Smart Classes
Introduction
India has made remarkable strides in ensuring universal enrollment in primary education, yet enrollment alone does not guarantee learning. National surveys highlight persistent learning gaps, with nearly one in four rural youth aged 14–18 struggling to read a standard-2 text and lacking basic numeracy skills. In Uttar Pradesh, despite improved enrollment and transition rates, learning quality, digital access, infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and limited STEM and ICT exposure continue to hinder outcomes, especially in underserved geographies such as Sambhal district.
These systemic gaps are addressed through Kiran via a continuum of education interventions from early childhood education to digital learning. The approach includes Rainbow Centres, After-School Learning Centres, Continued Learning Access Program, Accessible Learning for All, E-Libraries, and Summer Camps, focusing on foundational literacy, digital integration, and inclusive access.
Independent impact assessment highlights that more than 90% parents reported positive behavioral changes, almost all children showed improved listening ability and expressiveness, and over 90% parents acknowledged improved regular school attendance, strengthening the education-to-employability pathway in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Digital Pathshala
Project Digital Pathshala is Kiran’s flagship initiative to integrate digital learning into rural classrooms and bridge the educational and technological divide in Sambhal district. Implemented with HP India, NIIT Foundation, and the Department of Education, it delivers interactive, technology-enabled education through two components, ALFA and CLAP, focused on enhancing digital access, improving learning outcomes, and building skills.
ALFA (Accessible Learning for All)
ALFA supports traditional classroom teaching through Smart Classes in government and government-aided schools. Over the last two years, 44 smart classrooms across 36 schools were set up in Sambhal, equipped with computers, smart TVs, webcams, and printers. Teachers were trained to integrate digital tools and multimedia content. More than 12,000 students (Classes 9–12) benefited through improved conceptual understanding in science and mathematics and enhanced digital literacy.
CLAP (Continued Learning Access Program)
CLAP brings technology to students’ doorsteps through a mobile learning vehicle with 115 HP Chromebooks and internet connectivity, supported by a trained facilitator. The program delivers HP’s Life Skills curriculum covering basic computer education, digital literacy, communication, and leadership for grades 9–12 and college youth. During FY 2024–25, 1,420 students across five schools and five villages were trained, strengthening employability and confidence.
Leadership Capacity Building Program
The Leadership Capacity Building Program, a flagship initiative by Yara Africa & Asia, is a 15-week online program launched at Yara Babrala in FY 2024–25 to build digital and leadership capabilities of rural women entrepreneurs. It covered entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital tools, product development, customer engagement, stock management, and enterprise management. Fifty SHG women and fifty vocational-training graduates participated, each receiving a digital learning kit. The program aligns with the Digital India Mission and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission to enable inclusive, sustainable enterprises.
44
12000
Students
10
Center
294
Children
Case Study
Jyoti Sharma, a resident of Chaopur, comes from an agriculture-dependent family of seven and runs a small cosmetic shop and beauty parlour. Despite being operational, her business faced challenges in stock management, customer handling, and expansion. Participation in the 15-week Leadership Capacity Building Program became a turning point, helping her understand business management, demand-based stocking, pricing, and customer engagement.
She shifted from bulk purchasing to demand-based inventory, reducing product expiry and losses. Improved service quality and customer interactions helped her build a loyal customer base. Jyoti also began using Facebook and WhatsApp to showcase her products and services, expanding her reach. The training enabled her to adopt a structured and strategic approach, gain confidence, and explore plans for business expansion and continuous skill development.
After School Learning Centres
After School Learning Centres support school-going children through evening tutoring and remedial coaching, helping them better understand classroom learning. The program strengthens Maths and Science through structured sessions, personal attention, and continuous guidance. It also supports homework, assignments, and problem-solving, encouraging regular attendance and better retention. By the end of the year, 141 children were enrolled across five centres in five villages, gaining confidence and improved academic performance.
Rainbow
Kiran’s Rainbow initiative strengthens rural pre-primary education, providing 3–6-year-olds with play-based, interactive learning. Community-led centres, supported by SHGs and Panchayats, enhance school readiness, holistic development, and hope for families.
Community Education
