Journey of Gurushala

Background

Gurushala is an initiative of Vodafone Idea Foundation and is implemented by Pratham Education Foundation. The idea driving Gurushala dates back to 2012 when a digital education programme was piloted in 151 under-resourced and low-cost schools across India. The programme aimed to positively impact the learning levels of students by equipping schools with digital technology and training upper-primary math and science teachers to integrate technology and innovative group learning pedagogies inside the classroom.

Over the years, the programme worked with schools across diverse geographies, cultures, languages and other socio-economic characteristics. In this process, it generated a rich pool of knowledge and insights about the problems that Indian teachers face inside their classrooms and innovative and scalable solutions to solve those problems. The need to provide teachers with an integrated platform for self-paced capacity development, access to varied resources and connect with peer teachers was realized. The growing penetration of internet and smart-phones in both rural and urban areas offered an opportunity to transform this need into the idea of an online teacher portal. In 2019, this idea translated into reality with the launch of Gurushala.

About Vodafone Idea Foundation and Pratham Education Foundation

Vodafone Idea Foundation believes that mobile communications technologies can address some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. The foundation considers it important to leverage mobile technology in mobilizing social change and improving people’s lives. Vodafone India Foundation network has focused on combining Vodafone’s expertise with the company’s charitable giving to do social good. As Vodafone’s reach continues to expand - moving from mobile to connectivity - there are greater opportunities for Vodafone India Foundation to harness these advancements for the benefit of society. Vodafone India Foundation focuses on addressing challenges relating to education, equality and access. Vodafone India Foundation is committed to enable people and technology to drive innovation, disseminate knowledge, and create shared value to improve lives. For more information please visit: https://www.vodafone.in/about-us/vodafone-foundation

Pratham is an innovative learning organization created to improve the quality of education in India. As one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the country, Pratham focuses on high-quality, low-cost, and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system. Established in 1995 to provide education to children in the slums of Mumbai, Pratham has grown both in scope and geographical coverage. The organization aims to improve the quality of education in India and ensure that all children not only attend but also thrive in school. This goal is accomplished by working in collaboration with the government, local communities, parents, teachers, volunteers, and civil society members. For more information please visit: http://pratham.org/