Category education

India, August 17, 2024: Verizon India, a leading IT and Technology Global Capability Centre (GCC) in partnership with BHUMI, an Indian NGO has successfully established 77 STEM Labs and Smart classrooms across Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka with its School Transformation Program. This corporate social responsibility focused program aims to drive qualitative empowerment of school students which benefit over 40,000 students across select cities in Southern India.

The School Transformation Program is designed to equip students studying in Classes 6-12 in government schools with a robust STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education platform. A total of 77 government schools across Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka were furnished with STEM labs focused on diverse subjects including Mathematics, Robotics and powered by interactive smart boards, digital infrastructure like PCs as well as robust lab furniture. The STEM Labs and Digital infrastructure were established after thorough student baseline assessments, teacher awareness tests and feasibility studies to ensure the right infrastructure for each specific location and school.

Through the partnership with BHUMI, STEM sessions were also designed and conducted for students studying in Classes 6–9 providing them with dedicated hands-on experience to explore various facets of science. Necessary digital infrastructure was also set up to bridge the digital literacy gap in identified schools. To demonstrate their learnings from the sessions, STEM fests are conducted periodically in the schools. BHUMI also implements capacity-building sessions twice every quarter for teachers and once every quarter for trainers to equip them with the right tools and updated resources to facilitate seamless learning to the students.

“Verizon India understands its role in enabling and equipping young minds across various socio-economic backgrounds to solve complex challenges through technology. Reports from industry bodies suggest that GCCs like Verizon are becoming one of the most preferred employment avenues for the top STEM graduates in India. I am thus proud to note that we have successfully impacted the lives of 40,000+ students across India. By imparting digital learnings and high-quality training for both the trainers as well as young minds through the School Transformation Program we have successfully aided in enhancing the digital literacy quotient as well as created a strong talent pipeline for the nation. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing to a more advanced and inclusive nation” said, Mr. Prasad V. Annadanam- Senior Director, Finance for Verizon India.

Ms. Vaishnavi Srinivasan- Executive Director, BHUMI, said, “Our collaboration with Verizon India has been instrumental in bringing quality STEM education to students. By providing essential resources and training, we are not only enhancing their academic experience but also preparing them for a future where digital literacy is crucial. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that truly makes a difference in the lives of these young learners.”

Barriers like outdated teaching methods, lack of digital and computing infrastructure as well as lack of training for the trainers impede the balanced growth of the young learners. Through the School Transformation Program, VERIZON and BHUMI encouraged diverse stakeholders to participate in comprehensive online and offline discussions on the effective implementation of pedagogical techniques, helping inculcate a child-centric educational approach. Students also received training in digital literacy and interpersonal skills to maximise the benefits of the digital infrastructure provided. India’s National Education Policy from 2020 indicates that focusing on quality STEM education is the key to embracing critical thinking. Igniting the passion for learning and experimenting in STEM sciences is critical to ensuring that India and its citizens transition to a knowledge based economy.

National, 13th August 2024: Burlington English is launching the 100ED Fest 2024, a 100-day celebration of education that will span 100 cities in India and South Asia and reach over 100,000 educators in the region. Commencing in Lucknow, the festival will extend its reach across a vast and diverse landscape, spanning major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi, emerging centres such as Guwahati, Indore, Kota, Vijayawada, and Srinagar, and towns like Aligarh, Kangra, Alwar, Karnal and Davangere. By showcasing state-of-the-art classroom resources and revealing innovative classroom teaching techniques to educators, the 100ED Fest is a celebration of ideas, and a chance to ignite a nationwide passion for learning. This festival of learning aims to strengthen connections within the education community, highlighting Burlington English’s commitment to being “The Publisher That Cares”.

Burlington English recognises that educators lie at the heart of classroom engagement, and has, over the years, empowered them through their extensive teacher training programmes. These interventions have been a resounding success, and have laid the bedrock for building a community of forward-thinking teachers, principals and leaders from across regions. Building on this legacy of transforming classroom education, Burlington English is now inaugurating the 100ED Fest 2024 to reach out to educators all over India and South Asia.

The 100ED workshops are carefully curated to align with the goals of NEP 2020. The fest will feature insights from numerous renowned master trainers and education influencers, who amalgamate existing teaching methodologies with experiential, holistic, inquiry-driven, learner-centred, and play-based approaches to education. The theme of the fest, We See Tomorrow, embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and collaboration – the core values that will drive learning for the future. Central to this vision is the limitless potential of every student, which can be realised through tender nurturing by passionate and innovative educators, and fortified through technologically enhanced print and digital learning resources. The 100ED Fest promises to help learners and educators realise their dream of becoming changemakers. ‘We See Tomorrow’ is more than just a slogan – it is a call to action for educators and education experts to come together and create citizens of the future.

Mr. Amit Baveja, Managing Director of Burlington English India & Southeast Asia, shares, “The launch of the 100ED Fest 2024 is a landmark initiative for Burlington English. As ‘The Publisher That Cares,’ we’re committed to transforming education by reaching educators in both metro and smaller cities across India. Just as a festival unites people in celebration, our fest aims to build a community of educators who share a passion for innovative teaching and a common vision for the future of education. The 100ED Fest is about more than just training – it’s about empowering educators with the tools and passion to inspire the next generation.

Our initiative supports the government’s vision for skilling by enhancing educators’ capabilities nationwide. Through the 100ED Fest, we aim to cultivate a dynamic and effective learning environment in classrooms, ensuring that every student across geographies has access to quality education. Our theme, ‘We See Tomorrow,’ encompasses our shared vision of a brighter future for learners.”

Pune, August 13, 2024: IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is launching a CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification course in partnership with Symbiosis School of Arts and Commerce. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will provide opportunities for commerce graduates to lucrative career options globally and marks a significant step towards enhancing the professional competencies of students in the field of management accounting.

Under the MoU, Symbiosis will offer IMA’s professional program to its students which will complement their academic studies. This includes IMA’s prestigious CMA certification, focusing on financial planning, performance, analytics, and strategic financial management, which will ensure graduates are well-rounded and equipped to excel in various professional settings.

“In the face of rapidly evolving global market dynamics, the importance of equipping future professionals with comprehensive and adaptable skill sets is paramount. The partnership with Symbiosis is a significant step in our mission to advance the management accounting profession globally,” said Michael DePrisco, President & CEO, IMA. “By offering our certification programs to Symbiosis students, we are providing them with a robust foundation to excel in their careers with the critical skills needed in today’s competitive job market.”

IMA’s certification programs will be integrated into Symbiosis’ existing curriculum, allowing students to explore relevant knowledge from their first year, with the possibility of completing the CMA exam before graduation. Candidates will cover their membership, exam, training, and study materials fees, with special discounts provided to Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce students. Additionally, IMA will also collaborate with the college to conduct joint seminars, conferences, and research projects to enhance student learning and industry exposure. Additionally, IMA’s academic members will gain access to an extensive library of research reports, case studies, and online courses.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Hrishikesh Soman, Principal, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, said, “Symbiosis is honoured to be associated with IMA, who is offering the CMA to our students. This integrated certification programme will help our students compete on a global level and develop expertise in the field of management accounting. We are looking forward to a strong collaboration with IMA in the future.”

This collaboration will empower students to compete on a global scale, develop robust technical management accounting skills and knowledge, and provide them with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and success.

Authored by Joytee Naair, Founder of Careervversity

12th August 2024: Choosing the right academic track for their studies from 9th to 12th grade is one of the most important decisions a student will ever make. This choice impacts not just their current academic path but also establishes the parameters for their subsequent career possibilities. Making such a significant choice at such a young age, though, might be intimidating. Students frequently lack the clarity and experience necessary to make wise decisions. This is where mentorship and counseling are really helpful. Selecting a stream, such as Science, Commerce, Arts, or a career route, is an essential duty that comes with going from middle to high school. Parental expectations, cultural norms, peer pressure, and occasionally the student’s interests all play a role in this decision-making process. These elements could cause a learner to receive inadequate instruction to make a choice that doesn’t align with their true aspirations or potential.

This process of decision-making is not limited to high school. Selecting a graduating stream is just as important for deciding one’s career path and professional prospects. Once more, students must weigh their passions against what they consider to be “secure” or “prestigious” possibilities. Because science seems so stable, a student may feel forced to study it in high school, only to fall in love with the humanities when they graduate. On the other hand, a student who is very interested in technology might not know about the variety of career options in business or the arts, thus they would make a decision based on incomplete knowledge.

The Importance of Counselling and Mentorship

To give students the information they need to make wise decisions regarding their academic and career trajectories, counseling and mentorship are essential. A mentor can help students navigate the pros and cons of each stream, as well as future job prospects and academic hurdles. A mentor can be a teacher, a professional counselor, or an experienced adult. Crucially, mentors assist students in matching their high school and college major choices with their long-term professional objectives, aptitudes, and personal interests.

1. Specialized Guidance: Every student is different, possessing a special combination of skills, shortcomings, interests, and objectives. Choosing a stream in a way that doesn’t work for everyone can be harmful.

Mentors can assist students in understanding their skills and how they fit with the requirements of various streams through individualized counseling. With this personalized approach, students are certain to select a stream that truly aligns with their future goals, as opposed to merely adopting the choices of their peers or following trends.

2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Students may feel excessive pressure to select the “correct” course of action. The fear of falling short of social norms or upsetting parents is a common source of this pressure. A portion of the anxiety related to choosing a stream can be reduced by mentoring, which offers a safe space for students to voice their worries and anxieties. Students who receive mentoring can make decisions about their college major and high school courses with more clarity and self-assurance.

3. Increasing professional Possibilities: Many students may be unaware of the variety of professional alternatives that are open to them. They can be introduced to areas they would not have thought about via a mentor. For example, a biology-focused student may be urged to consider professions in science communication, environmental science, or biotechnology. Mentors assist students in high school and college in making better selections that are in line with their genuine interests by extending their horizons.

4. Improving the Ability to Make Decisions: Choosing an academic path gives pupils a head start on making lifelong decisions, which is a valuable life skill. Students who receive mentorship learn how to balance the advantages and disadvantages, think through the long-term effects, and make choices that are consistent with their goals and values.

Real-Life Implications of Stream and College Major Choices

Long-term effects may result from the decisions high school and college students make about their academic paths. These choices affect their ability to enroll in college courses, the kinds of occupations they can choose from, and even how happy they are with their chosen field overall. Students can embark on a journey toward professional success and personal fulfillment by making a well-considered selection and receiving great mentoring.

For instance, a student is more likely to succeed academically and maintain motivation throughout their studies if they are enthusiastic about a certain subject and choose a stream that fits their interests. On the other hand, people who select a stream due to outside pressures could get disinterested, which could affect their academic standing and perhaps result in a change of employment later in life.

To help students navigate the difficult process of choosing a stream in both high school and college, counseling and mentoring are crucial. Mentors are essential in helping students shape their futures because they provide individualized guidance, ease anxiety, increase career options, and improve decision-making abilities. Having this kind of support available to them can help students in grades 9 through 12 and beyond select a career path that not only plays to their strengths academically but also opens doors to a successful and satisfying life. It is impossible to overestimate the value of mentoring when choosing a stream and college degree in a world full of constantly changing professional alternatives. It guarantees that pupils make self-assured, well-informed choices that position them for success

Mumbai, August 12, 2024: EuroKids Preschool, India’s leading preschool expert, is set to celebrate Independence Day with grand festivities across its 1600+ centres nationwide, involving over 100,000 children. EuroKids is dedicated to nurturing independence from an early age, aiming to instil self-reliance and confidence in children as young as two years old through its scientifically structured curriculum – EUNOIA.

The celebrations will feature a series of events that include flag-hoisting, parades, and patriotic skits and songs. These activities are designed not only to honor India’s independence but also to cultivate a sense of patriotism and self-confidence among young learners. By participating in these events, children will develop essential skills such as cultural awareness, social skills, communication, and leadership, which are crucial for their overall development.

KVS Seshasai, CEO of the Pre-K Division at Lighthouse Learning (EuroKids), shared his thoughts on the initiative: “Independence is a fundamental value that we believe should be nurtured from an early age. Celebrating Independence Day with our young learners offers a special chance to nurture holistic development, helping them grasp the significance of community involvement, cultural appreciation, self-reliance, and national pride. Our goal is to create an environment where children feel empowered to explore, learn, and grow independently. At EuroKids, we go beyond traditional teaching methods to incorporate 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity and decision-making into our curriculum to prepare the next generation with the freedom to develop essential life skills.”

The Independence Day celebrations at EuroKids reflect the preschool’s commitment to holistic development. Through a balanced mix of academic and extracurricular activities, EuroKids aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally intelligent. The celebrations will include educational sessions on the significance of independence, encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings through art and storytelling.

Recognizing the pivotal role of early education in shaping a child’s future, EuroKids is dedicated to providing a strong foundation during these formative years. To honor this special occasion, EuroKids has introduced a Special Freedom Offer for new enrollments, along with an exclusive Defense Discount for families of our brave soldiers. This initiative highlights EuroKids’ commitment to making quality early education accessible to more families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to benefit from its holistic learning environment.

9th August 2024: As the world celebrated the Paris 2024 Olympics, India’s athletes once again demonstrated their resilience, passion, and unwavering spirit. In recognition of these achievements and with the aim of nurturing future champions, GD Goenka University is proud to announce a ₹1 crore scholarship fund dedicated to supporting young Indian athletes.

This initiative reflects GD Goenka University‘s commitment to empowering the next generation of sports talent, inspired by the remarkable performances of Indian athletes. Figures like Neeraj Chopra, the Indian men’s hockey team, Manu Bhaker, and others have become symbols of excellence and perseverance. Their stories of triumph remind us of the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines true champions. The scholarship fund aims to empower emerging athletes, providing them with the resources they need to chase their dreams and reach new heights in their respective sports.

“At GD Goenka University, we believe in the power of dreams and the strength of perseverance. Our athletes in Paris have shown the world what India is capable of, and we are committed to supporting the next generation of champions. With this ₹1 crore scholarship fund, we aim to empower young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach new heights, continuing the legacy of excellence
demonstrated by our Olympians,” said Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group.

GD Goenka University stands by its commitment to developing future champions. This scholarship is a testament to the university’s dedication to transforming dreams into reality, fueling ambition, and celebrating every step toward excellence. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, honor the achievements of our athletes, and continue to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars.

9th August 2024: Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination encircles the world.” Aligning with Einstein’s wisdom, Pacific World School, Greater Noida, hosted an annual science quiz, “The STEM Chronicles: Exploring the Depth of Imagination and Logic,” to inspire young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Mr. Gaurava Yadav, the esteemed chief guest, renowned quizmaster, Founder and CEO of EduAce Services and the Indian Principals’ Network (IPN), and international award-winning entrepreneur, graced the event with his presence. The 2024 ThinkQuest emphasized STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), fostering curiosity and creativity. Integrating the arts into traditional STEM subjects, the quiz aimed to inspire the next generation of thinkers and innovators. Among 27 schools, Pacific World School and Delhi Public School (KPV) secured first place, followed by Delhi Public School Sec 122 as the first runner-up and Mayoor School as the second runner-up.

Ms. Pooja Bose, Principal of Pacific World School, Greater Noida, expressed, “The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by our students reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where imagination and knowledge go hand in hand. We look forward to many more inspiring journeys, paving the way for continued exploration, imagination, and innovation until the next ThinkQuest.”

Delhi, Aug 8, 2024: PW Skills, the upskilling vertical of Physics Wallah (PW) has announced the launch of School of Healthcare across five cities in India, namely, Noida, Indore, Lucknow, Patna and Delhi. This initiative comes in response to the increasing demand within India’s healthcare sector, which has been growing at a CAGR of 22% since 2016 and currently employs 4.7 million professionals directly.

The School of Healthcare aims to solve the shortage of skilled healthcare workers by offering specialised courses. These programs are meticulously designed to meet industry standards and cater to the diverse needs of the healthcare market.

Ashish Sharma, Chief Business Officer (CBO), PW, said, “India’s healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, yet only 15% of our 65 lakh allied health professionals are vocationally trained. This significant gap highlights the urgent need for high-quality, affordable education. With the launch of our School of Healthcare, PW Skills is committed to bridging this divide by offering diverse, hands-on training programs. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced medical equipment ensure students gain practical experience essential for their careers. The recent government legislation defining allied health professional categories and university guidelines has created a possible environment for innovation. At PW Skills, we are excited to step into this space, providing solutions that will make a meaningful impact on India’s healthcare landscape.”

PW Skills has launched the School of Healthcare to ensure comprehensive education and career readiness. The courses integrate practical internships as a unique component, offering hands-on experience crucial for professional development. For B.Vocational courses such as Medical Lab Technician (MLT) and Operation Theatre Technician (OTT), students will spend two years in classroom training followed by a year of intensive internship. Similarly, Advanced Diploma programs in MLT and OTT offer a balanced mix of theoretical learning and practical exposure through a one-year classroom session and a subsequent year of internship.

In addition to academic excellence, PW Skills will provide comprehensive placement assistance, including interview preparation, soft skills development, and computer literacy courses. Looking ahead, the institution aims to facilitate international placements for its graduates, further enhancing career opportunities in the global healthcare market.

Bangalore, 07 August 2024 – The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is issuing a final call for nominations for the prestigious IET India Awards 2024. With just one week remaining, we urge all innovators and leaders in engineering to submit their nominations by 14 August 2024. These awards honour Indian engineers and organisations that exemplify innovation, engineering excellence, and impactful contributions across various industries.

The IET India Awards 2024 aim to celebrate significant achievements in the following categories: Youth Engineering Icon of the Year, IET India Young Woman Engineer Award, IET India Volunteering Award, IET India Future Tech Awards, IET India Mobility Awards, and the IET India Future of Work Award. These categories are open to individual engineers, teams, and organisations from industry, academia, not-for-profit organisations, and the government.

Mr Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director of IET India, emphasised the importance of these awards: “India has emerged as a global powerhouse for digital innovation and technology R&D. The next decade promises transformative opportunities for technologists, engineers, researchers, and academia to shape the nation’s future. The IET India Awards recognise and celebrate impactful innovation, inspiring a new generation of engineers and technologists to create solutions that benefit society at large.

Previous winners have made significant progress and served as role models for the country’s emerging technology talent. I am confident that this year’s applicants will showcase innovative solutions and research advancements, further inspiring the next generation of technology enthusiasts in the country.”

Instituted in 2021 to commemorate 150 years of the IET’s legacy, the IET India Awards have celebrated outstanding individuals and organisations who have brought transformative changes through their technical expertise and inventive solutions. Distinguished past winners include Nandan Nilekani (Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman, Infosys), Tarun Mehta (Founder, ather Energy), Praneet Dutta (Research Engineering Tech Lead, Google Deepmind), Kris Gopalakrishnan (Co-founder of Infosys), ElectricPe, TeamLease, and Zoho Corp, among others.

Founded by T4 Education and HP, the new award will be given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education

New Delhi, August 07, 2024: India’s Ashish Dhawan, Founder and Chairperson of the Central Square Foundation, and Pranav Kothari, CEO of Educational Initiatives (Ei), have been named among the ten Finalists for the inaugural Asia Education Medal. Founded this year by T4 Education and HP, the new award will be given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

The Asia Education Medal recognises the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – celebrating the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch. It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

The winner of the Asia Education Medal will be invited to attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai on 23-24 November and, in recognition of the urgent need to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis to tackle learning gaps, the winner will be entitled to nominate a school of their choice to receive membership of T4 Education’s Best School to Work programme – an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.

Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, said:

“Congratulations to India’s Ashish Dhawan and Pranav Kothari on being named Finalists for the Asia Education Medal 2024. Their passion and dedication to transforming education will inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps in building a world where quality education is enjoyed by all.

“HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Asia Education Medal brings together all those who are changing the face of Asian education, whose work we must all learn from if the world is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said:

“The Asia Education Medal honours changemakers where change is needed most. Where learning gaps remain stubbornly persistent and where deep inequalities remain.

“If we are to tackle these colossal challenges, and unlock the continent’s future, we must build a community of leaders from every sphere of society committed to educational transformation. Leaders like Ashish Dhawan and Pranav Kothari. Asia, and the world, has so much to learn from your inspirational stories and your vital contribution to the next generation.”

Ashish Dhawan is the Founder and Chairperson of the Central Square Foundation (CSF), one of the most important contemporary education philanthropies in India. His work to successfully champion Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) has made him one of the most influential education philanthropists in India in the last decade. Founded in 2012, CSF played a catalytic role in centring FLN as the primary objective of the K-12 education ecosystem in India, which serves 250 million children.

Pranav Kothari is CEO of Educational Initiatives (Ei) in India, an organisation that employs the twin levers of cutting-edge pedagogical research and technology-based solutions to help students across different socio-economic backgrounds learn with understanding. Through his work, Kothari has sought to address the challenge that while school enrollment has expanded in India with the broadening of the country’s education infrastructure, schooling has not translated into learning.

The Finalists for the Asia Education Medal 2024 are:

• Ashish Dhawan, Founder and Chairperson, Central Square Foundation, India
•  Baela Jamil, CEO, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) – Centre for Education and Consciousness, Pakistan
•  Duriya Aziz Singapore Wala, Senior Vice President (Education, International), Scholastic Inc, Singapore
• Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education, Philippines
• Korvi Rakshand, Founder & Executive Director, JAAGO Foundation, Bangladesh
• Nargish Khambatta, Principal & CEO GEMS Modern Academy, UAE
• Pranav Kothari , CEO, Educational Initiatives, India
• Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson, LeapEd Services Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
• Shinichi Yamanaka, President, KADOKAWA DWANGO Education Institute, Japan
• Yuhyun Park, Founder & CEO, DQ Institute, Singapore

Nominations for the Asia Education Medal opened in February 2024 for individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are either educators or school leaders, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, or technologists.

The Asia Education Medal is one of the three World Education Medals established by T4 Education and HP. It joins the Africa Education Medal, which was founded in 2022 and has grown to be Africa’s most prestigious education accolade, as well as the new Latin America Education Medal which was also launched this year.