KLE Tech University Students Transforming Villages Through RITE

Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) is a collaborative volunteer initiative with KLE Tech University, where engineering students engage with children in Haliyal villages, with over sixty college students participating so far. Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) is a volunteer programme, implemented in collaboration with KLE Tech University, Hubli. Engineering students from the University engage with the children in the villages of Haliyal through the programme. More than sixty college students have participated in the RITE programme so far.

Empowering Kids Through Community Learning Spaces

Cherysh Shiksha After School Learning Centres target all-round development of children through quality support to their learning needs. The cherysh Shikshas aim to foster village neighborhood learning spaces. These include community homes or common rooms. In these spaces, children can learn, aspire, and progress. Selected and trained community women serve as Learning Facilitators. The Shikshas offer augmented learning support to over a thousand children through an Active Rural Curriculum. This curriculum incorporates activity-rich approaches like music, art, puppetry, and games to teach English and Math. Phonics-based English learning is followed, with Learning Facilitators using phonics modules on digital devices in their classrooms. This program builds a strong foundation for English, the most challenging topic for rural Indian students. Beyond English, children get help with schoolwork, revision, and exam preparation. A day is dedicated to sports and physical activities, with all Shikshas equipped with sports kits. Arts and creative skills workshops are conducted in all Shikshas. They offer hands-on practice in clay modeling, paper crafts, and creative writing. Participants also engage in plays, songs, and dance. These activities are led by experienced trainers. From 2015 to 2019, cherysh covered 26 villages, with 37 Shikshas, 37 Learning Facilitators, and over a 1000 children enrolled. Future plans include expanding to more villages in the region.

Empowering Education: Tackling Digital Disparities Post-Covid

Tech is the future, and we are introducing computer science through infrastructure and education in the villages of Haliyal district, Karnataka. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the paramount importance of technology in the education sector. Urban schools and colleges successfully transitioned to online learning platforms. Rural areas faced significant challenges due to limited infrastructure. They also struggled with technical skills. We identified disparities that necessitated attention. Thus, we established a collaborative partnership with The PiJam Foundation. Our goal is to transform eight Shiksha Centers into digital learning hubs. These centers will use low-cost, open-source technology and Raspberry Pis to foster computer literacy among students. The curriculum will encompass Physical Computing, Programming, and Digital Making, equipping students with essential problem-solving and design thinking skills. Learning Facilitators will undergo comprehensive training over a year to transform into Tech-Learning Facilitators. This initiative aims to enhance computer science knowledge among girls and Learning Facilitators. It ensures their preparedness for the evolving digital landscape. ThoughtWorks and Innovative Technology Trust generously supported this transformational project.

Enhancing Teaching Quality with CherYsh and CFTE

CherYsh collaborates with CFTE  and Ontum Education Pvt. Ltd. to deliver innovative digital education. Meghshala’s STEAM (STEM + Art) modules align with CherYsh’s goals, offering e-lessons enriched with images, videos, and strategies. The content is accessible offline via tablets used by our Learning Facilitators, thereby ensuring learning continuity even in areas with limited internet access

Digital Tools Transforming Education in Shikshas

Technology enhances learning in shikshas by equipping Learning Facilitators with digital tablets for e-learning, facilitating audio-visual teaching, and enabling online attendance tracking for efficient education management. Technology is used extensively to make learning more efficient in the shikshas. Each Learning Facilitator is equipped with digital tablet in which e-learning modules are made available. Facilitators use the tablet to aid teaching with audio visual content and thereby make learning easy and interesting. The online attendance tracking system is enabled such that Learning Facilitators can record attendance on their digital devices, daily. Foundation and refresher training are conducted at regular intervals

CherYsh Junior Shiksha Program

Education of girls in rural India is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why CherYsh was founded. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh Junior Shiksha Program.” CherYsh Junior Shiksha empowers rural communities by nurturing young minds, fostering creative and emotional growth, and engaging parents in their children’s educational journeys. Together, these efforts are transforming the lives of rural children and shaping a brighter future for women as well. CherYsh Junior Shiksha provides holistic development opportunities for rural children in India through After-School Learning Centers. These centers are in the government schools located in over 30 villages at any time and offer a supportive neighbourhood learning environment led by trained young women as Learning Facilitators and Master Trainers. Program Highlights:1. Active Rural Curriculum: Engaging methodologies such as music, art, puppetry, and games help teach English and Mathematics through phonics-based learning modules.2. Digital Integration: Tools and e-learning modules enhance education, incorporating the Meghshala digital platform.3. Creativity and Physical Well-being: Weekly sports activities and hands-on workshops, including clay modelling, paper crafts, creative writing, plays, songs, and dance, nurture physical and creative growth. Since 2015, CherYsh has impacted over 10,000 children, fostering academic success and personal growth in rural communities. Strategic Partnerships CherYsh collaborates with CFTE and Ontum Education Pvt. Ltd. to deliver innovative digital education. CFTE STEAM (STEM + Art) modules align with CherYsh’s goals, offering e lessons enriched with images, videos, and strategies. The content is accessible offline via tablets used by our Learning Facilitators, thereby ensuring learning continuity even in areas with limited internet access. Program Goals and Objectives To provide foundational learning with a focus on holistic language and numeracy development for rural children, especially girls, empowering them for lifelong success. The key objectives were as follows: 1. Enhance Foundational LearningImprove literacy and numeracy proficiency by 20% in the first year.Implement age-appropriate curriculum tailored to student needs.2. Foster Holistic Language DevelopmentEnhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, improving language proficiency by 15% in two years.Use interactive storytelling, language games, and group discussions.3. Promote Socio-Emotional GrowthBuild emotional intelligence and social skills through confidence-building exercises, teamwork, and mindfulness techniques.4. Increase Parental EngagementBoost parental participation in workshops and meetings by 25% over three years, fostering a supportive home learning environment.  Key Activities 1. Foundational LearningConduct pre-assessments to address learning gaps.Deliver interactive sessions on basic literacy and numeracy.Regularly evaluate and refine teaching methods.2. Language DevelopmentIntegrate storytelling, language games, and group activities.Provide structured writing exercises to enhance expression.3. Socio-Emotional DevelopmentEncourage role-playing, teamwork, and mindfulness.Foster a safe environment for emotional expression.4. Parental EngagementHost parent-teacher meetings and workshops.Organize “Show and Tell” events to strengthen community involvement.   What People Say “As a CherYsh™ Junior Shiksha program student, I can confidently say it transformed my life. Before joining, I struggled with English and Math, making it hard to keep up with classmates. But now, I have quality learning support right in my neighbourhood.” Ashwini, Student, Yedoga Village “Beyond academics, the CherYsh™ Junior Shiksha program fosters students’ growth in sports, art, and creativity. Witnessing their blossoming creativity fills me with gratitude. It has also boosted my teaching confidence, making me a respected village member. I hope more villages in the region can benefit from this program.” Ms. Savitri Channappa Ugnikeri, Learning Facilitator, Kavalwad Village

CherYsh Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha) Program

Education of girls in rural India is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why CherYsh was founded. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha) Program.” The Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha) program bridges the digital divide by offering quality technology education to rural students. By empowering Learning Facilitators and Technology educators and equipping e Shiksha Centers with cost-effective digital tools, the program fosters holistic digital learning and problem-solving skills through coding, digital making, and computational thinking. Primary Objectives of Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha)1. Digital Literacy for AllTraining students in programming, logical reasoning, and physical computing through hands-on coding in Scratch, Python, and HTML.Encouraging project-based learning, with students creating competition-worthy projects annually.2. Community-Centric DesignRevamping existing community spaces to establish fully equipped computer labs accessible to students from Grades 5 to 9.Engaging local women as trained Learning Facilitators to build sustainable computing education ecosystems.3. Integrated CurriculumA 50-hour, grade-specific computing curriculum that blends academic subjects (Math, Science, and English) with practical coding applications.Physical computing, problem-solving, and design-thinking modules emphasize real-world relevance.4. Empowering EducatorsOngoing training for Learning Facilitators to master digital tools, deliver interactive lessons, and integrate computational skills into teaching.  Program ImpactOperating in Haliyal Taluk, Karnataka, for over three years, e Shiksha has:Reached over 100 students per center across multiple rural villages, benefiting learners aged 10 to 16.Created a recurring 12-month intervention cycle to provide continuous support for students and facilitators. A Flagship Partnership: Technology, Learning, and Livelihood InfrastructureCherYsh launched its flagship partnership with KLE Technological University in 2012, which has grown into a groundbreaking joint venture in 2024 with the establishment of the KLE-CherYsh Center of Excellence for rural STEM education. Recognizing that modern learning and livelihood programs depend on technology, electric power, computers, and Wi-Fi, CherYsh developed strategic partnerships with KLE Technological University, Intel, Selco and Mphasis to overcome these challenges. The KLE-CherYsh Partnership focuses on sustainable digital solutions for rural villages, that includes stable electric and communications solutions. Since 2012, KLE’s Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) volunteer program has empowered university students to mentor rural children in technology and mothers in entrepreneurship, enabling knowledge-sharing and skill-building in underserved areas. Over 100 STEM college students have participated in the RITE program, contributing to rural development. To further support CherYsh and other partners step in by providing training in software, communications, and digital hardware for both students and Learning Facilitators (LFs). These partnerships have been instrumental in scaling CherYsh’s modern learning and livelihood programs across rural communities. CherYsh collaborates with leading organizations to enhance the Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha) initiative:1. PiJam Foundation: Supplies content, hardware, and training for digital literacy programs.2. Raspberry Pi Foundation: Provides affordable hardware (Raspberry Pi processors) and baseline assessments.3. ThoughtWorks: Delivers communications platforms and technological infrastructure. STEM Integration in Gram Labs (formerly eShiksha) To deepen the impact of e Shiksha, the program integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education:Curriculum Design: Practical modules in robotics, circuitry, and engineering challenges.STEM Kits: Tools and resources for interactive experiments, emphasizing applied learning.Educator Support: Training Learning Facilitators in STEM education methodologies. Program Objectives 1. Develop Digital Proficiency: Enhance programming, logical reasoning, and physical computing skills among rural students.2. Foster Creativity: Encourage students to create projects for coding competitions, promoting innovation and critical thinking.3. Empower Learning Facilitators: Train young women as Master Trainers to sustain and scale the program.4. Promote Inclusivity: Increase access to quality technology education for rural girls, creating a gender-equitable learning environment.5. Integrate STEM Skills: Equip students with practical knowledge that bridges academics and real-world applications. Outcomes and Vision Establish a pipeline for technical education, higher studies, and tech careers in rural areas.Empower a network of women Master Trainers who can teach tech in regional languages.Close the digital divide, providing students with tools to compete with their urban counterparts. Participate in this century’s digital economySpark local innovation by creating platforms for tech expression and entrepreneurial exploration. With support from the Ministry of Education and continued collaborations, CherYsh aims to transform rural STEM education and livelihoods, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive in a technology-driven world.  What People Say “I started as a junior Shiksha facilitator at CherYsh™ Trust and later became a computer facilitator. Despite initial challenges, training equipped me to teach computers to students, many from tribal communities. Teaching them requires patience. I’m grateful to CherYsh™ for bringing the program to this remote village. The villagers have embraced it, providing all the necessary support.” Ms. Kanchana Kammar Learning Facilitator, CherYsh eShiksha Program, Tattigera village “As a proud eShiksha program parent, I’m thrilled to see my daughter, Soumya’s, incredible progress. Before joining, she had no computer or technology experience. Now, she’s confident and skilled. Watching her work and enhance her tech abilities daily is wonderful. I’m fortunate Soumya had CherYsh™’s eShiksha program.” Neelavva Soumya, Mother, CherYsh eShiksha Program, Arlwad village “In a small classroom, the eShiksha program began. Initially unfamiliar with computers, the children learned basics in a fun way. They used mice and explored Raspberry Pi tools for educational software. As weeks passed, they mastered tasks like typing, creating digital art, and coding simple programs. Their excitement grew as they discovered technology’s endless possibilities. CherYsh, a life-changing force in our villages, made this possible.” Mr. M Danagge, Headmaster, Janaga Village “Initially unaware of computers, I assumed learning MS Word and Excel would suffice. However, CherYsh™ offered more than that. I discovered coding and computing, which ignited my passion. Seeing the LED light up after successfully coding filled me with pride and joy. I’m grateful for this chance to learn and grow.” Aaditya Bhatkhande, Student, Standard 6, Government Higher Primary School, Alur

CherYsh English Shiksha Program

Education of girls in rural India is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why CherYsh was founded. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh English Shiksha Program.” The CherYsh English, Science and Maths (ESM) Shiksha Program, in partnership with the Deshpande Foundation and supported by Tata Elxsi’s CSR initiative, empowers rural students aged 10 to 14 in Haliyal Taluk, Karnataka. Over three years, this initiative has enhanced English proficiency, self-confidence, and essential communication skills among students, enabling them to understand computing technologies, pursue higher education and better opportunities. Partnering with Deshpande Foundation, Hubli (https://detedu.org/skill-in-village/), the SiV is an after-school program for students in primary and upper primary classes (Grade 5-8) of government schools in rural areas to equip them with life skills and English communication skills. Our program model gets embedded in the communities, steadily knitting itself with the various stakeholders—students, parents, School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, and village Panchayats. Overview and ImpactThe program targets 30 to 35 students per Shiksha Center, benefiting over 1,000 students annually across 30+ villages and over 20 government schools. In addition to improving language skills, it fosters critical life skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Young women from local communities are selected and trained as Learning Facilitators, providing them with respectable, prestigious and sustainable livelihoods. Major Outcomes– Improved spoken and written English skills.– Boosted student confidence and vocabulary.– Enhanced communication and life skills through interactive activities and workshops. Program Goals and ObjectivesTo educate rural students with proficient English language skills, foster confidence, and develop essential life skills, enabling holistic growth and better opportunities. The primary objectives were as follows: – Enhance Language Proficiency– Develop reading, listening, and speaking skills.– Deliver curated language lessons using interactive methods.– Provide resources like workbooks and audio materials for extended learning.– Boost Self-Confidence– Conduct activities that encourage self-expression in English.– Facilitate group discussions and celebrate student achievements.– Track confidence improvements through pre-and post-assessments.– Foster Effective Communication– Engage students in role-plays, presentations, and peer-interaction activities.– Provide constructive feedback on communication style and clarity.– Instil Life Skills– Organize workshops on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.– Promote teamwork through collaborative projects.– Enable real-life applications of life skills and monitor progress. Key Activities– Language Proficiency– Conduct baseline assessments and create tailored learning plans.– Deliver lessons focused on key language components—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.– Self-Confidence Building– Facilitate judgment-free group discussions and role-plays.– Recognize progress to boost students’ morale.– Effective Communication– Promote oral communication through interactive exercises.– Encourage peer collaboration and feedback for improvement.– Life Skills Development– Host workshops and collaborative activities to teach critical skills.– Provide opportunities for practical application and track development over time. Learning Facilitator DevelopmentThe program emphasizes the training of Learning Facilitators, with a robust 50+ session calendar supplemented by online modules. Women from local communities are equipped with pedagogy, technology, and subject coaching, transforming them into confident educators while improving learning outcomes for students. The CherYsh English Shiksha Program is a transformative initiative that bridges educational gaps, empowers students, and uplifts communities. By fostering confidence, communication, and life skills, the program ensures lasting impact for rural children and young women. What People Say “I’m Ravi Mantur, a Teregaon student. I thank CherYsh for their English Shiksha program. Before joining, English was challenging, but my skills improved significantly. I now speak English confidently. My parents are thrilled. Thanks to CherYsh excellent teaching methods, I can communicate confidently in English.” Ravi Mantur, Student, Belwatagi Village “I’m Jaishri, a CherYsh™ English Shiksha program facilitator. Before joining, my English was limited, but the program improved my communication and critical thinking skills. Activity-based learning and well-designed workbooks helped students retain what they learned. The program also emphasizes personality development, crucial for students’ overall growth. Today, I’m confident teaching English, and I owe it all to CherYsh™ and their excellent teaching methods.” Jaishri, English Shiksha, Learning Facilitator, Mundwad Village “As head of the Deshpande Foundation’s Skill in Village Program, I’m proud to partner with CherYsh™ to bring quality education to government schools in Haliyal district. CherYsh™’s strong network and local connections have been key to the program’s success. Ms. Kaveri, a cluster head and trainer, delivers well-prepared content and modules. Combined with Deshpande Foundation’s training and assessment tools, this partnership has positively transformed students’ lives. Classes 5 to 8 now receive quality education, boosting their confidence and motivation. This collaboration has also led to improved exam scores. We’d be delighted if CherYsh™ expanded its program beyond Haliyal district, impacting more communities and benefiting students across the region. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in rural students’ lives.” Harish, Deshpande Foundation, Skill-in-Village