Transforming early childhood learning

The primary objective of this initiative is to transform these centers into vibrant, joyful, play-centric learning environments that foster the holistic development of children and prepare them for primary school. This is achieved through a meticulously planned process that includes rigorous and intensive training of Anganwadi workers on child-friendly teaching methods and activity-based learning, encompassing areas like discipline, hygiene, confidence, and foundational literacy and numeracy skills. ILP also focuses on creating engaging Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM), often utilizing locally available resources. The program integrates active parental involvement and employs child-sensitive assessment methodologies. A cornerstone of its success is strong partnerships, exemplified by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Government of Karnataka in 2018. This collaboration led to the scaling of the enriched preschool education approach across 3,310 Anganwadi Centres in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district, benefiting over 105,849 children.

Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN)

ILP works to ensure primary-grade children (Class 1-5) develop strong foundational skills in language, math, and English. This aligns with the government’s Nipun Bharat program. Their Village Learning Centers (VLCs), often run by “Vidya Saathis,” provide community-based support to 20-30 students to achieve these goals. ILP uses Pratham’s ASER testing methodologies to measure results in VLCs.

Hands-on science learning with Science Kits

ILP provides affordable “Lab in a Box” science kits for Grades 5-10, covering over 200 concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with more than 150 experiments. These kits use low-cost, easily available, and inexpensive-to-replace materials, encouraging hands-on experimentation without fear of breaking expensive equipment. Manuals and instructional videos are provided in multiple Indian languages (English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Odia).

Digital classrooms & digital content

ILP equips schools with digital infrastructure like laptops, projectors, and speakers to create “Smart Classrooms”. They offer open-source digital content, including interactive lesson plans with audio and video, for subjects like Math, Science, and Social Science for Grades 4-10. This content is available in multiple Indian languages (Kannada, English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Odia, Marathi). Teachers can use these resources for regular teaching or as a revision tool, and can customize them. Some of ILP’s digital content is featured on the Government of India’s national teacher portal, Diksha.

“World in the Classroom” with Google Earth for Social Science

This initiative provides exploratory, immersive content built with Google Earth for Grades 6-10 in History and Geography, allowing students to virtually explore sites using maps, satellite images, 3D views, and street views.

ICT skills & digital skilling

The “Skilling the Future Workforce” program provides a two-year, self-learning computer curriculum aligned with the NCERT syllabus. It equips students with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, including working with various software programs and real-life applications through projects and hands-on activities. Self-learning videos are provided in local languages for over 30 Linux tools, covering skills like image editing (GIMP, Inkscape, MyPaint, TuxPaint), audio/video editing (Audacity, OpenShot), programming (Scratch, TurtleBlocks), data manipulation (LibreOffice Calc), presentation skills (LibreOffice Impress), and general tools like Chromium Browser, Freeplane, and educational games/simulations like eduActiv8, JFractionLab, Kalzium, Kanagram, KBruch, KGeography, KHangman, KStars, PhET Simulations, Stellarium, Tangrams, and Tux Math.

Reading and library programs

ILP implements structured library programs with child-friendly, bilingual books and a systematic approach to reading development. Books are color-coded by reading levels (Hippocampus GROWBY model), and student progress is tracked through self-paced reading and regular assessments.

Teacher capacity building

Recognizing the central role of teachers, ILP provides comprehensive training and ongoing support on innovative methodologies and the effective use of ILP’s learning tools. They also address teacher shortages by advocating for permanent recruitment and, where necessary, providing additional personnel (para-teachers).

Hands-on electronics (in collaboration with IIT Madras)

This collaborative project enhances STEM education in government schools, primarily in Tamil Nadu. It aims to enable hands-on electronics learning for over 400,000 students in 253 government schools using innovative electronic kits from IIT Madras. The program includes 70% hands-on training and 30% theory, with nearly 300 experiments that can be performed using portable, cost-effective kits equipped with built-in power sources, measurement tools, and sensors.