Tag: Partnership

  • From Doodling Rockets to Discovering the Magic of Science: Reimagining STEM Learning in Schools

    From Doodling Rockets to Discovering the Magic of Science: Reimagining STEM Learning in Schools

    Remember that feeling of staring out the window during a class, your mind a million miles away, sketching fantastical machines or spaceships in the margins of your notebook? Those doodles, fueled by childhood curiosity, held the potential for a future astronaut, engineer, or inventor. But sometimes, the traditional classroom setting might not fully capture that spark. It could be the marks or your mind on a wild goose chase for that formula!

    In India’s bustling schools, where millions of young minds hold the potential to revolutionize the future, fostering a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) presents unique opportunities. 

    The Heightened Demand for STEM Skills

    STEM skills, in particular, are experiencing a surge in demand across various sectors. Industries across the board, from manufacturing and logistics to finance and marketing, rely heavily on a strong foundation in STEM disciplines. From complex data analysis in finance to intricate calculations in engineering, a strong foundation in STEM concepts is becoming increasingly crucial for success in the modern workplace. 

    Is India Meeting the Demand?

    School education forms the foundation of India’s workforce. 86% of India’s labor force has education up to Class 12 or below. Around 36.3% of boys in the 14-18-year-old age group enroll in STEM streams, with a lower enrollment rate of 28.1%  among girls. Most of the young people in this age group enroll in the Arts/Humanities stream, comprising 55.7%. While the exact demand for STEM professionals varies by industry, these statistics suggest a potential shortage. India has a vast young population, but it needs to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.

    Why Foundational Years Matter

    The early years are a time of immense intellectual growth. Children are naturally curious explorers, eager to understand the world around them. By providing engaging and interactive experiences, we can equip them with critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills – foundational skills that benefit them not just in science and math classrooms but in every aspect of their lives.

    However, the road to a robust STEM education system in India is not without its hurdles.  A staggering statistic reveals that one in four schools in rural India lacks basic facilities. Many of these schools miss essential resources, such as laboratories, which are crucial for effective science education. Furthermore, most initiatives in rural areas tend to focus on economic development and agriculture, often sidelining science education.  The absence of basic amenities and a focus on other priorities hamper students’ ability to learn effectively and limit their exposure to practical, hands-on learning experiences.

    Akshara: Inspiring Young Minds

    Akshara: The school development project under Shahi’s Shikshanam Initiative seeks to partner with STEM Learning, a social enterprise to facilitate a unique way of teaching and learning STEM. 

    At Shahi Exports, Our commitment extends beyond mere business; it’s a shared vision to empower the next generation. We understand the critical role STEM education plays in fostering innovation and building a skilled workforce. The Akshara program is a fantastic initiative that equips young minds with the scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”

    – Alagappan R, COO, Knits Processing Division

    This innovative program encourages the building of mini science labs in government schools equipped with materials to explore over 80 modules in foundational STEM concepts. Imagine a classroom transformed – a vibrant hub where children can build circuits, conduct experiments, and explore the wonders of science firsthand!

    Since 2021, Akshara has provided access to STEM Learning 24 Mini Science Centers to 5300 students across Government schools in rural Karnataka. We aim to reach 6000 students by 2025.

    Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects bring an exciting dimension to STEM learning. It brings concepts to life where students can hold tools in hand and transform simple materials into working models. For example, Tangrams— a Chinese puzzle made from geometric shapes. Students cut colorful sheets into five triangles, a square, and a parallelogram, then combine these pieces to form various shapes. Tangrams are a great way to develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and creativity. They can also help with hand-eye coordination and visual perception. As students build, test, and iterate, they develop a deep, intuitive understanding of science and math, turning abstract ideas into tangible realities. 

    Empowering Educators

    The Akshara program understands that impactful learning requires more than just resources. That’s why the program goes a step further by providing dedicated support to teachers. Educators receive comprehensive training on how to make the most of the Mini Science Centre models, ensuring they can effectively guide students through engaging activities and experiments. Teachers believe students grasp science and math concepts more easily due to the models and optimized teaching time. 

    “Explaining concepts like motion and friction is difficult without demonstration. But the Science Center has transformed my classroom! Many biology models, like the Human ear and Human eye, help students understand these structures better. Seeing the excitement in my student’s eyes as they build and experiment with the Mini Science Centre models is truly rewarding.”

    Tamanna Roshan, Teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Kanchanahalli.

    86% of students reported that complex and difficult topics were explained more easily with the assistance of models, and 91% of students feel the teaching-learning process is more engaging and interactive with the Mini Science Center. *

    The Real Impact

    This commitment to both resources and teacher training has yielded impressive results. Studies have shown that students participating in similar programs demonstrate improved academic performance in science and math, increased analytical thinking skills, and a higher level of engagement in the classroom. The impact of the Akshara program itself is equally compelling. 87% of students found it easier to express their understanding, and 13% felt more confident applying concepts to real-life scenarios*. DIY activities enabled the students to apply their knowledge and turn these into skills they can explore further.

    “The MSC lab makes me happy just by hearing its name. Before the Akshara program, science class felt boring. Now, it’s my favorite subject! I love building things and figuring out how they work. The Mini Science Centre models are so much fun, and help me understand the concepts better. The Day and Night model looked cool and gave me a clear idea of how day and night occur, which I only knew from theory in 5th grade. I love all the models in the school and enjoy spending time in the lab.”

    Jayanth J S, Class VII student at Government Higher Primary School, Arekere

    A Brighter Future

    The impact of such programs can be profound. Consider a young girl, once curious about the world around her, who now lights up with excitement as she builds a tiny solar-powered car. This newfound passion for exploration can pave the way for future careers in science and technology or simply equip her with the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle any challenge life throws her way.

    We are excited to explore how to make STEM learning even more engaging and empower the next generation of Indian innovators to take their doodles from the margins of their notebooks to the forefront of the future.

    *Endline Survey Conducted by STEM Learning amongst students from 5th-7th Grade in 2023-24.

  • Shahi Announces Joint Venture with Taiwan’s Little King Global for Synthetic Performance Fabrics Production

    Shahi Announces Joint Venture with Taiwan’s Little King Global for Synthetic Performance Fabrics Production

    New Delhi, May 14, 2024: Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter, announced a joint venture with Little King Global, one of Taiwan’s premier synthetic sportswear fabric manufacturers. The joint venture is a part of the company’s expansion roadmap. This collaboration marks the birth of a state-of-the-art processing unit for synthetic performance fabrics strategically located in Shimoga, Karnataka. The venture will also boost employment in Shimoga, making Shahi one of the largest employers in the manufacturing sector in this region.

    The production line is set to be fully operational by the end of this year, boasting an impressive initial production capacity of 500 tons per month. This capacity is slated to double in the future, reaching an ambitious 1000 tons per month.

    Mr. Ramalingam T, CEO, Knits Division at Shahi Exports, said,

    “This is an important step for us to expand our footprint and focus on enhancing our product portfolio. Our partnership with Little King Global is not just a venture but a commitment to our customers, assuring them access to the very best in class when it comes to synthetic fabrics. Our goal is continual improvement and relentless focus on product development as we continue growing and increasing the scale of operations. We also aim to contribute toward boosting employment generation across the country.” 

    With technology and expertise directly from Little King Global, a company revered for over four decades of experience and accredited by major sportswear brands, the Shimoga facility is poised to set a new benchmark in fabric manufacturing. Little King Global’s innovative prowess is renowned, with its flagship innovation center in Taiwan emphasizing relentless advancement, from fibers and yarns to varied knitting and processing techniques.

    Mr. Bruce Liao, Vice President, Little King Global, said,

    “Our mission is to be a world-class partner in supplying sustainable, functional fabrics for brand customers. Shahi is well known for its ESG framework, worker well-being initiatives, and innovation in the textile and apparel industry. With the global supply chain shift and the rise of India’s manufacturing trend, we should leverage the best resources from advanced technologies, economical production, and talent for our Shimoga plant. Once the plant is operational, we will offer recycled, responsive, and resilient services for our valued customers.”

  • Shahi Exports and KMIT partner to support at-risk women against poverty, human trafficking

    Shahi Exports and KMIT partner to support at-risk women against poverty, human trafficking

    Bhubaneshwar – 21 March 2023: Shahi Exports and Know Me India Trust (KMIT) today have announced a partnership to support vulnerable and at-risk women in India against poverty and human trafficking. The partnership implements ‘Project Swabhimaan,’ which provides life skills training, sector-specific technical training, and job opportunities or support in opening a small business to women from vulnerable social and economic communities, particularly those at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. The program will also provide mentorship and motivation to encourage and support women in their journey toward financial stability and independence.

    The partnership furthers the joint vision of both organizations, creating a sustainable and direct employment pathway for the most disadvantaged and at-risk women in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The pilot program launched here in Odisha intends to train, educate, and prepare women from disadvantaged communities with limited access to stable employment. Upon completion of the training, the participants will be offered job opportunities at Shahi – India’s largest manufacturer and exporter of ready-made garments. 

    Anant Ahuja, Head of Organizational Development at Shahi Exports, said, “We are delighted to partner with Know Me India Trust to create this opportunity for women from disadvantaged communities. Our company is built on the foundation of empowerment of women and a spirit to contribute towards the development of communities in which we operate. This partnership is aligned with our efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods, fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, and provide opportunities for women to become financially independent.”

    Data suggest that about eight million people in India are trapped in human trafficking. The number of persons trafficked for forced labor in India is 20 to 65 million. And 90% of the trafficking occurs domestically, intrastate, or interstate. The joint initiative by Shahi Exports and KMIT is particularly significant in this context as it seeks to support vulnerable and at-risk women against poverty and human trafficking by supporting them in providing training and livelihood.

    Supei Liu, Program and Development Board Advisor to KMIT, said, “We believe that sustainable employment is one of the most effective ways to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals and re-exploitation of survivors of human trafficking and other forms of slavery. Our partnership with Shahi aims to address this and help at-risk women achieve economic agency and mobility. We are sure that quality training, stable incomes, and a safe work environment will provide women with opportunities to acquire the skills and access the resources they need to achieve economic independence, dignity, and freedom.

    The project will ensure that 100% of the vulnerable and at-risk women going through the program will experience a 65% increase in income and sustain this growth over the next two years. KMIT is set to take on the challenge of supporting the women in the Swabhimaan program in achieving economic security while successfully breaking the cycle of exploitation and human trafficking.

    KMIT works in communities with some of the highest incidences of both labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), where women and girls are economically marginalized due to poverty, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and low capacity to resist economic shocks.