Agranee Jana Kalyan Anusthan (AJKA) and Eklavya
Equipping students and teachers with science skills
Studying science helps us develop skills for life. We get better at asking questions, collecting information, testing our ideas, and finding practical solutions.
In Sambalpur, in the state of Odisha, India, pupils were missing out because their schools didn’t have up to date equipment and teachers weren’t trained in the latest teaching methods.
Kusuma Foundation set out to change this, in a joint project with social welfare and education charities Agranee Jana Kalyan Anusthan(AJKA) and Eklavya.
- 4,500 students, 50 teachers and 25 headteachers benefited from this science in schools project and 400 science kits were provided.
- Schools involved in the project had an average science score of 75% in 2013, compared with 64% the previous year.
- 5 schools, 5 teachers and 25 students were awarded certificates for their performance in science.
Our grant of £57,128 supplied 25 secondary schools with laboratories and 400 science kits which included instruments and equipment for physics, biology and chemistry experiments. We trained 50 teachers and 25 headteachers on how to use the kits to conduct experiments and demonstrations. There were also competitions, school trips and exhibitions to inspire students to be more interested in science, and ultimately improve their exam results.
At the end of the academic year, all 25 schools had fully functioning science labs. Interest in the subject had increased, with both teachers and students reporting higher levels of motivation for science lessons.
“When I participated in scientific experiments in physics, chemistry and biology using the science kits, it became easier for me to understand the concepts in the textbook. I could easily relate to the practical experiments and the teachers reinforced the scientific theories. I passed my examinations with 93%. As a result of the project, I am now studying science at college and pursuing my ambition to become a doctor.”
More Success Stories
Secondary School Readiness Programme – Kusuma Foundation
Kusuma Schools Partnership Initiative
