Azim Premji Foundation primarily works in education as a vehicle of social change. However, we realize that related domains like health, nutrition, livelihoods, governance and ecology also have a critical bearing on education. We work in these areas recognizing their complex inter-related manner and partner with like-minded organizations where possible since it is not feasible for a single organization to work with equal intensity and focus across all these developmental domains.

In the last few decades, India has made tremendous progress in different aspects of education. Access to education at different stages has increased dramatically. However, equity in and quality of education still remain a challenge resulting in poor learning outcomes and an overall loss of confidence in the public education system.

We believe that the most important change leaders for improving education quality are (a) the teacher and (b) the education administrator. Teachers are at the heart of the educational system, and any effort to improve the quality of education is centrally dependent upon the teacher. The quality of academic support, both pre-service and in-service, provided to teachers leaves much to be desired due to poor inputs, lack of resources and a series of professional constraints. Teaching has become mostly uninteresting and routinized, leading to poor classroom processes and little learning.

Research shows that school leadership is the second largest factor affecting learning outcomes in school. More importantly, it goes on to show that school leadership is even more critical in schools that are under performing. While currently the country invests in teacher development, investments in leadership and managerial capabilities of education functionaries are negligible. Education functionaries need opportunities to apply what they have learnt, to reflect on their experiences – individually, in peer groups as well as under the guidance of those who are more experienced.

The District Institutes of the Foundation therefore focus on collaboration with state governments to create avenues for professional development of teachers, school leaders, teacher educators and other education officials. They also work to reform school curriculum, teacher-education curriculum and related issues of education policy.

To know more visit the Field Institutions section.