Kishalay Foundation is a self-motivated and self-funded group of social activists working to strengthen early childhood education in rural and underprivileged regions of West Bengal. We collaborate with government-aided primary schools in the Sundarbans and other remote districts to improve pedagogy, introduce structured learning, and support early learning outcomes. Our work brings teachers, students, parents, and government officers together to build a more effective education ecosystem.
Strengthen early education in rural India by supporting government-aided schools and establishing model learning centers.
Improve basic healthcare access in rural communities through preventive healthcare initiatives.
While many organizations work in the early education space, we focus on enhancing the delivery of early education offered by the State Government. We complement existing government programs by addressing teacher–student gaps, improving foundational learning, and designing interventions tailored for Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
Key Problems for EBBs that we try to address:1. Teacher–student ratio in South 24 Parganas is approximately 1:50.
2. Thirty-five percent of Grade 1 students cannot recognize numbers 1–9.
3. Nearly fifty percent of Grade 5 students cannot read Grade 2-level text.
4. High yearly dropout rate (~40 percent).
Introducing cricket and football coaching camps as part of the school curriculum.
Teaching Abacus, distributing creative educational tools, and conducting motivational sessions.
Basic computer literacy for students, teacher training sessions, and technology-enabled learning.
Our Engagement Model for learning programs
Cricket and football coaching
Abacus learning
Counseling and motivational sessions
Basic computer training for students and teachers
Preventive healthcare camps
Feedback-based improvement for teachers and students
YepMe Annual Best Primary Teacher Award
Structured involvement of teachers, students, parents, and school inspectors
Current Areas of Work:
| Government Primary Schools | Kishalay EduKids (3–5 years) | Kishalay EduLab (6–12 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Working across 25 schools | Two centers, including Godkhali and Shibgunge | Five centers: Godkhali, Dulki, Manmathanagar, Harekrishnapur, Jhowkhali |
| Supplementary education programs | Community-supported preschool model | 250 students |
| Annual plantation drive | Growing demand for quality early education | IT-enabled learning, educational videos, science and hygiene modules |
Apurba Roy Scholarship supporting three children annually, sponsored by Sujay Ray from Bangalore.
YepMe Best Primary Teacher Award for excellence in teaching contributions.
Scholarships and awards to encourage academic motivation and community.
Reached 30 schools in the Sundarbans with intervention programs.
Edutoys programs launched in 9 schools.
Nearly 4,000 students impacted to date.
Improved attendance and classroom engagement throughEduLab initiatives.