On the 14th of September, 2023, representatives from the SHIKSHA Initiative met with Mr. Shiv Kumar Ojha, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) in Bulandshahr, to obtain permission for the implementation of Project Anubandh in Agrasen Balika Inter College, Sikandrabad. The meeting served as an opportunity for SHIKSHA Initiative to apprise Mr. Ojha of the ongoing interventions in GGIC BB Nagar and share updates on the progress achieved thus far. Visual aids and other materials were used to give Mr. Ojha a glimpse of the development work in GGIC BB Nagar. Mr. Ojha expressed his satisfaction with the progress made and his interest in seeing similar improvements in other schools. Subsequently, Mr. Ojha visited the college on Monday, September 21, 2023, to inspect the foundation’s development work. During the visit, he studied the library, smart classroom, computer lab, water purifier, and toilet blocks. SHIKSHA Initiative provided Mr. Ojha with a detailed overview of the project’s objectives, which include building teacher capacity, fostering the holistic development of girls, and providing academic support to female students to improve the college’s learning outcomes and social environment. Additionally, the ICT program will aid students in concrete learning, concept visualisation, and critical thinking, empowering them to achieve their academic goals. Mr. Ojha commended SHIKSHA Initiative for its efforts and contributions to GGIC BB Nagar and expressed his support for Project Anubandh.

On September 8th, on the occasion of International Literacy Day, Baby Rani Maurya, the Minister for Women and Child Development in Uttar Pradesh and former Governor of Uttarakhand, inaugurated the “Shiksha Plus” adult education program, which is run in collaboration with the self-help organization ‘Ek Pahal,’ in Agra.
During this event, Manish Rai, the Chief of ‘Ek Pahal,’ Robin Sarkar, the Director of Shiksha Initiative, and Vijay Anand Verma, the Adult Literacy Head, provided a concise overview of the various initiatives undertaken by Shiksha Initiative and offered detailed information about the ICT-based content of ‘Shiksha Plus.’
The Hon’ble Minister honoured the trained volunteers and educators by presenting them with certificates.
‘Ek Pahal’ has pledged to enrol more than 800 learners into the literacy campaign starting 8th September through the Shiksha Plus program.

The SHIKSHA Plus program is rapidly expanding in collaboration with NGO partners. The Child Trust and RASTA NGO joined hands with the SHIKSHA Plus team in Bulandshahr. In addition, two more NGOs, Ek Pahel from Agra and Bundelkhand Sewa Sansthan from Lalitpur, have started the adult literacy program in their respective locations. The SHIKSHA Plus team conducted orientation training for both NGO teams in Agra and Lalitpur. During the orientation training, the SHIKSHA team gained an understanding of the need for literacy in both districts. The Madawara block in Lalitpur is one of the tribal areas, whereas the Bichpuri block in Agra has a significant population of illiterates. Both NGOs are committed to impacting the lives of 5,000 learners in one year. They will start the first batch cycle on “World Literacy Day” (September 08), where over 1500 learners will embark on their literacy journey. To make this happen, 38 volunteers have undergone the program training of SHIKSHA Plus.

Both NGOs are committed to impacting the lives of 5,000 learners in one year. They will start the first batch cycle on September 8th, when over 1500 learners embark on their literacy journey. To make this happen, 38 volunteers have undergone the program training of SHIKSHA Plus.

SHIKSHA Initiative, with a decade-long expertise in training over 4500 teachers from Government Primary Schools of Uttar Pradesh, developed a sui generis module of training that engaged teachers/officials for three levels – State, District, Block, and School.

With the vision of making all the stakeholders of the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education System equipped with in-depth knowledge of technology in education, SHIKSHA Initiative submitted a proposal for ICT-based training to the DGSE, Mr. Vijay Kiran Anand, which was immediately approved. A plan for conducting the training for Master Trainers (DIET Lecturer, SRGs, DC Training, ARPs) and teachers was designed in a cascade model (State-District-Block- School) as submitted to the SCERT, UP for further dissemination supported by SHIKSHA Initiative.

On 4 July 2023, a 3-day training of Trainers on ICT-based Teaching Methodology was launched and inaugurated by Dr. Pawan Sachan, Director, SCERT UP. SHIKSHA Initiative offline ICT content and their initiative to ensure that teachers are trained to use technology will add a new chapter to the teaching-learning scenario of Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Sachan appreciated SHIKSHA Initiative’s efforts in this direction. He requested all the participating DIET Lecturers, SRGs, and DC Trainings to plan training for Level 2(District level for ARPs and quality coordinators) and Level 3 (Block level for teachers of Govt. Primary Schools) in their respective districts immediately after returning from the training so that they can maximize utilization of the ICT assets and content.

The training was attended by 24 SRGs, 13 DIET Lecturers, and 9 DC Training from 21 districts across UP. The training covered various aspects of pedagogy, the use of ICT in education, and challenges. They were also familiar with the CMS user interface, LMS, and how to combine reading and writing while taking ICT Classes. The participants were also given laptops for a hands-on experience on how to conduct class using ICT.

SHIKSHA Initiative was invited by Mr. Shashank Pandey, Jail Superintendent, Chitrakoot, on 26th June 2023 to discuss regarding SHIKSHA Plus Jail Program in Chitrakoot Jail. A formal meeting with the jail superintendent was conducted in which the team from SHIKSHA Initiative gave a brief overview of the SHIKSHA Plus Jail program in jail premises, followed by the signing of an LOI to start the adult literacy program in District Jail.

SHIKSHA Plus Jail program focuses on literacy for illiterate inmates, which helps them live a dignified life and enhance their living standards for being a part of an inclusive society. 800+ inmates have completed SHIKSHA Initiative’s adult literacy program across eight jails.

दिनांक 8 मई २०२३ को श्री विजय किरन आनंद महानिदेशक स्कूल एजूकेशन उत्तर प्रदेश ने अपने सीतापुर जनपद के राजकीय प्रवास के दौरान, सरकारी प्राथमिक विद्यालयों और माध्यमिक कॉलेजों की धरातलपर उनके कार्यों को परखा | साथ में ही शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव के द्वारा बालिका शिक्षा के संबर्धन हेतु समर्थित राजकीय बालिका इंटर कॉलेज–कमलापुर तथा शिव नाडर फाउंडेशन के प्रकल्प शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव तथा विद्या ज्ञान, सुरैंचा का दौरा किया तथा उनके द्वारा ग्रामीण क्षेत्र के बालक –बालिकाओं के शैक्षिक उन्नयन के कार्यों की ज़मीनी हकीकत परखी |

श्री विजय किरन आनंद, महानिदेशक ने राजकीय बालिका इंटर कॉलेज–कमलापुर में बालिकाओं के पठन -पाठन में सुधार, बालिकाओं के व्यक्तित्व विकास ,अध्यापक क्षमता वृद्धि ,अभिभावक जागरूकता ,बालिकाओं के लिए उपयोगी व्यावसायिक कोर्स व मूलभूत संसाधनों में सुधार हेतु कार्यक्रम के अद्यतन के संदर्भ में कॉलेज की प्रधानाचार्या श्रीमती मिलन देवी व शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव के प्रतिनिधियों से चर्चा की और परिसर के अन्दर जाकर में इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर सुधार हेतु किए गए कार्यों का निरीक्षण किया | उन्होंने बालिकाओं के सम्पूर्ण विकास की इस पहल को एक अच्छा कदम बताया और इसके दूरगामी परिणाम की बात कही |

तत्पश्चात शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव की टीम के साथ एक बैठक करके उनके द्वारा प्राथमिक विद्यालयों, राजकीय बालिका इंटर कॉलेज व प्रौढ़ शिक्षा कार्यक्रम,( शिक्षा प्लस)आदि संचालित कार्यक्रमों के बारे में विस्तार से जाना । शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव सीतापुर के 139 प्राथमिक विद्यालयों को आईसीटी कंटेंट से लैस लैपटॉप, प्रोजेक्टर, इन्वर्टर आदि उपकरणों के साथ टीचर्स ट्रेनिंग , टीएलएम और वर्कबुक आदि का सहयोग करके निपुण भारत लक्ष्य के अनूरूप बच्चों को निपुण बनाने में मदद कर रहा है । उन्होंने पूरा कार्यक्रम देखने समझने के बाद शिक्षा इनिश्यटिव के बेसिक व माध्यमिक शिक्षा उन्नयन के प्रयास की सराहना की । उन्होंने कहा “शिक्षा इनिश्यटिव के सीतापुर और दादरी मॉडल के शिक्षा वार्षिक असेसमेंट रिपोर्ट (सार ) के बेस लाइन/ एंड लाइन परिणाम काफी रोचक हैं बच्चों में बेस लाइन के सापेक्ष एंड लाइन में अधिगम में अच्छा ग्रोथ दिख रहा इसे किसी आर्टिकल में पब्लिश कराने की बात भी कही |” इस अवसर पर उनके साथ श्री राजेंद्र कुमार (जिला विद्यालय निरीक्षक –सीतापुर ) व अजीत कुमार (जिला बेसिक शिक्षा अधिकारी –सीतापुर और प्रधानाचार्य राजकीय इंटर कॉलेज भी उपस्थित रहे और फाउंडेशन के प्रयासों की प्रशंसा की ,भ्रमण कार्यक्रम को शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव के एसोसिएट जनरल मैनेजर श्री मयंक सिन्हा और उनकी टीम ने फैसिलिटेट किया ।

The significance of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga for physical and mental health. Yoga is a mind-body practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the day encourages regular meditation to foster mental clarity and self-awareness, which is essential for thriving in a stress-free environment.
International Yoga Day was celebrated across all the SHIKSHA Initiative schools on 21st June 2023. The day began with the practice of asanas followed by a session on the importance of yoga in our daily lives, especially for students because the daily routine of yoga results in a sharp mind and better clarity. Students and teachers both thoroughly completed the practice and the session after that.

नई शिक्षा नीति 2020 के तहत सरकार के द्वारा Early Childhood Care and Education(ECCE) पर विशेष बल दिया जा रहा है। इसी उद्देश्य की पूर्ति के लिए शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव द्वारा एक बड़ा कदम उठाया गया, जिसके अंतर्गत उत्तर- प्रदेश के जिला- बुलंदशहर एवं गौतमबुद्ध नगर में विगत 2 वर्षों से 3 से 6 वर्ष के बच्चों के लिए स्मार्ट क्लास चलाई जा रही है।
दिनांक 8 मई 2023 को ब्लॉक संसाधन केंद्र, सिकन्द्राबाद में आंगनवाड़ी कार्यकत्र () का तीन दिवसीय प्रशिक्षण का आयोजन बाल विकास परियोजना अधिकारी श्री राधेश्याम जी के नेतृत्व में किया गया जिसमें शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव को प्रशिक्षण में सहयोग के लिए आमंत्रित किया गया I शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव की तरफ से साहेब लाल माली और सुनील कुमारने यह प्रशिक्षण इज़दान किया| प्रशिक्षण में कुल 56 लोग उपस्थित रहे, सर्वप्रथम श्री राधेश्याम जी के द्वारा सभी को Early Childhood Care and Education के विषय और बच्चों को सीखने-सिखाने की क्रमबद्धता पर चर्चा की गई तथा शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव द्वारा संचालित शिक्षा आरंभ (आंगनवाड़ी कार्यक्रम))के विषय में बताया कि जिन स्कूलों में आंगनवाड़ी स्मार्ट क्लास चलाई जा रही है वहाँ पर बच्चों की उपस्थिति के साथ ही साथ उनकी शिक्षा पर बहुत बड़ा प्रभाव देखने को मिला है और बच्चे बहुत ही अच्छी तरह से सीख रहे हैं।
इसके बाद शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव की टीम ने 3 से 6 वर्ष के बच्चों में गतिविधि/ गीत/ स्टोरी टेलिंग / कविता/खेल और T.L.M की मदद से भाषा और गणित को सीखने की उपयोगिता को बताया| प्रशिक्षण समापन के शुभ अवसर श्री राधेश्याम जी एवं सभी आंगनवाड़ी कार्यकत्री ने शिक्षा इनिशिएटिव को धन्यवास करते हुए अपेक्षा की कि भविष्य में विकास क्षेत्र के सभी आंगनवाड़ी केन्द्रों पर आईसीटी के माध्यम से कक्षाएँ संचालित होंगी जिससे शिक्षा की गुणवत्ता में बहुत ही जल्दी सुधार हो पाए|

SHIKSHA Initiative has started experimenting and designing an effective program for foundational stage teaching and learning by harnessing ICT and deploying conducive pedagogical approaches for early learners, i.e. 3 to 6 years. The journey began in December 2021 with a need assessment which included a survey of 282 Anganwadi Centres (AWC) comprising 1670 respondents, physical visits to AWCs and private pre-primary facilities, interaction with concerned government officials and observations of some best practices in the sphere of Early Childhood Education (ECE).

SHIKSHA Initiative formally launched SHIKSHA Aarambh, an entire academic year program at 22 AWCs co-located in 11 government schools at Sitapur, Bulandshahr and Gautambuddh Nagar districts in July 2023.

Objectives of the program comprise developing a child-centric learning environment to cater to foundational learning needs, making students ready for the formal schooling system, developing activities, TLM, and curated content for the benefit of educators and students, designing formative, continuous, and age-appropriate assessment for learning – intrinsic of the day-wise teaching plan, developing a flexible easy to customise, and age-inclusive teaching plan, designing intervention towards active parent engagement and building effective capacity building program for community educators and including parents.

In this context, a 3-day orientation workshop was held from 26th to 28th June 2023 at Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence (SNIoE). The session was attended by 39 participants, including Anganwadi workers, helpers, and government teachers. The key objective of the orientation program was to acquaint the AWWs and AWCs with SHIKSHA Initiative and SHIKSHA Aarambh, its vision, mission, and goals.