LiftEd's Impact: Transforming India's Education Landscape

LiftEd, a pioneering initiative worth USD 18 million, has empowered 3.3 million children in over 15 Indian states, enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills. This initiative supports India's NIPUN Bharat Mission, uniting experts and leaders to advance educational strategies through innovative collaborations and interventions, influencing policy and learning outcomes nationwide.

LiftEd, a transformative initiative valued at USD 18 million, has significantly impacted over 3.3 million children across more than 15 states in India, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills. This undertaking is part of the Government of India's NIPUN Bharat Mission, which aspires to ensure all children attain basic reading and math skills by 2026-27.

As the NIPUN Bharat Mission enters its fourth year, LiftEd showcased its achievements at the 'LiftEd: Making India NIPUN' event in New Delhi. The event convened 175 education experts, policymakers, and private sector leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing foundational learning in India. Esteemed economist and professor, Karthik Muralidharan, engaged in a fireside chat as experts exchanged solutions for bolstering India's education system.

Supported by a consortium, including the Reliance Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and others, LiftEd is led by the British Asian Trust with Central Square Foundation and Dalberg Advisors providing design and technical aid. Nita M Ambani, Founder Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, expressed commitment to strengthening foundational learning through collaborative efforts. LiftEd has reached 3.3 million children within two and a half years, aligning with the government's mission to achieve universal FLN by 2026-27.

LiftEd operates through three core interventions: the Development Impact Bond (DIB), focuses on collaboration with state governments in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and others, enhance teaching methods and data-driven assessments. It also supports technology-based learning solutions for low-income families through the EdTech Accelerator, involving partners like Chimple and Rocket Learning. The District Innovation Challenge rewards districts for improving learning outcomes.

LiftEd's data-driven strategy has influenced government decisions, with 60% of the first-year DIB program's block-level meetings discussing FLN progress. By bridging civil society, government, and private sectors, LiftEd is revitalizing India's education system, unlocking the potential of millions of young learners.

(With inputs from agencies.)