My thesis delved into the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, examining its repercussions on education. Conducting extensive research involved visiting various public schools, and interviewing teachers, students, and 30 NGOs dedicated to education during the pandemic. The findings were alarming, revealing a significant surge in student drop-out rates. The erosion of foundational learning and fractured teacher-student relationships emerged as critical issues, with students losing motivation to return to school. Conversations with teachers unveiled their sense of helplessness, burdened by a lack of resources and overwhelmed by additional school duties.
Driven by a commitment to address these challenges, I conceived a toolkit tailored for classes 1-3, focusing on foundational and emotional literacy. The toolkit underwent rigorous user testing with students and teachers in public schools, yielding a positive response. Teachers embraced the design, and students, captivated by various art forms, found it exciting. The success of this toolkit resonated beyond capturing the interest of a Pune-based NGO called Pencilbricks, leading to a collaborative effort. The modified toolkit, named "Inside Out," is currently making a significant impact, reaching 400 students and 30 teachers, with ongoing expansion