In India, millions of young children begin their schooling without the ability to read simple sentences or solve basic arithmetic problems. These early learning challenges have a lasting impact, often hindering academic growth and reducing the chances of achieving long-term educational success.

The root of this problem lies in a lack of foundational learning support, overstretched classroom resources, and an absence of personalized attention for early learners. Without proper intervention, these gaps create long-term disadvantages that affect not only the students but their families and communities as well.

To address this crisis, a transformative educational initiative—LiftEd—was launched. Anchored by a consortium of partners including the British Asian Trust (programme leader), Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, Maitri Trust, Reliance Foundation, Atlassian, Standard Chartered Bank, and UBS Optimus Foundation, LiftEd is designed to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills in young children by integrating improved learning methods, digital tools, and deep-rooted community involvement. Design and technical support are provided by Central Square Foundation and Dalberg Advisors.

LiftEd operates beyond traditional classroom teaching, bringing together teachers, parents, and local stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to a supportive and enriching learning environment. By placing early education at the center of systemic reform, LiftEd is creating real, measurable change in how foundational education is delivered across India.

Addressing the Learning Gap

The initial years of a child’s education are crucial, as this period sets the tone for future academic and personal development. Yet, for many children in India, especially those in underserved or rural areas, these formative years are marked by inadequate instruction, limited exposure to learning resources, and insufficient attention to individual learning needs.

These conditions result in children advancing through school without acquiring the essential literacy and numeracy skills needed for higher education and daily life.

LiftEd directly addresses this gap by focusing on the core building blocks of education—reading and basic math. The initiative adopts a targeted intervention strategy, identifying students who are lagging behind and providing them with tailored support to catch up with their peers. This involves structured learning sessions that prioritize individual progress, hands-on learning tools, and a flexible curriculum that adjusts to the learner’s pace.

Importantly, the initiative recognizes that no one-size-fits-all solution exists. By incorporating a mix of digital education technologies and teacher-led instruction, LiftEd ensures that the unique needs of each student are met. 

The emphasis is not just on academic achievement but on building confidence and engagement, empowering children to take ownership of their learning journey.

The program has fostered a sense of possibility among parents and educators, many of whom had lost hope that early intervention could lead to tangible results.

A New Approach to Early Education

LiftEd represents a shift from conventional educational models to a more inclusive and supportive framework designed specifically for early learners. The approach centers on creating structured yet flexible learning environments that make foundational education accessible to all, particularly those in marginalized communities.

Rather than relying solely on static textbooks and rigid curricula, the initiative blends interactive teaching practices with modern tools to foster better understanding and retention. Teachers are trained to deliver engaging lessons through play-based and experiential learning techniques, making education a joyful and effective process.

Learning spaces are designed to be student-friendly and stimulating, encouraging curiosity and participation. Supportive instruction ensures that students feel safe to make mistakes and grow through continuous feedback and encouragement.

Community members also play an integral role. Local volunteers, parents, and grassroots organizations work alongside teachers to support children outside school hours. This collaborative structure allows the learning process to extend beyond the classroom, creating a consistent educational experience across different environments.

Additionally, LiftEd incorporates technology in a purposeful manner. Educational apps, digital assessments, and learning platforms—supported through the EdTech Accelerator program—are introduced not just for novelty but to strengthen classroom learning.

This arm includes partnerships with Chimple, Ei Mindspark, Pratham Education Foundation, Rocket Learning, Sesame Workshop India, ThinkZone, and Top Parent, ensuring contextually relevant and effective tech solutions for low-income families.

These tools help educators track progress, identify learning gaps in real-time, and customize their teaching approaches accordingly. For students, access to digital learning resources opens up new possibilities and makes foundational education more relatable and engaging.

Community and Collaboration in Education

A key strength of LiftEd lies in its ability to rally entire communities around the goal of foundational education. The initiative doesn’t function in isolation; instead, it thrives through collective ownership and active participation from various local stakeholders. 

From school administrators and teachers to parents and neighborhood groups, every stakeholder plays a meaningful role in supporting children’s educational journeys.

Parents, who were once distant observers, are now engaged participants in their child’s learning. Through regular interactions with teachers and community workers, they gain insights into their child’s progress and learn how to support their development at home. This home-school connection strengthens the learning ecosystem and makes education a shared responsibility.

Educators, empowered with new teaching techniques and access to resources, report improved morale and a renewed sense of purpose. Many have adapted their lesson plans to suit individual student needs, focusing more on comprehension and application than rote learning. These adjustments have led to more dynamic and interactive classrooms, where students are encouraged to ask questions, participate actively, and collaborate with peers.

The Development Impact Bond (DIB), implemented in partnership with state governments in five states—Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—further deepens this community-centric approach. 

The education partners under DIB—Kaivalya Education Foundation, Language and Learning Foundation, Peepul, and Pratham Education Foundation—work to improve governance, teacher mentorship, and classroom practices. These efforts are directly aligned with learning outcomes defined under the Government of India’s NIPUN Bharat Mission.

Community centers, local NGOs, and youth groups have also been instrumental in creating after-school programs, peer learning clubs, and awareness campaigns. These efforts reinforce classroom learning and keep education top of mind across the community. By turning foundational learning into a collective mission, LiftEd is fostering social cohesion and long-term commitment to educational equity.

Impact Created

Since its inception, LiftEd has positively impacted the lives of over 3.3 million children across 15+ states in India. In areas where students once struggled with basic academic skills, schools are now witnessing a transformation. Classrooms have become vibrant, student-centered spaces where learning is active, inclusive, and joyful.

Teachers have observed a marked increase in student participation, comprehension, and overall academic confidence. Children who previously remained silent during lessons now raise their hands eagerly, share answers, and help peers. Parents express pride and hope as they see their children read fluently or solve math problems they once found daunting.

Beyond academic improvement, the initiative has instilled a renewed belief in the power of early education. Children now associate learning with curiosity and empowerment rather than struggle or fear. This shift in mindset has had a ripple effect, influencing how families view schooling and how communities value education as a tool for long-term development.

Moreover, incremental improvements in teaching quality, student attendance, and assessment scores are paving the way for systemic change. LiftEd's approach has demonstrated that with the right support and structure, foundational learning gaps can be closed, and every child can succeed.

Way Forward

The journey of LiftEd is far from over. As the initiative continues to evolve, its focus remains on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Building on the momentum of the NIPUN Bharat Mission, future efforts will aim to enhance digital learning capabilities, improve classroom infrastructure, and refine teaching strategies through ongoing training and feedback.

A key component of the way forward involves sustaining the partnerships that have made LiftEd a success. Continued collaboration among educators, communities, and policy influencers will be essential in scaling the model to more regions. Furthermore, securing long-term funding and support from both public and private sectors will ensure that foundational learning remains a national priority.

LiftEd’s long-term vision is to create a generation of confident, competent learners who possess the skills and mindset to thrive not just academically but in all areas of life. By nurturing young minds through compassion, consistency, and collaboration, the initiative is setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

Every small step forward, every new word learned, or math problem solved—marks a moment of progress. And with every such moment, LiftEd is turning the promise of education into a reality for millions of children across India.