Taha School, Lucknow, UP

Taha School, located in the old city of Lucknow, aims to bring quality education to the underprivileged families residing in the area. Despite being known as the city of Nawabs, Lucknow still faces a stark disparity in socio-economic indicators, resulting in limited access to quality education for many. Recognizing this pressing need, Taha Foundation set out on a mission to establish a high-performing school within the densely populated region of Thakurganj.

Starting from scratch, the journey of Taha School was not without its challenges. The dedicated team at Taha Foundation was determined to provide children with not only academic education but also a strong spiritual foundation. They began by renting out a house to serve as the initial school premises, embarking on their vision to transform the educational landscape in the area. However, the management soon realized that they faced significant hurdles in providing the education their children deserved. The school lacked basic resources such as a computer lab, science lab, and library, which were essential for creating an enriched learning environment. Moreover, there was a scarcity of expertise in education within the school, hindering their ability to deliver high-quality instruction and meet the students’ needs effectively.

In addition to the resource challenges, Taha School recognized the critical need for teacher capacity building and the importance of upgrading school leadership practices. Without proper training and professional development opportunities, the teachers faced difficulties in delivering quality instruction and implementing innovative teaching strategies. The school leadership also understood that effective leadership practices were essential in shaping the school culture and ensuring overall success. However, limited resources and expertise hindered their ability to enhance their leadership skills and adopt best practices.

To address these pressing needs, Taha School identified the necessity for regular coaching and support for their teachers. Ongoing guidance and feedback would enable teachers to refine their instructional techniques, improve classroom management, and create a positive and inclusive learning environment. However, the lack of access to regular coaching left the teachers without the necessary support to continually enhance their teaching practices. The challenges faced by Taha School encompassed not only the scarcity of resources such as infrastructure but also the need for teacher capacity building, upgrading school leadership practices, and regular coaching of teachers. These challenges created a sense of urgency to provide the school community with the necessary support and guidance to ensure that every child at Taha School received a high-quality education that would equip them for a brighter future.

Raabta’s Intervention 

Driven by a deep understanding of the pressing needs at Taha School, Raabta embarked on a comprehensive intervention strategy to uplift the educational landscape and create lasting impact. The first step in this transformative journey was conducting a thorough Raabta School Need Assessment, allowing us to gain a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the school. As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc, we swiftly recognized the urgent need for teacher capacity building in the realm of technology and online teaching. Raabta’s dedicated team joined forces with Taha School, providing extensive training and support to empower every teacher with the skills needed to navigate the digital realm. Through this intervention, we ensured that no child’s education was halted, even in the face of unprecedented adversity.

During the tumultuous second wave of the pandemic, Raabta’s commitment to learning continuity was unwavering. We initiated a groundbreaking bridge learning program, enlisting the expertise of mentors and offering differentiated learning packets for mathematics and English. This innovative approach aimed to bridge the literacy and numeracy gaps exacerbated by the crisis, providing personalized support and nurturing every child’s potential. Recognizing the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on children’s learning, Raabta took the initiative to assess reading and math levels through a comprehensive baseline examination. Armed with the insights gained, we designed and distributed carefully crafted workbooks, tailored to the individual needs of students who were not yet at their grade-appropriate level. Through targeted interventions, we sought to ignite the spark of learning, fostering growth and enabling every child to reach their full potential.

But our transformative efforts extended beyond academic support. Understanding the importance of well-equipped learning environments, Raabta dedicated resources to develop a state-of-the-art computer lab, a science lab brimming with possibilities, and a captivating library filled with literary treasures. These additions not only provided invaluable resources but also sparked curiosity, nurturing a love for exploration and discovery among the students. The impact of Raabta’s intervention at Taha School is not simply measured in numbers but in the transformative stories of hope and resilience. We witnessed the remarkable growth of both students and teachers, as they embraced new skills and knowledge, transcending the challenges that once held them back. The classrooms of Taha School have become vibrant centers of learning, where children’s dreams are nurtured, and their futures are shaped.

Raabta’s intervention at Taha School stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and unwavering dedication to education. Through our collective efforts, we have ignited a flame of inspiration, empowering an entire community to rise above their circumstances and create a brighter future. Together, we have proven that no challenge is insurmountable when we stand united in our commitment to the holistic development and well-being of every child.

Outcomes & Impact- What shifted for School? 

The comprehensive training and coaching sessions implemented by Raabta had a profound impact on the teachers at Taha School. The program resulted in a substantial decrease in teacher turnover and a remarkable increase in their motivation levels. As a direct consequence, we observed a surge of teacher-led initiatives, showcasing their proactive approach and commitment to the students’ education.

The positive transformation extended beyond the classroom, as evidenced by heightened levels of parent engagement. Parents were more actively involved in their children’s learning journey, recognizing the dedication and effectiveness of the teachers. This collaborative effort between teachers and parents fostered a stronger support system for the students, contributing to their overall academic growth and well-being.

The outcomes were truly remarkable, with attendance rates and student learning engagement indicators nearly doubling. The learning environment became more vibrant and dynamic, providing students with ample opportunities for growth and development. With increased teacher motivation, students were inspired to actively participate in their education, leading to improved learning outcomes across various subjects.

Notably, the impact of Raabta’s intervention extended beyond immediate improvements. The reduction in teacher turnover ensured continuity and stability, fostering a nurturing environment for both current and future students. By investing in the professional development of teachers, Raabta empowered them to create a positive and engaging learning environment that propelled student success. The outcomes achieved at Taha School serve as a testament to the efficacy of strategic interventions. The combination of targeted training, ongoing coaching, and collaborative efforts between teachers, parents, and students resulted in a thriving educational ecosystem. The ripple effect of improved teacher motivation, parent engagement, and student learning outcomes has set Taha School on a path of sustained growth and excellence.