1,85,000
children
17
States
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative moment in India’s education landscape. It envisions an inclusive, flexible, and multidisciplinary system that nurtures every child’s potential, emphasising Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), technology integration, teacher capacity building, and experiential learning. Complementing the goals of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which made schooling free and compulsory, the NEP shifts focus from access to the quality and continuity of learning - ensuring that every child not only attends school but truly learns, thrives, and progresses.
Smile Foundation’s education initiatives are closely aligned with this national vision. Through the Mission Education programme, we work to translate the spirit of NEP 2020 into action on the ground, bringing together curriculum strengthening, teacher development, digital enablement, and socio-emotional learning. The approach supports both school completion and equitable learning outcomes, especially for children from underprivileged backgrounds. It is also in line with the key priorities identified during the G20 Education Working Group (2023): advancing foundational literacy and numeracy, integrating technology into classrooms, building institutional capacities, and encouraging innovation.
Mission Education focuses on creating learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and future-ready. The programme integrates STEM learning, digital and green infrastructure, teacher training, FLN support, and school health initiatives to ensure holistic child development.
By working in partnership with government systems, schools, and communities, Smile Foundation complements public education efforts, bridges resource gaps, and contributes to the shared national goal of ensuring quality education for all. In doing so, it strengthens the bridge between policy intent and classroom impact, making learning meaningful, equitable, and enduring for every child.
reached through Mission Education programme across India, ensuring continuity in learning through inclusive classroom interventions
extended to deserving students across India, promoting access to higher education and career readiness through continued academic support
are now experiencing technology-enabled learning through smart TVs, interactive panels, and solar-powered digital classrooms across underserved regions
integrated Mission Education interventions, advancing foundational literacy, STEM learning, and digital education in line with the NEP 2020 and National Curriculum Framework 2022
Mission Education works with government and community schools to ensure that every child receives quality education and equal learning opportunities. The programme reached over 1.85 lakh children through 242 centres and 1,008 government schools across India. The focus remains on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, enabling children to achieve grade-appropriate competencies. Teaching-learning materials, activity-based lessons, and continuous assessments support improved engagement and learning outcomes. By combining classroom support with parental and community involvement, Smile Foundation is creating equitable and inclusive learning environments that encourage children to stay in school and complete their education with confidence.
Teachers play a central role in achieving meaningful education outcomes. During the year, 1,142 teachers participated in 244 training sessions held across multiple states. The sessions focused on activity-based and experiential learning, classroom management, lesson planning, and the use of technology in teaching, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Teachers were also trained to promote inclusivity and integrate life skills, environment, and value-based education into the curriculum. These initiatives are equipping educators with the skills and confidence to create learner-centred classrooms, making the teaching-learning process more engaging and effective.
To promote sustainability and improve access to digital education, Mission Education enhanced school infrastructure through smart TVs, solar panels, tablets, and interactive panels, benefiting over 68,000 students. Classrooms were equipped with improved seating, safe drinking water, and storage facilities to create safe and conducive learning spaces. The integration of renewable energy and digital tools has made classrooms more interactive and environmentally responsible. By bridging the digital divide, the initiative ensures that students from underserved communities are not left behind in the shift toward technology-enabled and sustainable learning environments.
In line with national priorities on skilling and innovation, Mission Education introduced STEM Labs at 32 locations, engaging more than 22,000 students in experiential learning. These labs encourage hands-on exploration, teamwork, and problem-solving through science experiments, robotics, and model-based projects. The STEM on Wheels initiative further extended learning opportunities to remote areas, promoting access to practical and technology-driven education. Through these interventions, Smile Foundation is nurturing scientific curiosity and creativity among students, equipping them with the skills and confidence required to participate in India’s growing innovation ecosystem.
A healthy child learns better and participates more actively. Health and hygiene sessions were conducted across 18 locations, reaching over 6,000 children, while WASH and adolescent health awareness activities benefited 8,700 students. Regular medical check-ups were organised for 10,995 children, and nutrition support was provided to 3,075 learners. Career counselling and guidance sessions reached 3,549 adolescents, enabling informed choices about education and work pathways. Through these efforts, Smile Foundation promotes physical, emotional, and social well-being, ensuring that children learn in environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to growth.
Mission Education works with 1,000+ government schools across 15 states, aligning interventions with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022. The programme leverages digital monitoring tools such as SurveyCTO and KoboToolbox for data-based decision-making and evaluation. By combining on-ground initiatives with systemic engagement, Mission Education continues to contribute to the Government of India’s vision of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
Designed and facilitated workshops in robotics, aero-modelling, 3D printing, energy, and astronomy for school students
Conducted hands-on sessions in electronics, mechanics, coding, and bot-making
Supported STEM lab setup, DIY kits, teacher training, and digital learning resources
Organised bootcamps on app development, 3D modelling, virtual reality, and assessments for experiential learning
Led capacity-building initiatives for teachers and students to strengthen educational delivery
Carried out a study on Atal Tinkering Lab integration in government schools and teacher training
Offered an integrated mathematics learning programme using concrete learning materials
Provided free access to the BYJU’S Premium App for continued online learning
Enabled AI-based English language learning to enhance reading and comprehension
Supplied STEM and Maths labs, DIY kits, and toolkits to promote classroom innovation
Developed assessment tools for identifying learning gaps and supporting education recovery
Installed ReadToMe software to improve reading fluency and comprehension
Supported foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) development
Partnered for STEM integration and digital learning experiences
Provided exposure visits for experiential science learning
Extended support for digital learning, sports, financial literacy, and career counselling
Smile Foundation’s Scholarship Programme enables students from underserved communities, with a special focus on girls, to pursue their education confidently across three streams - school, engineering, and vocational/professional courses. The programme removes financial barriers while also building life skills, communication abilities, technical proficiency, and career readiness. Scholars benefit not only from fee assistance but also exposure opportunities, mentorship, academic support, and internships, helping them stay in the field of education, develop professional aspirations, and transition successfully into the workforce.
Scholars also received training in ARSH, financial literacy, self-defense, job readiness, and career counselling through individual subject experts.
Ethnus Consultancy:Conducted life-skills and English proficiency training for engineering and professional scholars
English Helper: Delivered online English skilling courses for improved communication and employability
AUTH Bridge: Managed background verification of shortlisted scholars within set turnaround time and compliance standards
Co-grad: Provided technical training modules on Python, Robotics, IoT, AI, and Machine Learning for scholars pursuing STEM education
"Growing up in Mumbai, I always dreamed of becoming an engineer. Today, as a computer engineering student, I feel that dream coming closer each day.
But the journey was not easy. With my father working as a labourer and struggling with diabetes, most of our income went into treatment and daily expenses. When my father urgently needed surgery, the savings for my education disappeared overnight and my dream suddenly felt out of reach.
That changed with Smile Foundation’s scholarship. Being selected gave me more than financial relief: it gave me the chance to continue my studies with confidence. The scholarship not only eased the stress at home, but also equipped me with life skills and workshops that helped me grow stronger.
Now, I am determined to become a data engineer and make my parents proud."
"I dream of becoming a teacher one day. I just want to help other children just like my teachers helped me.
Three years ago, my mother left us forever after a sudden heart failure. Since then, my father, who works as a daily labourer and my grandparents have been my biggest support. They always encourage me to go to school regularly and study well.
At school, I am learning subjects I once thought were too difficult for me. My teachers explain things with such patience, making even difficult lessons feel easy and fun. Now, I enjoy books, stories and all activities there. Slowly, I am learning not only subjects like maths and science, but also confidence, discipline and the belief that I can build a better life."
"My father is a farmer, and he starts his day before the sun rises, working with hands worn by years of labor. My mother keeps our family strong, holding things together with love and endless patience. Life hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of moments that remind me how lucky I am to have them.
When I scored 92% in my board exams, it felt like a reward for every late-night study session, but more than that, it felt like a gift to my parents for believing in me. Now, as I study engineering, I dream of getting a good job so I can take care of them, give them the comfort they deserve, and show my younger brother that dreams are worth chasing."
"Sunil was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia within the first year of his birth and has already undergone two blood transfusions. The health challenges have made everyday activities difficult for him. While he often watches his friends play and feels the absence of a carefree childhood, he never complains or lets his parents feel burdened.
His father works as a wood collector and his mother as a daily wage labourer. They work tirelessly to afford proper healthcare for their son, praying every day for his recovery and good health.
Earlier, sending him to a far-off school was a struggle. Today, hope has arrived in the form of Smile Foundation’s first learning center in their village. Now Sunil studies in Class 2 at the Mission Education Center in Dahanipadar, Kalahandi, Odisha, learning, growing, and holding on to his dreams."
