One of the key focus areas for numerous corporate houses today for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments is education, particularly for the children and the youth of the country.  With the future of the country clearly riding on the shoulders of this segment of the population, pumping funds into their education is certainly a good idea. Apart from getting the children into schools, there is a driving need to enhance the quality of education, often lacking in schools today, particularly where the fees are low, leading to correspondingly lesser pay for teachers and skeletal facilities for the students. Many of the NGOs today are bringing these children for free after-school classes in which remedial education is given to enhance the quality of education they are receiving in the school. Simultaneously, other social organizations are getting into the schools to augment the quality of education within their four walls. 

One exciting such initiative has been undertaken by STEM Learning, a social enterprise, which has brought to schools, unique solutions for enhancing learning. With an aim to empower school children with the basic and much-needed concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, (STEM), the organization has gotten into schools to provide advance teaching and learning methods to both teacher and student in a manner which is quite innovative and thought-provoking.

^{Mini Science Lab}

Says Ashutosh Pandit, CEO and Founder, STEM Learning; “We provide a package wherein we customize initiatives for the academic growth of teachers and students. Our services include installing Mini Science Centers (MSC), conducting teacher training programs and various student development programs, to give students a rounded educative experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is one thing to be given lectures on these topics, but more importantly students need to be involved with practical, hands-on experience and this is what we bring to schools.”

A Mini Science Centre is an innovative and unique set-up comprising of exceptional models and charts. Elaborates Pandit; “It is a catalytic channel aimed at raising awareness, conveying information and strengthening the aptitude foundation of children. It has a range of 65 table top working models with 33 back-drops and manuals in regional languages, providing hands-on experience for learning science and mathematics for Class 5 to Class 10 students. STEM Learning believes that school education cannot be only about visual and audio lessons. Rather, it is equally, if not more important for children to practically feel the products and experience them.” School authorities and science teachers are in unequivocal agreement.“Students get to learn so much in mini science centre and enjoy it thoroughly as well,” says Romika Rajput, Mini Science Centre In- Charge, Govt. H.S. School.“Because it is practical, students get to observe real objects and materials. Their scientific attitude gets developed and their interest levels have shot up because they are learning by doing.”  

^{Teacher's Training Program}

With a presence in 21 states of India, extending from Jammu and Kashmir to Andhra Pradesh, STEM Learning has to date installed its world-class MSCs in 1160 public schools.  6024 science and math school teachers have been trained in new teaching techniques and more than 9,84,500 students have benefitted.One of the organization’s latest additions is 175 Schools of the Brihan Mahanagar Palika (BMC) in Mumbai. In addition to this, STEM learning has also installed 30 big science centres in different talukas of Maharashtra under the Manav Vikas Mission Project of the Maharashtra Government.

In essence, STEM Learning’s key focus area is to make learning easy, accessible and meaningful to all children so that they absorb relevant, practical knowledge, along with the ability to apply that knowledge to their every-day lives. Says Pandit; “We believe each student, irrespective of class and social background deserves access to high-quality science education.We make every effort to enhance students’ aptitude towards science and math so that they embrace it and grow with it while relishing the learning procedure. Our endeavor is to give children equal opportunities for growth by making learning easy and accessible to all children and we have tied up with corporates in this drive of ours. Amongst the factors which corporates really appreciate about us is our proven process of installation and delivery, our teachers training program and our stringent processes of monitoring, evaluation and maintenance.”

^{Teacher explaining students about STEM model}

STEM Learning’s endeavor is really the development of sustainable, long-lasting and effective CSR programs in education. The organization focusses on implementing the long-term vision and values of corporate houses, along with fulfilling its intent to make a noteworthy difference in the field of education.  Amongst its are HSBC, Mahanagar Gas, JSW Cement and Godrej.

Elaborates Pandit; “We have an ongoing relationship with more than 61 top corporate brands in India, who have trusted us to impeccably execute their CSR agenda in the education sector. We achieve our goals by collaborating with corporate houses and implementing innovative projects to ensure maximum impact where it is needed the most.  With the help of our supporters, we intend to be globally recognized for introducing innovative learning methodologies and changing teaching pedagogies at the school level to enhance the education of lesser privileged students.”

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Impact-Story is a series on development and CSR interventions leading to some impacts on the ground. If you have a project, innovation or intervention that has changed the lives of a few people or a community, please share a brief note at csr@ngobox.org. Our Team will get back to you after validating the information for a detailed coverage.