SoulAce: Corporate Social Responsibility Bridges Learning Gaps in India’s Public Schools

The chatter of eager children filled the air—not in Kannada, their mother tongue, but in English in a classroom in rural Karnataka. “Good morning, teacher! How are you today?” simply reflected a newfound confidence that was unimaginable just a year ago. This was a result of a groundbreaking CSR initiative launched by a large FMCG company that is looking to democratize English language education across 18 public schools in the region.

What started as an ambitious effort to improve linguistic skills is now a life-changing mission to empower young minds. 

This case story is part of a recent report by SoulAce on the Impact of CSR on Education. The report – The Impact of CSR Programs on Delivering Education’s Promise – is a result of over 100 impact assessment studies of CSR programs in education being spearheaded by over 80 leading public and private limited companies. These programs, being run in over 120 districts across 20 states in India, were targeted at migrant children, and children living in tribal areas, rural pockets, and urban slums. They also covered children from public schools, low-income families, and special children.

CSR Interventions: A Lifeline for Education

SoulAce’s comprehensive analysis of over 100 CSR programs during 2022-23 highlighted their impact in transforming the educational landscape, particularly for marginalized communities. A large-scale educational assessment revealed that a learning crisis continues to plague India’s public schools. A significant proportion of students fail to acquire foundational skills essential for higher education or sustainable livelihoods even though there was universal school enrollment under programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education Act (2009).

CSR expenditure data provided by the government shows that in the past three fiscal years,   spending on CSR initiatives in education has gone up significantly. In FY 2020-21, the CSR fund that went into education stood at INR 6,557.13 crore, which rose to INR 6,693.25 crore in FY 2021-22, and further increased to INR 10,085.38 crore in FY 2022-23. This represented a significant rise in CSR funding of approximately 52.5 percent from FY 2020-21 to FY 2022-23. 

The sector’s percentage share of total CSR spending also increased, indicating a stronger focus on CSR programs in education. While the impact is promising, continued efforts are required to address regional disparities and ensure effective implementation.

Targeted Demographics:

– Migrant and Tribal Children: Programs incorporated flexible learning models, culturally sensitive curricula, local language instruction, and holistic support, including nutrition and healthcare.

– Rural and Urban Slum Children: Interventions focused on bridging infrastructure gaps, providing teacher training, and creating safe learning spaces to combat educational neglect.

– Children with Special Needs: Inclusive learning environments, equipped with adaptive technologies and special education resources, promoted equitable education opportunities.

– Out-of-School Children: Bridge courses and vocational training helped reintegrate dropouts, particularly girls, into formal education systems.

Key Findings from CSR Educational Interventions:

– Improved Performance in Language: A 30 percent increase in the students’ scores on grade-level assessment in the endline as compared to the baseline scores in language.

– Improved Performance in Mathematics: A 25 percent increase in the students’ scores on grade-level assessment in the endline as compared to the baseline scores in mathematics.

– Increase in Learning Levels: 60 percent of students advanced by one or more learning levels in language and 43 percent of students advanced by one or more learning levels in mathematics.

The report also highlights other significant impact indicators such as hygiene and sanitation, conducive learning space, increase in learning levels, teacher capacity building, and digital education programs that work towards creating an enabling environment for higher learning achievements

– 100 percent of the schools across the interventions were found to have functional and clean toilets besides running water and handwashing facilities.

– 45 percent of the intervention schools, where additional classrooms were built, achieved an ideal student-to-classroom ratio.

– 60 percent of the schools had improved ventilation and lighting, and 100 percent of the schools had improved electrification and availability of lights/fans; and

– 75 percent of the schools had resilient heat and rainproofing.

Realization of these critical indicators has resulted in:

– Improved access to sanitation and disease reduction: There were marked enhancements in sanitation facilities and the improvements resulted in an 80 percent reduction in the load on existing infrastructure. It ensured more equitable access to hygiene resources for students. Hygiene-related illnesses significantly declined, leading to a 50 percent reduction in health-related absences. This improvement translated into a 45 percent decrease in overall absenteeism and promoted student attendance and participation.

– Learning Reintegration: CSR-supported vocational programs had a major role in reintegrating out-of-school children, particularly girls, into formal education systems. These programs also addressed gender disparities and promoted inclusive and accessible learning environments.

– Learning Outcomes: CSR initiatives improved school environments with resilient infrastructure lighting, seating, and aesthetic improvements which led to reduced overcrowding and increased attendance. Students across intervention schools had an engaged learning experience in a comfortable environment.

Collaborative Approach to Change:

CSR programs engaged multiple stakeholders like school heads, educators, local administrations, and parents, which ensured systemic change and scalability. Through partnerships, a conducive learning environment was created that bridged the gap between students’ real abilities and grade-level expectations.

The SoulAce report underscores the indispensable role of CSR initiatives in addressing India’s education crisis. By focusing on infrastructure, teacher quality, and community involvement, these programs have brought tangible improvements to foundational learning. As India aims to fulfill its Agenda 2030 commitment to “inclusive and equitable education for all,” CSR’s contribution serves as a critical complement to government efforts.

LEAP bridges learning gaps by transforming education in rural Karnataka:

In Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district, a leading financial services firm has introduced the Learning Enhancement Practice (LEAP) program. Aimed at addressing the persistent issue of poor educational outcomes in rural government schools, many students advanced through grades without acquiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills even though with increased school enrolments. With focus on primary and middle school students struggling with curricular complexities, LEAP intends to reverse this trend.

LEAP identified learning gaps through baseline assessments in 35 schools across 12 villages. Students were then grouped into cohorts based on their learning levels, with personalized learning pathways. It focused on foundational skills like Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (LSRW) in language and a conceptual understanding of mathematics.

Activity-based and assessment-integrated learning activities were designed to ensure engagement and measurable progress. LEAP followed the Teaching at The Right Level (TaRL) pedagogical approach, a global method that prioritizes grouping children by learning level rather than by traditional grade divisions. There were tailored instructions that addressed individual student needs and offered effective remediation.

The program saw enhanced engagement of students, who felt motivated to participate in lessons. Significant improvements in literacy and numeracy skills have been recorded.

The LEAP initiative in Kalaburagi bridged critical gaps in education with emphasis on foundational learning and tailoring educational strategies to the challenges of students. It showed how innovative and focused approaches can create a transformative impact, offering hope for improved academic outcomes and a brighter future for students in underprivileged areas. It proved how corporate social responsibility can contribute to addressing systemic educational challenges in rural areas.

Empowering Teachers to Transform Maharashtra’s Classrooms:

A CSR initiative by a leading Indian bank brought a transformation in Maharashtra’s education system, particularly in underprivileged slums and rural areas.The 5E learning model enhanced classroom engagement and teaching practices. Teachers were empowered and trained in digital literacy and modern pedagogies so that they can teach better in virtual classrooms.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were created to promote collaboration among educators which allowed teachers to share innovative teaching methods and foster student-centered approach. It aimed at holistic child development and incorporated STEAM education and the project methodology.

There was a 70 percent increase in student attendance, 35 percent improvement in academic performance, and 60 percent rise in physical activity and well-being among students. We saw sustainable changes in teaching practice with 80 percent of teachers adopting student-centric pedagogies. This CSR program created a benchmark for education in Maharashtra and facilitated teachers with the tools and skills needed to create a dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment.

CSR Initiative Transforms Education in Gujarat Schools:

Gujarat’s government primary schools witnessed a revolution in education through a CSR initiative by a multinational conglomerate which was focused on digital literacy. The program targeted students in classes 5-8 across 13 schools and equipped them with skills for the digital era. An advanced e-learning software allowed teachers to monitor student progress in real time through a centralized dashboard. Here, students could learn at their own pace, revisit lessons, and receive personalized assistance. Learning was made effective as the software had engaging tools like formative assessments, interactive game-based revisions, and summative tests.

It was noted that the program enhanced academic performance and digital fluency. There were inclusive education programs under the initiative focused on empowering marginalized groups, mainly girls. Its key achievements included:

– 29 percent improvement in girls’ language proficiency.

– 32 percent increase in mathematics proficiency.

– 95 percent of girls showed enhanced motivation and engagement.

– 80 percent participation in activities like self-defense and art.

– 75 percent of teachers adopt gender-sensitive practices.

This initiative helped bridge the digital divide and brought equity and inclusivity.

CSR initiatives are playing a transformative role in bridging critical learning gaps leading to progress in education. The SoulAce report highlights significant progress in improving language and access to e-learning tools. However, challenges like regional disparities and limited teacher development remain. 

“By focusing on inclusivity, resilient infrastructure, and digital literacy, CSR programs are empowering children, especially in marginalized communities, to unlock their potential and build a bright future. Collaborative, localized approaches are essential to create sustainable, impactful solutions that uplift communities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive”, said Adarsh Kataruka, Managing Director of SoulAce.

CSR education programs lacked stakeholder involvement, integrated strategies, teacher development, and cultural relevance, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to enhance quality, engagement, and long-term impact in education initiatives.

Programmatic and Content-related gaps that need to be addressed:

Programmatic Gaps:

– Insufficient stakeholder engagement: Programs often lack meaningful involvement from key stakeholders, specifically parents, CBOs, and local government, during the planning and implementation phases. This can result in a lower sense of ownership and commitment to the success of the initiatives.

– Fragmented implementation: Programs often operate in silos, focusing on specific areas such as infrastructure or scholarships, without integrating these efforts into a comprehensive educational strategy that addresses multiple dimensions of quality education. Whole school transformation programs can help address this fragmented approach.

Content-related Gaps:

– Low emphasis on teacher quality development:

Professional development for teachers is sometimes overlooked in CSR initiatives. Content aimed at improving teaching methodologies, integrating technology in the classroom, and enhancing pedagogical skills is crucial for the overall quality of education.

– Insufficient local and cultural relevance:

Many CSR educational programs lay insufficient emphasis on incorporating local and cultural relevance, as seen in initiatives like spoken English and English language learning. Tailoring these programs to reflect the local context and culture can significantly improve engagement and effectiveness.

CSR programs are shaping a generation better equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The report noted that many CSR initiatives were instrumental in reducing the digital divide, providing resources ranging from computer labs and SMART classrooms to e-learning platforms and AI-driven educational tools. By enhancing digital access, these programs worked towards leveling the educational playing field, offering advantages such as flexible learning, personalized educational content, and broadened horizons for interactive and engaging learning experiences. These efforts not only sustained educational continuity during disruptions like the pandemic but also fostered a more inclusive and technologically adept learning environment for all students.

About SoulAce

SoulAce is India’s leading CSR consulting and monitoring & evaluation firm. Over the last 15 years, SoulAce has delivered over 3,000 CSR projects across 28 states and 200+ districts in India. Some of the clients include Tata Sons, P&G, IBM, Oracle, Reliance Foundation, Hindustan Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, Asian Paints, Titan, Kotak Mahindra Bank, among others. SoulAce’s major verticals include CSR Impact Assessment and Fund Utilization Reviews, Advisory, CSR Monitoring & Evaluation, and Employee Volunteering. It also offers a CSR grant management platform to help organizations meet CSR compliance. SoulAce’s ESG platform helps companies manage, report, and optimize their environmental, social, and governance performance.

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For further information, please get in touch with nachiket@soulace.in