Eminent educators, school administrators, and leaders from across the state gathered at ‘The Manthan School’ in Greater Noida West on June 9, 2023, for a prestigious event focused on the discussion of crucial issues, sharing creative ideas, and collaborating on approaches for teaching basic literacy and numeracy skills. This state-level summit provided an invaluable platform for educators to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange innovative ideas on strategies for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). Among the attendees were Ms. Monika Singh, Ms. Rumi Nandi, and Ms. Rumita Pal from The Khaitan School, Noida, who actively participated with the objective of contributing to the conversations and gaining new insights.

The conference commenced with an overview of the current global economic challenges and the government’s swift response to address these issues. Emphasis was placed on the achievements of the Indian government within the G-20 framework, particularly in enhancing tech-enabled learning at all levels and making education more inclusive, qualitative, and collaborative. The G-20 panel discussion shed light on the group’s accomplishments and the strategies implemented to foster greater collaboration. Attendees gained valuable insights into the government’s commitment to raising educational standards throughout India.
A key highlight of the conference was the Ministry of Education’s NIPUN Bharat mission, which aims to meet the educational needs of children between the ages of 3 and 9. Language and numeracy development goals, objectives, and pedagogies were extensively discussed, allowing educators to broaden their understanding of effective approaches. The conference facilitated a panel discussion on FLN, which provided a deeper insight into the national curriculum framework for the foundational stage.

As part of the conference, The Manthan School organized the Nipun Mela, an event dedicated to fulfilling the educational needs of children between the ages of 3 and 9 years old. Students from various schools came together to showcase their talents in activities such as yoga, singing, painting, hip hop, and classical dancing. This platform not only allowed children to exhibit their skills but also served as a reminder of the importance of holistic education.
The conference served to reinforce the understanding of participating teachers regarding the approaches and innovative practices required for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in accordance with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP emphasizes the significance of strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy for children, as they form the building blocks of future academic achievements.

Through engaging discussions, the conference enabled educators to reflect on their teaching methods and explore new avenues to enhance student learning. The exchange of ideas and experiences among educators from different schools and backgrounds created a vibrant and collaborative environment, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in shaping the future of education in the state.

Overall, the state-level conference on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy held at The Manthan School proved to be a significant milestone in the pursuit of educational excellence. It provided a platform for educators, school administrators, and leaders to come together, discuss important issues, and collaborate on strategies to improve the quality of education. With the invaluable insights gained from this conference, teachers are better equipped to impart foundational literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring a strong educational foundation for the students they serve.

