Wablewadi Zila Parishad School
“Education Revolution”
Addressing the Literacy Gap in India
Quality education for all is the 4th Sustainable Development Goal. In India, there is a 21% literacy gap, leaving about 281 million people without access to education. The remaining 79% face challenges like inadequate funding, limited academic resources, and a shortage of trained teachers. Overburdened classrooms and increasing dropout rates are common, but Wablewadi ZP School stands out as a beacon of hope, bringing significant improvements in education quality.
The Transformation of Wablewadi ZP School
Located in Wablewadi village, about 50 km from Pune, this Zila Parishad school has transformed from a conventional setup to a modern educational facility that nurtures student curiosity through innovative infrastructure design. A few years ago, the school struggled with overcrowded classrooms. The Principal, recognising the need for expansion, initially considered building vertically due to lack of space and resources. However, this idea conflicted with the principle of peer-to-peer learning. The design team proposed an alternative solution, and with the Principal's collaboration, they presented the model to the villagers. After six months, the villagers donated land, and CSR funding was secured from The Bank of New York Mellon.
Catalysts of Change: Wablewadi’s Journey to Educational Excellence
The project showcases how Corporate Social Responsibility and Design Thinking can create measurable social impact at multiple levels. The villagers now have a greater appreciation for education and a renewed sense of pride and identity.
The school's success has influenced education policy, with Wablewadi being named one of the 10 Ojas schools by the Maharashtra state government. These schools will guide nine other Tejas schools to raise their standards to an international level. The open seating format encourages peer-to-peer learning, creating a significant pedagogical impact.
Environmentally, the school operates on zero energy consumption, using only natural light, reminiscent of "sitting under a tree." The low-cost, easy-to-maintain model has economically impacted students by enabling them to gain scholarships.
Over the past few years, enrolments have increased by 500%, with a current waiting list of 3,500 students. The school has also seen a rise in international interactions. With 100% attendance and a 0% dropout rate, students share positive experiences about the new facility. The modular design is replicable, making it a ready solution for similar challenges elsewhere.
