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Promoting Quality Education through Culture of Peace and Safe Learning Environments

The primary goal of this project, funded by the HCL Foundation, is to foster a culture of peace and a safe learning environment across 60 government-run schools in the districts of Budgam (UT of J&K) and Leh (UT of Ladakh). Spanning from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2025, this initiative aims to instill a culture of peace and harmony in educational institutions by engaging children and teachers actively.

The key objectives are to have all 60 state-run schools adopting and demonstrating a culture of peace and harmony by 2025, to enhance community engagement in promoting peace and harmony at both the school and community levels, and to strengthen the promotion of peace education across the UTs of J&K and Ladakh in collaboration with state and UT governments. The project is designed to reach directly 4,488 beneficiaries, including school-going children, teachers, School Management Committees (SMCs), and government officials. To date, the project has successfully reached 10,242 beneficiaries, exceeding the initial target.

Significant achievements include the establishment of peace education practices in over 300 government-run schools in Kashmir, which has led to improved school safety, reduced absenteeism, and greater community involvement. The project has also facilitated increased enrollment and positively shifted teacher attitudes toward students.

Future plans for the project include conducting school safety audits across J&K and Ladakh, advocating for Child Protection Policies (CPP) in schools, and promoting the mainstreaming of peace education in state teacher training curricula. The project will also focus on linking children with ICPS (Mission Vatsalya) schemes and cascading training on developed Modules and SOPs for various stakeholders. Enhanced interdepartmental coordination will be pursued to provide children with access to different schemes and sports platforms.

Strategic Breakthroughs and Innovations

In the reporting period for 2023-24, this project has achieved substantial progress in promoting quality education through the establishment of a culture of peace and safe learning environments. The following highlights key strategic breakthroughs and innovations.

The National Level Conference on Peace Education, organized in collaboration with the Department of Social Work at the University of Kashmir and the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, marked a significant milestone. Held over two days, the conference was designed to align with the G20 Presidency and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) by integrating Peace Education into the school education system. This event was instrumental in launching the Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Module, which serves as a critical framework for promoting safety and peace in schools.

The conference attracted over 1,000 participants, including scholars, educationists, and child rights experts from both national and state-level organizations. The successful launch of the CSS Module was a key outcome, alongside the engagement of crucial stakeholders such as the Education Department, JKBOSE, SCERT, and leading private schools. The conference provided a collaborative platform for discussing the challenges and solutions related to peace education. This initiative led to the implementation of Peace Education in over 300 government-run schools in Kashmir, resulting in improved school safety, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced community involvement. The increased enrollment and positive shift in teacher attitudes towards students further underscore the success of this strategic intervention.

The formation of a District-Level Steering Committee on Peace Education, School Safety, and Child Safeguarding Policy in Leh-Ladakh represents another significant breakthrough. Established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate of School Education Ladakh and Bal Raksha Bharat, this committee comprises educationists, scholars, and officials from various departments. Its purpose is to address issues related to child safety and security.

The committee facilitated the training of over 450 teachers, 500 School Management Committee (SMC) members, and 800 children in positive discipline, school safety, and peace education. These tailored training programs have enhanced the understanding and implementation of child safeguarding policies and positive discipline among stakeholders, leading to improved safety and security measures in schools.

The development and dissemination of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials on school safety, security, child safeguarding, and peace education also stand out as notable innovations. The project involved designing and printing informative posters covering critical topics such as flood, fire, earthquake safety, and child protection. The formal launch of these materials in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Leh has facilitated effective dissemination of essential safety and education information to schools, thereby enhancing awareness and preparedness.

In collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir and Ladakh, the development of Modules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Peace Education for mid-level managers, community members, and children groups was another strategic advancement. The finalized and printed Modules and SOPs, accompanied by advocacy and stakeholder meetings, aim to further institutionalize peace education within the educational framework.
The Sports for Change (SFC) initiative, a flagship program from HCL Foundation, represents a significant effort to promote sports and inclusive participation among marginalized communities. The SFC event involved organizing zonal, district, UT, and national-level championships. More than 70 qualifiers from intervention districts were selected to participate in national events. This initiative not only promotes sports as a means to achieve broader development goals but also empowers young leaders from disadvantaged communities, fostering their talents and leadership skills.

Stakeholder engagement has been crucial in enhancing child protection mechanisms. Joint monitoring visits and formal meetings were conducted to improve coordination between various departments. Formal collaboration orders were issued for school safety and child safeguarding assessments, and school safety plans were submitted to relevant education officers. This collaborative approach has led to improved safety assessments and actionable plans for enhancing child protection in schools.

Finally, the upgradation and beautification of intervention schools in Leh involved a thorough assessment of school requirements, followed by the distribution of new furniture and materials. The provision of 240 chairs and moon tables to pre-primary and primary classes has enriched the learning environment and increased student engagement in these schools.

Overall, the HCL Funded Project has demonstrated significant advancements in promoting quality education through peace education and safe learning environments. The strategic initiatives, including the National Level Conference, district-level steering committees, and Sports for Change events, have effectively addressed the needs of marginalized children in J&K and Ladakh. Through innovative approaches, collaborative efforts, and robust stakeholder engagement, the project has achieved notable success, aligning with the brand objectives and fostering a positive impact on the educational landscape in the region.

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Breath of Life – System Strengthening to Combat Childhood Pneumonia Management

The Programme has made significant strides in addressing critical child health issues, particularly in the realm of pneumonia management under the “Breath of Life” initiative. This programme aligns with the broader goals of Bal Raksha Bharat (BRB) and complements national and state-level health strategies. It operates with a focus on both system strengthening and community engagement, ensuring that key health interventions are delivered effectively to the most vulnerable populations.
The “Breath of Life” project is a dedicated effort to reduce pneumonia-specific mortality among children under the age of five in the Kashmir region. Spanning from October 2024 to September 2026, this project covers eight districts, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Its primary objective is to enhance pneumonia management by working closely with healthcare providers, government bodies, and local communities.

Throughout 2023-2024, the project made notable progress in strengthening childhood pneumonia management systems. This progress was driven by strategic innovations, including the successful launch of a mega state-level workshop that brought together government officials, partner organisations, and local representatives. This event set the tone for the programme’s implementation, ensuring that stakeholders were well-informed about their roles and responsibilities. It also fostered improved coordination among various health and administrative bodies, creating a more integrated approach to pneumonia management.

Another significant development was the formation of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which brought together experts from medical colleges, the National Health Mission (NHM), and various NGOs. The TAG played a vital role in providing strategic guidance and technical oversight, ensuring that the programme maintained high standards of care and effectiveness. Their involvement in training, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving was crucial in refining strategies and overcoming operational challenges.

A comprehensive assessment of 88 healthcare facilities across the region further strengthened the programme’s foundation. The evaluation provided insights into the readiness of healthcare facilities in managing childhood pneumonia, highlighting areas for improvement. This led to targeted interventions, such as training for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Srinagar’s Harwan Block. ASHAs were equipped with the necessary skills to identify and manage pneumonia cases early, reducing the burden on higher-level healthcare facilities and improving outcomes for children at the community level.

The project also prioritised community awareness through a large-scale campaign in collaboration with the University of Kashmir’s Department of Social Work. This initiative reached over 12,992 individuals, educating them on pneumonia prevention and the importance of early diagnosis. Additionally, platforms like Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs) were utilised to promote local capacity building and engage communities in the fight against pneumonia.

These strategic efforts have led to a marked increase in community engagement, improved care-seeking behaviours, and enhanced pneumonia management at both the facility and community levels. The Breath of Life project has thus made significant strides toward reducing childhood pneumonia mortality, with future plans focused on replicating the successful Harwan block model across the region, introducing a mobile health application for case tracking, and establishing a pneumonia skill lab to train medical practitioners.

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Future Directions and Expansion of Health Interventions

Looking ahead, the PIU’s focus will remain on the continued enhancement of child health services across the region. In addition to pneumonia management, the PIU is working to integrate mobile health applications into government health systems, which will further improve case tracking and resource allocation for pneumonia cases. There is also an emphasis on scaling up the Breath of Life model to other blocks and districts, ensuring a broader reach and more significant impact.

The unit will continue to provide targeted training to frontline workers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage childhood diseases effectively. Advocacy efforts will persist, aimed at improving reporting mechanisms for pneumonia and other health issues, ensuring that district-level officials are actively involved in the project’s success.

With a focus on both system strengthening and community empowerment, the PIU’s holistic approach to programme implementation ensures that critical health interventions reach the most vulnerable children. Through sustained efforts, ongoing innovation, and strategic partnerships, the PIU continues to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of children in the Kashmir region and beyond.

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NOKIA Smartpur Programme – Transforming Rural Communities through Digital Inclusion

The NOKIA Smartpur Programme, aligned with the brand ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ (BRB), has been instrumental in transforming rural communities across India through its innovative digital inclusion initiatives. The programme’s third phase, launched in March 2020, marked a significant shift in focus towards enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, financial inclusion, good governance, livelihood skill building, environment, and waste management, all through technological advancements. This chapter outlines the key initiatives and changes implemented during the reporting period to improve program effectiveness and efficiency while aligning with BRB’s mission and global presence.

Key Initiatives and Strategic Enhancements

Infrastructure Development and Skilled Human Resources

To support the expanded focus on multiple service areas, the Smartpur Programme invested heavily in developing robust infrastructure for its digital centers. This included upgrading facilities with advanced technology and ensuring that centers were staffed with skilled human resources capable of delivering high-quality services. By enhancing the infrastructure and technological capabilities of the Smartpur centers, the programme ensured that rural communities could access a broad range of digital services efficiently.

Community Mobilization and Beneficiary Engagement

A critical component of the programme’s strategy was the mobilization of local communities. This involved the identification and registration of potential beneficiaries, ensuring that those most in need could benefit from the services provided by the Smartpur centers. Through grassroots efforts, such as door-to-door campaigns and community meetings, the programme effectively raised awareness about available services and encouraged community members to participate actively.

Awareness Sessions and Camps

To further engage the community, the Smartpur Programme organized a series of awareness sessions and camps focused on social protection schemes, financial inclusion, and health. These events served to educate community members about their rights and the various government schemes available to them. By providing information and resources, the programme empowered individuals to take advantage of opportunities for financial stability, better health, and improved governance.

Long-Standing Partnerships and Government Relations

The success of the Smartpur Programme is also attributable to its long-standing partnerships and strong relationships with government entities in intervention geographies. By collaborating with local governments and aligning its goals with national development priorities, the programme was able to facilitate smoother implementation of its initiatives. These partnerships also helped in leveraging additional resources and support, further enhancing the impact of the Smartpur centers.

Brand Alignment and Global Presence

Throughout the reporting period, the Smartpur Programme remained closely aligned with the brand values of Bal Raksha Bharat. Leveraging BRB’s global presence, the programme was able to attract international attention and support, which helped in scaling its operations and expanding its reach. The alignment with BRB also reinforced the programme’s commitment to child protection and community development, which are core tenets of the organization’s mission.

Sustainable and Tangible Impacts

The initiatives undertaken by the Smartpur Programme have resulted in sustainable and tangible impacts across multiple domains. By focusing on technological advancement and digital inclusion, the programme has improved access to essential services for rural communities, leading to increased educational attainment, enhanced livelihood opportunities, better health outcomes, and greater financial inclusion. These impacts are not only immediate but also have long-term benefits for community resilience and development.

Strategic Innovations and Implementation

Over the course of the 2023-24 fiscal year, the NOKIA Smartpur Programme implemented several strategic innovations to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives and expand its reach:

Digital Infrastructure and Skilled Human Resources: The programme established 280 Smartpur Digital Centres across 160 Panchayats in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Maharashtra. These centres were equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed with skilled personnel, enabling the delivery of high-quality digital services. This infrastructure upgrade was crucial in ensuring that the centres could efficiently serve a large number of beneficiaries across various service areas.

Community Mobilization and Beneficiary Registration: A key aspect of the programme’s strategy involved the mobilization of local communities and the identification and registration of potential beneficiaries. By engaging with community members through awareness sessions and camps on social protection schemes, financial inclusion, and health, the programme was able to build trust and ensure widespread participation.

Integration with Government Services: To maximize the impact of the Smartpur Centres, the programme established linkages with relevant government departments and service providers. This integration facilitated the provision of digital and online services under the five key pillars, connecting community members to essential resources such as government schemes, banking services, and healthcare.

Focus on Sustainable Development: The Smartpur Programme also emphasized sustainable development through initiatives like the Green & Smart School Project. This project aimed to improve school infrastructure and enhance the quality of academic education in five schools in Nashik and Dungarpur districts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan, creating a holistic and enriching learning environment for students.

Impact and Achievements

The impact of the Smartpur Programme during the 2023-24 fiscal year was substantial, demonstrating the effectiveness of its strategic approach and the value of its digital centres:

Education

The programme reached 23,809 beneficiaries through its education services, helping to improve literacy rates and skill levels among rural youth. The digital centres offered access to a wide range of educational resources, including online courses and vocational training programs.

Financial Inclusion

Financial literacy and inclusion were major focus areas, with the programme connecting 556,129 community members to banking services. This effort helped promote economic independence and financial stability within rural communities, fostering a culture of saving and responsible financial management.

Governance

The Smartpur Centres played a critical role in enhancing local governance by providing 1,202,830 individuals with access to governance-related services. This increased awareness and participation in local governance processes, empowering community members to engage more effectively with government authorities and advocate for their rights.

Health

Access to healthcare services was significantly improved through the Smartpur Programme, with 9,722 beneficiaries utilizing the health services provided at the centres. This initiative reduced the opportunity cost for patients by lowering the time and money spent on diagnostic tests and medical consultations.

Livelihood

The programme also focused on enhancing livelihood opportunities for rural residents by providing vocational and livelihood training to 28,990 people. This training helped increase income levels and employment opportunities, contributing to the overall economic development of rural communities.

Case Study: Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs

A notable success story from the Smartpur Programme is that of Nisha Vyas, an entrepreneur from Punali, Dungarpur, Rajasthan. Through the support and resources provided by the Smartpur Center, Nisha was able to generate a revenue of ₹755,665 in FY 2023-24, making her the highest financial revenue generator among the programme’s beneficiaries. Nisha’s success illustrates the transformative impact of the Smartpur Programme on individual livelihoods and highlights the potential for rural entrepreneurship to drive economic growth.

Quantitative and Qualitative Measures of Success

The success of the Smartpur Programme is evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative metrics:
Total Beneficiaries: The programme reached a total of 1,821,480 beneficiaries in FY 2023-24, reflecting its broad impact across multiple service areas.

Financial Transactions: The total financial value of transactions processed through the Smartpur Centres in FY 2023-24 amounted to ₹1,100,151,605, demonstrating the economic significance of the programme.

Sustainability and Community Engagement: The handover of 160 Smartpur Digital Centres to local Centre Management Committees by June 2024 ensured the sustainability of the initiative and empowered communities to take ownership of the digital infrastructure.

The NOKIA Smartpur Programme is a model of digital inclusion that demonstrates the power of technology to transform rural communities. By providing access to essential services across education, livelihood, governance, financial inclusion, and health, the programme has significantly improved the quality of life for millions of rural residents. Through its innovative approach, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainable development, the Smartpur Programme continues to empower communities and pave the way for a digitally inclusive future.

The success of the programme underscores the importance of digital infrastructure and community engagement in driving socio-economic development. As the Smartpur Programme expands and evolves, it will continue to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth in rural India.