The Future Literacy Initiative aims to revolutionize computer science education in Maharashtra's rural areas, empowering students and teachers with essential skills.
The Future Literacy Initiative in Maharashtra, in collaboration with DIET Pune, SCERT Maharashtra, Zilla Parishad Kolhapur, Amazon India CSR, and Code.org aims to enhance computer science education in rural areas.
Transforming Maharashtra's Rural Education Through Future Learning Initiative Program
Transforming Maharashtra's Rural Education Through Future Learning Initiative Program
Building a scalable & affordable learning ecosystem for Computer Science Education in Maharashtra, fostering 21st-century skills for rural students
Maharashtra
The Future Literacy Initiative aims to revolutionize computer science education in Maharashtra's rural areas, empowering students and teachers with essential skills.
The Future Literacy Initiative in Maharashtra, in collaboration with DIET Pune, SCERT Maharashtra, Zilla Parishad Kolhapur, Amazon India CSR, and Code.org aims to enhance computer science education in rural areas.
Why?
Students across government schools are growing up in a world shaped by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, yet access to meaningful learning in these areas remains limited. Most students engage with technology as users, without understanding how it works or how to create with it.
At the same time, teachers often lack structured resources and sustained support to introduce computer science concepts in classrooms. This creates a gap between exposure to technology and the ability to use it critically and creatively.
The program addresses this gap by building both student competencies and teacher capacity, ensuring that computer science education is not a one-time intervention, but a sustained part of the learning ecosystem.
Highlight
Over 6,500 teachers and 240+ officers have been influenced, contributing to a substantial growth in tech subjects among ~28,000 students.
What?
The program operates through multiple, complementary models to ensure both depth and scalability.
1. Computer Science Teaching Excellence (CSTE) Teacher Training & Hackathons
The Computer Science Teaching Excellence (CSTE) course is delivered through Firki’s LMS, combining structured online modules with Peer Learning Communities, WhatsApp-based support, and mentorship from CS Teacher Mentors.
Trained teachers introduce computer science in classrooms through activities and events, positioning coding as a life skill that builds expression, curiosity, and problem-solving. District and state-level coding hackathons extend this learning by providing opportunities to apply skills. These platforms encourage teamwork, validate student voice, and connect coding with real-world and civic problem-solving.
2. Computer Science Labs
The labs create structured learning environments through both in-school and after school models. Across all labs, students engage in unplugged activities, structured coding sessions, and hands-on project building, while being exposed to tools such as AI, animation, game design, and 3D printing.
CS Labs in Schools (Kolhapur):
An in-school model integrated into the regular timetable across 12 schools in Kolhapur for Grades 5-7, supported by 24 trained teachers and CS Fundamentals curriculum embedded within everyday learning. Students build foundational computational skills and create interactive projects as part of their regular classroom experience.
Road2Code Program (Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park):
An after-school model for Grades 5-10, implemented in partnership with schools and organisations, with weekday and weekend formats. Students engage in the same core learning experiences in an extended setting.
3. Hour of AI
The program introduces artificial intelligence through the Hour of AI initiative, supported by a structured resource book with curated, age-appropriate activities and lesson guides for teachers. Designed for Grades 3-9, it includes both plugged and unplugged activities, contextualised for Indian classrooms.
Students learn how AI works and where it is used, build simple AI-linked projects, write prompts, and engage critically with technology, helping them understand and explore AI in meaningful ways.
Our Objectives
Build foundational computational thinking and coding skills among students
Establish model Computer Science labs
Provide teacher training in coding fundamentals
Conduct events to develop an understanding of Computer Science Concepts
Highlight
A remarkable 13% growth in computing knowledge, skills, and mindsets has been achieved among students, highlighting the program's effectiveness and impact.
Through strategic partnerships with DIET Pune, Amazon India CSR, Code.org and the Maharashtra State School Education Department, we implemented our solution effectively. This program has had a significant impact, reaching thousands of students and empowering them with essential 21st-century skills crucial for their future success.
Key Approach
Key Expertise
Future-Ready Skills in Students
Key Stakeholders
Scale
The Journey
2022
1. Establishment of model computer science labs
2. Commencement of teacher training in coding fundamentals
2023
1. Expansion of computer science labs to additional schools
2. Implementation of events to develop CS understanding among students
2024
1. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Maharashtra State School Education Department
2. Continuation of programs and events for CS education
2025
1. Expansion of program to a new state
2. Implementation of mentorship program for teachers in CS
3. Development of CS curriculum framework for widespread adoption
Program Partners
Code to Enhance Learning
Amazon India
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Government of Maharashtra
Program Impact
ImpactED
240+
Officers
InfluencED
6,500+
Teachers
ReachED
~28,000
Students
Program Impact
ImpactED
240+
Officers
InfluencED
6,500+
Teachers
ReachED