girls, and improving basic resources for girls studying at Government Girls Inter College – Kamalapur, Kasmanda, Sitapur and GGIC, B.B. Nagar, Bulandshahr.
Through the MoU, the SHIKSHA Initiative can effectively implement the Education Enrichment Program to bring about improvements in the education, personality development of girls, teacher capacity enhancement, parental awareness, basic computer literacy, and enhancement of basic resources for girls studying at Government Girls Inter College – Kamalapur, Sitapur and B.B. Nagar, Bulandshahr. This agreement is a significant step towards achieving the program’s objectives and uplifting the educational standards of girl students in these government colleges.

SHIKSHA Initiative, Shiv Nadar Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Basic Education Department to improve the quality of education in rural schools in Uttar Pradesh by integrating ICT into the teaching process. To achieve this goal, the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education, in collaboration with the State Council of Educational Research and Training, is actively promoting the use of ICT in education. The Director of School Education, Madhyamik Shiksha, and the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Uttar Pradesh, have regularly issued letters from their office expressing the expectation of cooperation.

As part of this initiative, the SHIKSHA Initiative organized a three-day training program for District Level Master Trainers (Level-1) from July 4th to July 6th, 2023, with 48 participants in Lucknow. The Level-2 training was for District Level Master Trainers (Level-1), DIET lecturers, SRGs (State Resource Group), and District Coordinators (Training).

SHIKSHA Initiative & Education department organized a 3-day training program at the district levels from September 4th to 30th, 2023 (Level – 2). The training sessions were delivered by DIET Mentors, SRGs, and district coordinators (Training) from 15 Districts. District coordinators of SHIKSHA SNF moderated them under the guidance of DM, CDO, DIET Principal, and BSA Balrampur, Chandauli, Chitrakoot, Kashganj, Etah, LakhimpurKheri, Siddhartnagar, Gautambudhnagar, Sitapur, Sonbhadra, Varanasi, Shravasti, Bulandshahar, Sonbhadra & Gonda, etc.