Agastya Annual Report 2021–22
Here’s an excerpt from our Annual Report 2021–22, showcasing our achievements in the previous year and the path lying ahead:
The prolonged onslaught of the pandemic has called on us to become bolder and more creative with our programs. It has spurred us to develop innovative solutions so quality learning continues to remain accessible to students, including those isolated in remote villages.
In 2021–22, we pushed harder to harness the power of technology to launch a spate of unique blended learning concepts and creative digital learning platforms. We focussed on empowering children isolated in lockdowns by facilitating self-study options at home.
One of the key initiatives this year to place children at the centre of their learning has been the launch of the book ActiLearn 1.0. With more than eighty hands-on activities, the book aims to engage children and inspire their curiosity and creativity. ActiLearn has been released in Kannada, English, Telugu and Hindi and has reached two lakh plus people in more than ten states. We are collaborating with the governments of Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana to distribute the book in respective state government schools.
To take forward the concept of self-study amongst children, we introduced Parishodhana Kits and Home Lab Kits that children could use in their homes while attending online classes. This complemented their digital learning sessions, making it easier to understand complex concepts on their own.
The Agastya pioneering spirit to find solutions during the challenging Covid times drove us to launch two digital platforms: the We-Learn app and MyAgastya.education website. These platforms promote self-learning and enable students to take their education into their own hands. They contain modules with easy-to-do activities and experiments connected to the NCERT syllabus. We also trained teachers in the effective use of these platforms.
While we innovated with technology, we continued to expand the scope and reach of our current programs. We capitalised on the need of the hour to launch 28 pilot phygital (or blended) learning programs across our various initiatives, including Science Centres, Mobile Science Labs and Lab-on-a-Bike. Along with face-to-face sessions, our instructors also used digital platforms and applications to provide a rounded educational experience.
We expanded our Kuppam Campus, the seat of Agastya’s innovation and operations, by adding two more buildings dedicated to specialised learning. The campus now boasts of an innovative biomimetic structure with four biology labs and an exclusive Aviation centre. We also started new outreach programs at the campus in the form of Eco-clubs in schools and Mana Nestham, a mobile school library.
To enhance learning outcomes, we also augmented the syllabus in our current initiatives to include math, electronics and Covid-relevant content.
Today, backed by innovation, we are driving education to new frontiers. We are inspired to not only create impact but ignite hope in the hearts of students. Together with our partners and supporters, we are taking confident and bold strides in the new normal, stepping towards a world where learning is possible without any boundaries and restrictions.
