Journey of Gurushala

Background

Gurushala is an initiative of Vodafone Idea Foundation and it is implemented by Pratham Education Foundation. The idea driving Gurushala dates back to 2012 when a digital education programme was piloted in 151 under-resourced and low-cost schools across India. The programme aimed to positively impact the learning levels of students by equipping schools with digital technology and training upper-primary math and science educators to integrate technology and innovative group learning pedagogies inside the classroom.

Over the years, the programme worked with schools across diverse geographies, cultures, languages and other socio-economic characteristics. In this process, it generated a rich pool of knowledge and insights about the problems that Indian educators face inside their classrooms and innovative and scalable solutions to solve those problems. The need to provide educators with an integrated platform for self-paced capacity development, access to varied resources and connect with peer educators was realized. The growing penetration of internet and smartphones in both rural and urban areas offered an opportunity to transform this need into the idea of an online educator portal. In 2019, this idea translated into reality with the launch of Gurushala.

About Vodafone Idea Foundation and Pratham Education Foundation

The Vi Foundation - the CSR arm of Vi - a leading telecommunications provider in India, is committed to using technology and fostering innovation to connect and inspire individuals across the nation and contribute to a brighter future. By focusing on social well-being, digital literacy, and inclusivity, the Foundation aims to positively impact the lives of millions.

It is our mission to facilitate connections and inspire progress nationwide. Through the strategic use of technology and purpose- driven innovation, we strive to uplift communities, enhance digital literacy, and ensure inclusivity for all. Our efforts involve collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government bodies, policymakers, civil society organisations, educational institutions, students, and the media, to achieve our vision of a more connected and empowered India. We are dedicated to enriching the communities we serve and positively transforming lives on a large scale. By partnering with various organisations, we aim to create a meaningful and lasting impact that aligns with our core values and aspirations for a better future.

Our work is focused on the areas of agriculture, education, women's empowerment, and technology. Through our numerous initiatives and interventions, we empower people, promote inclusion, and catalyse development, maximising impact through the innovative use of mobile technology and development approaches.

Pratham is an innovative learning organization created to improve the quality of education in India. As one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the country, Pratham focuses on high-quality, low-cost, and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system. Established in 1995 to provide education to children in the slums of Mumbai, Pratham has grown both in scope and geographical coverage. The organization aims to improve the quality of education in India and ensure that all children not only attend but also thrive in school. This goal is accomplished by working in collaboration with the government, local communities, parents, educators, volunteers, and civil society members. 

Gurushala is a CSR initiative of Vodafone Idea Foundation.