Category education

Bangalore, 19th June 2023: BYJU’S Career Plus Program (CPP), an exclusive initiative for India’s aspirational districts in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has enabled students from these remote locations to achieve impressive results in the NEET UG examination 2023. Students hailing from economically backward backgrounds, who earlier had no means to prepare for one of the world’s toughest entrance exams, now could access BYJU’S high-quality tech-driven learning programs for free. Along with the support of BYJU’S fellows from CPP, 102 students out of the 195 who appeared, have qualified the coveted exam with outstanding results. With 3 students scoring more than 90 percentile, girls constitute about 61% of the qualifiers. The results were announced by the National Testing Agency on June 13.

The qualifying students come from 22 different aspirational districts across India, which is a testament to BYJU’S CPP’S vision to reach and empower students at the grassroots level. Since 2021, BYJU’S Career Plus Program has supported numerous students from socio-economic weaker sections across 112 aspirational districts, providing them with free tech-driven learning programs to attempt and ace engineering and medical entrance exams.

Mansi Kasliwal, VP – Social Initiatives, BYJU’S, said, “Many students from aspirational districts are first-generation learners. Through BYJU’S Career Plus Program, we are constantly striving to bridge the educational gap in these remote locations by empowering the students with tech-enabled, high quality learning programs. 102 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, qualifying NEET UG 2023 fills us with immense pride and speaks highly of the hardwork and dedication put in by the students as well as our fellows across these districts. As we continue to support more students with the help of our trained fellows and high-quality coaching materials, we are hopeful of witnessing more such successful students in the coming years.”

,Mohammad Afzal Ganaie a BYJU’S CPP student from Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, who achieved an overall 95.07 percentile in NEET UG 2023 said, “I am extremely happy as I can finally see my dream of becoming a doctor turning into a reality. While I was very confident to score above 95 percentile, the unwavering support from BYJU’S Career Plus Program has played a key role in my journey. Regular mock tests, revisions through sample papers and personalised guidance from the teachers have aided me in preparing for the NEET exam.”

Sneha, another BYJU’S CPP student from Mewat, Haryana said, “Scoring over 90 percentile in one of the toughest exams of the world is really challenging. But I have been able to do so with a focussed preparation strategy and rigorous practice. Moreover, I am extremely grateful to BYJU’S Career Plus Program that equipped me with relevant test papers, personalised guidance on time management and doubt clearing sessions in regular intervals to help crack the competitive exam.”

NEET is conducted annually by National Testing Agency as a qualifying test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, etc.) courses in government and private institutions in India and also, for those intending to pursue primary medical qualification abroad.

Over 20 lakh students appeared for NEET 2023 from across the country.

BYJU’S Education For All

With an aim to make digital learning accessible to millions of children from underserved communities, BYJU’S, the world’s leading edtech company, launched its social impact initiative – Education for All in 2020. The programme aims at democratizing education by ensuring that children across all economic backgrounds get equal access to quality learning opportunities. The “Education for All” initiative serves to enable students from underserved and economically deprived communities with a better chance at upward social and economic mobility. This initiative aims at bridging the educational and digital divide by making quality learning accessible to the children in need. With over 175+ partners like American India Foundation, United Way, Right to Live, Magic Bus, SOS, Save the Children, CRY and more across 400 districts in India, the programme has created a positive impact and reached over 55 lakh students across the country. BYJU’S has also partnered with NITI Aayog to provide free access to its tech-driven learning programmes for children from “aspirational districts” of the country. The company aims to accelerate its impact in reaching children who have no access to learning both on its own and through partnerships. For more information: https://byjus.com/educationforall/

17th June 2023 In a historic feat, a whopping 1,06,870 students of Aakash BYJU’S, the national leader in test preparatory services, have qualified the prestigious NEET Examination 2023. Four Aakashians from the Classroom Course have created history again by becoming National Toppers securing AIR 03, 05, 06 and 08 by scoring 715 and above out of 720.

Registering one of the best results ever, 17 students from Aakash BYJU’S classroom and digital programs have become state and UT toppers.

An impressive 5 students have secured ranks in the Top 10; 29 in Top 50; 56 in Top 100 and a whopping 381 in Top 1000 in General Category. 17 students became State/UT Toppers of Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Tripura and Chhattisgarh. 94,762 students qualified from classroom program while 12,108 students qualified from Digital and Distance Learning programs.

Aakashians in Top 10 are Kaustav Bauri from Chennai became AIR 03, AIR 05 is secured by Dhruv Advani from Bangalore, Surya Siddharth Nagarajan from Chennai secured AIR 6, Swayam Shakti Tripathy from Bhubaneshwar secured AIR 08 and Parth Khandelwal (DLP) secured AIR 10. Kaustav secured 716 out of 720 while Dhruv, Surya, Swayam and Parth scored 715 out of 720 respectively.

Twelve Aakashians scored above 715 marks out of 720; 39 students scored more than 710, 82 students scored 705 plus out of 720, 143 students secured 700 plus out of 720, speaking volumes about the faculty, curriculum and training at Aakash BYJU’S.

The results were announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 13.

Commenting on the impressive results, Mr. Abhishek Maheshwari, CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, “Congratulations to our outstanding students for their remarkable achievements in the NEET 2023 examination, marking another year of such momentous success. This incredible outcome is a result of our students’ unwavering dedication, the invaluable guidance from our faculty, and our institute’s exceptional test preparation. We sincerely thank the parents for their unwavering support towards their children’s dreams of becoming doctors. Their commitment and relentless efforts serve as an inspiration to numerous students, even those in remote areas and villages across the country. Our institute is renowned for its high-quality test preparation in the industry, empowering students to excel in medical and engineering entrance exams. We wish all our students the very best in their future endeavors.”

The students credited their outstanding performance to the hard work and the excellent coaching provided by Aakash BYJU’S for the examination, which is considered amongst the most competitive in the world. The NEET Exam is applicable for admission to all medical colleges in the country.

Around 20.87 lakh students registered for NEET (UG) examination this year and 20.38 lakh students appeared. Out of this, 11.46 students qualified the examination.

Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from AESL have shown proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering entrance exams and competitive exams such as NTSE and Olympiads.

New Delhi,17th June 2023 – AIIA, Goa, a Satellite Institute of AIIA, New Delhi, hosted a serene and invigorating Seashore Yoga Session at Arambol Beach today, as part of the build-up to the 9th International Day of Yoga Celebration. The event, organized in accordance with the protocols developed by the Ayush Ministry, Government of India, witnessed enthusiastic participation from various individuals, including faculty members, hospital staff, BAMS Scholars, and tourists, with a total of 200 people in attendance.

The session commenced at 7:00 am and continued until 8:30 am, capturing the essence of yoga’s holistic practice. Prof Dr Kalpana Sathe, Associate Dean of All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, extended a warm welcome to the participants, officially inaugurating the session with the chanting of the Patanjali Yoga Sutra Prayer song and the Samudra Vasane Devi Mantra, invoking a harmonious atmosphere.

Dr Yogesh Shinde and Mrs Mohini Metti skilfully coordinated the main Yoga protocol, ensuring a seamless flow and adherence to the Ayush Ministry’s guidelines. The session embraced a diverse range of yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditative practices, promoting physical and mental well-being among the attendees.

Following the invigorating session, Ayur Raksha and Bal Raksha kits were distributed to the villagers and foreign tourists gathered at Arambol beach. This initiative aimed to enhance public health awareness and provide essential resources for personal well-being.

Speaking on the occasion, Director AIIA New Delhi, Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, commented, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the dean and the entire faculty for their efforts to celebrate the International Day of Yoga for the first time at AIIA Goa in making it a success. As AIIA New Delhi and AIIA Goa come together, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, to celebrate yoga for the betterment of humanity and the pursuit of health and happiness, we are confident that this harmonious union will yield significant benefits.”

In her presidential address, Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, emphasized the pivotal role of yoga in maintaining a healthy life and awakening the inner consciousness to become the best version of oneself. She underscored the timeless wisdom and transformative power of yoga, urging individuals to incorporate its principles into their daily lives.

The Seashore Yoga Session at Arambol Beach served as a stepping stone towards the grand celebration of the 9th International Day of Yoga, which will be observed globally on June 21, 2023. The event reaffirmed the commitment of AIIA, Goa, to promoting the ancient practice of yoga and its profound benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Recently, AIIA, New Delhi in collaboration with National Institute of Sowa and Rigpa, Leh conducted Yoga sessions from June 7-9, 2023, at Leh, Ladakh. The 5th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force also participated in the event.

Medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination to be qualified to practice medicine in the nation. The National Board of Examinations for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) administers the FMGE exam twice a year in the months of June and December in order to receive the registration certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council (SMC).

The younger generation can indeed make use of apps for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) preparation.Technological advancements have significantly impacted the education sector, and the availability of educational apps has made it easier for students to access study materials, practice tests, and interactive learning resources conveniently through their smartphones or tablets. FMGE are competitive exams in the medical field, and thorough preparation is essential to excel in these exams.

These platforms are easing the process since they are aware of the gap and want to aid students.

1.  DocTutorials – Launched in 2020 a pioneering platform dedicated to providing exceptional coaching and comprehensive study materials for medical entrance exams and postgraduate (PG) medical curriculum. As a premier preparation hub for exams such as NEET PG/NEXT, INI CET, FMGE, NEET SS, and INI SS, They are empowering aspiring medical professionals to excel in their academic pursuits. DocTutorials brings into the mainstream to those who have been thus far excluded by enhancing accessibility through 800+ hours of recorded lectures, live interactions with experts in the field, and an extensive repository of 35000+ relevant questions
2.  Marrow – Marrow is a NEET PG preparation platform peer-reviewed by India’s top medical faculty and NEET PG exam toppers. Marrow contains a QBank with 18,500 MCQs, 700+ hours of recorded Master Classes & 261 tests including All-India Grand Tests prepared by doctors. Used by over 500,000 students, Marrow is now the Gold standard for new pattern NEET PG
3.  Prepladder – PrepLadder is an ed-tech company that provides a platform to prepare for medical entrance exams. It offers students online mock tests, exam updates, tips, and video lectures.
4.  E-gurukul – eGurukul, the brainchild of DBMCI, is the amalgamation of 25 years of teaching experience and the usage of latest techniques and technology. Together, they strive to create a platform that is self-sufficient to suit all the needs of a diligent student preparing for competitive exams.

Goa, 16th June 2023: The Gera School (TGS), one of the most prestigious schools in Goa, announces its outstanding achievements in the IGCSE Feb – March 2023 examinations. With an unwavering commitment to providing quality education and nurturing the individuality of its students, The Gera School has emerged as a beacon of excellence in academic achievement.

The Gera School received an outstanding 100% record for the students who took the maiden IGCSE exams, which demonstrates the dedication and effort of both students and teachers. The school is also proud to report that 9 out of the 10 students received the coveted ICE (International Certificate Examination) Award, underscoring their remarkable ability to aim higher.

The ICE award, which prescribes certain Grade achievements in 7 subjects, including 2 languages and at least one subject from all groups, has been rightfully earned by the talented students of The Gera School. Notably, Omkar Rane and Lucius de Almeida have achieved the extraordinary feat of receiving seven A* and one A Grade in their eight subjects, exemplifying their commitment to academic excellence and setting new benchmarks for future batches of students. For the ICE award, The Gera School secured 5 Distinctions and 2 Merits, evidencing the students’ exceptional performance.

The Gera School takes great pride in the collective achievements of its students, with a total of forty-three ‘A*’ and ‘A’ grades obtained – more than 50% of all the Grades awarded. These outstanding results are a testament to the school’s commitment to providing quality education that nurtures the individuality of each student, allowing them to thrive academically and personally.

Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing Director of Gera Developments and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of The Gera School expressed his delight at the exceptional results, by saying, “We are tremendously proud of the outstanding achievements of The Gera School students at the IGCSE examinations. We congratulate the students on their remarkable accomplishments and commend our dedicated coordinators, teachers under the leadership of Principal Joseph for their passion and relentless efforts without which this outstanding result would not have been possible. Achieving this result with the first-ever batch appearing for the IGCSE examination with 2 years of Covid disruption and in the 4th year of operations is remarkable.”

Mr. Carol Joseph, Principal of The Gera School, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the students and highlighted the importance of nurturing individuality in the learning process. He said, “We congratulate our exceptional students for their outstanding performance at the IGCSE examinations. At The Gera School, we firmly believe in nurturing the individuality of each student, empowering them to realize their full potential. These remarkable results are a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our IGCSE Coordinator and the teachers, and the unwavering support of our parents. We remain committed to providing a holistic education that prepares our students for success in all aspects of life and living.”

Lucius Narkar De Almeida, Head Boy and one of Top 3 rankers, shared his thoughts on his experience at TGS, “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to pass my 10th grade, a vital year of my life, through the IGCSE curriculum because it is so well thought-out and carefully curated for students of our age. The subject content is well-organized and optimized to teach you what is necessary and applicable to real life while still covering more than any other 10th Grade curriculum. TGS, in particular, allowed me to discover who I am through the plethora of activities it held throughout the year. I can confidently say that TGS shaped me by bringing out the best in me, moulding me into a more confident, self-aware and individualised personality.”

When asked the secret of his success and how he felt about his results, the Topper, Omkar Rane said “”TGS has been a very inclusive and comforting environment. It has always carefully handled my weaknesses while continually strengthening all the advantages that I possessed. It was a tough journey, but the constant motivation of both the teaching and non-teaching staff prevented me from breaking down. Besides the excellent teaching staff, the School also provided us students with the necessary resources at each step. A day at TGS has always been more than just academics. The physical education classes, casual football matches, badminton and other activities enabled us to relax after studying for long. As part of the student council, taking on the leadership role each day was a fun experience in itself. Being able to act responsibly and finish assigned tasks as a team further strengthened our friendships.”

Trupti Rane, mother of the Topper, expressed her appreciation by saying, “TGS has helped my child identify his potential and work on it to plan his future. The Staff at TGS were very supportive and approachable. The teachers were available to resolve any problems that the students faced, especially during the last few days before the final examination. My child had the freedom to express fear and anxiety about exams, and the teachers suggested different methods to overcome all these difficulties. The caring environment created by the teachers as well as the non-teaching staff made my child feel the school was a second home for him. I am extremely happy with the results of my child. It is, in fact, a result of his outcome and determination put together for all these years backed by the excellent curricular and co-curricular learning that TGS has enabled.”

The school has brought in experienced and qualified professionals, with expertise and knowledge that remain unequalled in the school educational sector in Goa, with an overall objective to foster self-esteem by nurturing individuality and making students skilled, confident, and lifelong learners. The Gera School continues to be at the forefront of academic excellence and personalized education, consistently delivering exceptional results and shaping the future of its students. With its commitment to quality education and nurturing individuality, The Gera School stands as a shining example of educational excellence in the region.

NEW DELHI 16th June 2023 ICRI, Preparing You for Careers of Tomorrow, is proud to announce its latest partnership with Aakash Super Speciality Hospital, a renowned medical institution, to offer advanced training programs in BSc Radiology and BSc Medical Lab Technology (MLT). This alliance aims to provide students with comprehensive industry-oriented education and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their careers.

Under this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to receive training from expert medical professionals who specialize in their respective fields. Upon successful completion of the program, ICRI students pursuing BSc Radiology and MLT will be eligible for recruitment by Aakash Hospital, opening doors to promising career opportunities in the healthcare industry.ICRI’s unique teaching methodology, focusing on 360-degree student development, sets it apart from others in the industry. With its institution-hospital collaboration, ICRI ensures real-time skill development for students right from day one.

BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is a 3.6 years undergraduate program that focuses on the diagnosis and prevention of diseases through clinical laboratory investigations. As a crucial allied health profession, medical technologists play a vital role in accurate diagnoses and the efficient functioning of biochemical laboratories.India currently faces a shortage of healthcare professionals, with a demand for 65 lakh professionals while only having a present task force of 2 lakh. ICRI bridges this gap by equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the industry demand.

Meanwhile, BSc in Radiography and Imaging Technology is a highly sought-after course in the allied healthcare industry. Over three years and six semesters, students are trained in various aspects such as clinical radiography, radiation safety, image processing technology, and imaging modalities. This program caters to the growing demand for well-trained radiology technologists in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices.With the healthcare sector being one of the largest employers in India, ICRI provides guidance under senior doctors and practitioners, preparing students for promising career opportunities in this thriving field.

Commenting on the alliance, Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director of Aakash Hospital, expressed his excitement, stating, “Aakash Healthcare is delighted to partner with ICRI, an institution focused on futuristic programs through their unique university-industry partnership model. We are committed to providing extensive practical training to BSc Radiology and MLT students, nurturing them into highly skilled professionals in these domains.”

Kanishk Dugal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ICRI, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We are pleased to collaborate with Aakash Hospital, a top-tier multi-specialty institution. Our students will benefit from practical exposure and job training with state-of-the-art technology, enriching their learning experience and preparing them for the challenges of their future careers. At ICRI, we are dedicated to nurturing our students in an environment that fosters knowledge acquisition and the development of essential skills.”

The alliance between ICRI and Aakash Super Speciality Hospital marks a significant milestone in the field of allied healthcare education. Through this collaboration, aspiring healthcare professionals will receive comprehensive training and exposure to the latest industry practices, ensuring their readiness to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.

New Delhi, 15th June 2023 Mimansha Moun, a student of Aakash BYJU’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in New Delhi, was unbelievably consistent through her performance and run-up to NEET. The only student in the batch who repeatedly scored full 720 marks in internal tests, Mimansha was confident of doing well and has proved her teachers right with an excellent result. She scored 710 out of 720 in NEET UG 2023 and obtained an AIR of 33. She is also a female state topper of Delhi. She aspires to become a doctor like her elder brother who is currently studying at Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi.

Mimansha joined Aakash BYJU’s in Class XI through ANTHE with an All-India Rank of 69 to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor. She also received a scholarship reward of Rs. 20000 for her performance. When she was in Class IX, she loved Biology as a subject and decided that she wants to pursue it further. Her father works for the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and her mother is a homemaker. They were supportive of her decision and encouraged her to focus on studying for the past two years. Her elder brother guided her firmly in her pursuit and told her about the work of a doctor and how important it is to help patients in need. Mimansha wants to pursue general medicine as a specialization.

Mimansha appeared for JEE – Mains in Class XII where she scored 99.7% in Physics & 99.98% in Chemistry in Session 1 and achieved 100% in Physics and 99.83% in Chemistry in Session 2. Her overall rank was 6397 in JEE Advanced. Mimansha gave the All-India Aakash Test Series (AIATS) and various FTs (Fortnightly tests) and also appeared for Olympiad exams at Aakash in the beginning. However, she was very clear about not sitting for any other competitive examinations in Class XII and dedicating all her efforts towards her one prime goal of NEET. If not a doctor, she would have considered attempting Indian Administrative Services and pursuing a public service role in future.

Talking about her choice of profession and preparation, Mimansha says, “I love how doctors interact with patients, try to understand their problems, and help them. I too always wanted to be able to do that. For the last two years, I only focused on my studies and didn’t really feel the need for entertainment much. At times when I was exhausted, I spoke to my parents and friends and sometimes watched movies. But I didn’t mind sacrificing a few delights like watching movies early on, which helped me prepare well and made my journey smooth towards the end.”

Mimansha was completely devoted to her studies and when Aakash gave a session break of 10 days for students to go home or travel, she chose to come back after just three days and study by herself at the facility. She also fostered a very healthy competition with her elder brother to score more and do well in her medical career.

At Aakash, Mimansha liked the thorough study methods of NCERT syllabus and how the teachers are supportive round the clock to clear doubts. “I used to get bored of the syllabus towards the end of the course, but my teachers always encouraged me to see things in a new light. I studied the syllabus very thoroughly and even asked the teachers tough questions which led them to think differently about a particular topic at times. I study late at night and don’t feel like sleeping but my teachers supported me when I found it difficult to wake up early and go for classes and helped me overcome the inertia.”

Mimansha listened to a lot of music to relax her mind. She also loves dancing which helped her stay fit and take her mind off studies when she needed a break. After the exams, she wants to make a record of sleeping for as long as 48 hours and wants to catch up on watching television series that she likes.

Congratulating Mimansha Moun, Mr. Abhishek Maheshwari, CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, “We congratulate the students for their exemplary feat. Jacob’s achievement speaks volumes of his hard work and dedication. The credit goes to the efforts put in by the student, proper guidance by the faculty and as well as the quality test preparation imparted at the institute. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the parents for being a constant support to their children. I wish Jacob all the best for his future endeavours.”

On the recently declared results Mr. Surinder Chauhan, Regional Director, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the student for their exceptional accomplishment. Their remarkable achievement as the top scorer is a testament to their tireless hard work and unwavering dedication. We sincerely wish them the very best in all their future endeavors.

We would also like to express our deep appreciation to the faculty at Aakash BYJU’S, who tirelessly supported the student by clearing all their doubts and queries. The effective curriculum provided by Aakash BYJU’S, along with our unwavering commitment to our students, played a crucial role in this success.”

By Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore

The world today is facing different kinds of environmental challenges that are expected to overhaul the normalcy of life as we know it. Right from the risks posed by fossil fuels, to ultra-violet rays of the sun and the endangered bio-diversity, the environment is at stake. This World Environment Day has a vision that is crucial #BeatPlasticPollution and schools have a significant role to play in fostering a sustainable future. One of the most pressing challenges we face today is the overwhelming issue of plastic waste, which poses a severe threat to our environment, ecosystems, and human health. Schools have the ability to drive change in their communities by taking practical measures that can be implemented to create a plastic-free world. As the first school in India to become completely solar powered, we firmly believe that acting as a role model for environmental sustainability can create a wave of knowledge and empower both students and community members to affect positive change.

Educating and Empowering Students:

Schools serve as the primary source of education for young minds, and it is essential to educate students about the environmental impact of plastic and the importance of sustainable alternatives. By integrating environmental awareness into the curriculum, we can instill in students a sense of responsibility and empower them to make informed choices. Lessons can include topics such as the life cycle of plastic, the consequences of plastic pollution, and the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Schools can also organize workshops, guest lectures, and field trips to engage students actively. Collaborating with local environmental organizations and experts can provide students with valuable insights and hands-on experiences. By nurturing environmental consciousness from an early age, schools can shape the future generation into advocates for a plastic-free world.

Implementing Plastic-Free Policies:

In addition to educating students, schools should lead by example and implement plastic-free policies within their own premises. This can involve initiatives such as banning single-use plastic items like water bottles, plastic bags, and straws. Instead, schools can encourage the use of reusable alternatives like stainless steel bottles, cloth bags, and biodegradable straws.

Installing water refill stations can reduce the reliance on bottled water, thus reducing plastic waste. Moreover, schools can partner with local suppliers to ensure that cafeteria food is served in biodegradable or compostable packaging, eliminating the need for single-use plastic containers.

Creating Recycling and Waste Management Programs:

Promoting proper waste management is essential for reducing plastic pollution. Schools can establish comprehensive recycling programs that educate students about the importance of segregating waste and provide accessible recycling bins throughout the premises. Students can actively participate in waste management initiatives through designated recycling clubs or committees, taking responsibility for sorting, collecting, and processing recyclable materials.

Furthermore, schools can collaborate with local recycling facilities and engage in waste reduction campaigns. This can involve organizing collection drives for specific items like electronic waste, plastic bottles, or other recyclables. By involving the broader community, schools can amplify their impact and encourage sustainable practices beyond the school walls.

Fostering Partnerships and Advocacy:

Schools are part of a larger ecosystem that includes parents, local businesses, and the wider community. By fostering partnerships with these stakeholders, schools can create a collective effort to reduce plastic waste. Parent-teacher associations can support plastic-free initiatives by organizing awareness campaigns, fundraising events for sustainability projects, and advocating for changes in school policies.

Engaging with local businesses can help schools procure environmentally friendly products and services. Schools can collaborate with sustainable suppliers, encouraging the use of biodegradable or compostable materials for school-related activities and events. These partnerships can also provide opportunities for guest speakers from environmentally conscious businesses, enriching students’ understanding of sustainable practices.

At Canadian International School, Bangalore, we are committed to spearheading efforts towards a plastic-free world. Schools have a unique opportunity to shape the values and behaviors of future generations, making it imperative for us to prioritize environmental education and sustainable practices. By educating and empowering students, implementing plastic-free policies, creating recycling programs, and fostering partnerships, schools can actively contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

Together, we can create a plastic-free world where the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants takes precedence over convenience.

Bangalore, India, 14th June 2023 – The five-year Mathematics and Science Curriculum Enhancement Project, a collaboration between the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and Parikrma Humanity Foundation, had a significant impact on education in Bangalore.

Led by Singapore International Volunteers (SIVs) from the education sector, the project aimed to enhance the Mathematics and Science curriculum in Bangalore. The SIVs trained about 160 Indian educators through workshops, equipping them with new skills to create more engaging lessons for their students.

A core group of 46 Indian educators were selected as Master Trainers, who subsequently trained other teachers in their communities. Collectively, about 58,700 educators and students in Karnataka benefitted from this collaboration, ensuring improved access to quality education for children in the community.

Earlier in June, the SIF conducted a project evaluation to measure and analyse the impact of the project. Key findings included:

• · Effective implementation of tools and everyday objects, as teaching aids The educators, are now well-versed in using educational tools and everyday objects to better aid their students’ understanding of abstract concepts. Examples included using a tangram set to form triangles in mathematics lessons and using real flowers to introduce plant parts in science lessons.
• · Greater focus on process skills  The focus of teaching in schools has shifted to hone how students arrive at their answers instead of the memorization of facts. This is supported by lessons planned based on the 5E Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate), and complemented by science experiments and outdoor activities. These approaches engaged students more effectively and encouraged greater inquisitiveness in them.
• · Improved development of critical thinking skills Beyond finding the right answers, students are guided to explore and analyze different solutions to each problem to develop critical thinking skills.
• · Enhanced activity-based learning in groups Where passive learning in silos was the norm previously, students are now engaged through learning in groups. Through group discussions, students practice communication, collaboration and reasoning skills, and collective decision-making, which are core 21st-century competencies.

At the project’s closing ceremony on 5 June, Mr Edgar Pang, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai, said: “This project between the SIF and Parikrma Humanity Foundation is a great example of how lives can be improved when people come together and join hands. I look forward to more of such collaborations between the peoples of Singapore and India across the various sectors.”

Ms Shukla Bose, Founder-CEO, Parikrma Humanity Foundation said: “We are pleased to have worked with the SIF on this initiative. The training-of-trainers approach has ensured that the benefits to our teachers and students will extend well beyond the project. The approach has certainly moved the needle in raising teaching standards here.”

Dr Prem Mario, Principal at Parikrma Junior College said: “We learnt to use objects found in everyday life as interactive props to facilitate mathematics lessons, alongside other teaching techniques like mind-mapping and storytelling. After incorporating them in our classes, our students have been able to understand new concepts better and are more engaged during lessons now.”

He added: “The Singapore volunteers have been very warm and approachable every time we met. Despite travel restrictions during the recent pandemic, we kept in touch virtually and picked up like old friends when we reconnected in person.”

SIV team leader Ms Peggy Foo, former lecturer at Singapore’s National Institute of Early Childhood Development, said: “It was a humbling experience and a privilege to share our insights with the teachers in Bangalore. Their eagerness to learn has been very inspiring. This project has also challenged me to think about how we can better bring the joy of learning to our students and encourage them to be more inquisitive.”

The Mathematics and Science Curriculum Enhancement Project aligns with the Karnataka state government’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all, including increasing the supply of qualified teachers by 2030 through international cooperation for teacher training.

The initiative also marks a significant milestone for the SIF as it commemorates 28 years of their work in India. Over the years, the SIF has collaborated with various partners from the government, corporate and non-government sectors, in states like Maharashtra, New Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Through their endeavours in education, healthcare, arts, environment, and livelihood, the SIF fosters connections among people and communities, facilitating collaborations that bring about positive change.

New Delhi,14 June 2023: Dhruv Advani, a student of Aakash BYJU’S from Bengaluru, the national leader in test preparatory services, is all set to represent India at the prestigious 34th International Biology Olympiad 2023 to be held in the United Arab Emirates from July 3-11, 2023 at the UAE University.

Based on his performance in OCSC 2023 Camp (June 02–June 11, 2023), Dhruv has been selected in the Indian Team of 4 members for IBO 2023. A Total of 36 students were selected for this OCSC Biology Camp through the INBO-2023 Examination.

Congratulating Dhruv on his impressive feat, Mr. Abhishek Maheshwari, CEO, Aakash BYJU’S said: “We are very proud of Dhruv who is set to represent India at the global platform in UAE for IBO 2023. The credit for his feat goes to the hard work put in by him and our faculty apart from the quality test preparation imparted at the institute. I wish him all the best at IBO 2023.”

Aakash BYJU’S aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash BYJU’S have a proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Competitive, and Olympiads.