The Department of School Education, UT Ladakh, with support from 17000ft Foundation, launched a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at strengthening learning in the early years and at the foundational stage across Government and Government-aided schools in Ladakh on May 21. The initiatives mark a significant step towards advancing Early Childhood Education and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) in line with the recommendations of National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022.

The launch event was held at DIET Leh Exhibition Hall and was attended by Bhanu Prabha, co-founders of 17000ft Foundation, Chief Education Officers of Leh and Kargil, principals and faculty members from DIET Leh and DIET Kargil, NIPUN Bharat officials, Zonal Education Officers, headmasters, master trainers, teachers from schools across Ladakh, and representatives from the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare.

The newly launched initiatives aim to ensure that every child develops strong foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional development, and cognitive abilities, which form the basis for future academic achievement and lifelong learning.

During the programme, 17000ft Foundation showcased a comprehensive range of teacher support tools developed to strengthen classroom processes and improve learning outcomes. These included curated Daily Lesson Plans, Practice Worksheets, Monthly Assessment Checklists, and Flash Cards aligned with the developmental and learning goals of the foundational stage. The materials are intended to support structured classroom delivery while enabling continuous assessment and reinforcement of concepts.

The event also featured environment-friendly and innovative wooden educational learning materials for Anganwadis and Balvatikas, designed to enhance early childhood learning experiences and build school readiness among young children.

As part of the launch, the Department of School Education and DIET Leh introduced several innovative Teaching Learning Material (TLM) initiatives developed for the foundational stage. Through Bhanu Prabha, “Jadui-e-Pitara” bags, locally named “Migtrul-gi-Gyegu,” containing TLM posters, charts, flashcards, and other educational resources, were formally launched for Government-aided schools across Ladakh. The initiative aims to make classroom learning more joyful, activity-based, and child-centric.

A new set of school uniforms for Ladakh Model Schools was also officially launched during the programme, reflecting the region’s cultural identity while promoting inclusivity and a positive school environment.

Teacher Support Tool Kits were formally handed over to the Chief Education Officers of Leh and Kargil to support effective implementation across schools.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bhanu Prabha said, “It is our responsibility to equip teachers with good quality teaching materials and educational aids. This is where 17000ft has very organically and significantly helped us over the years.”

She further emphasized the importance of helping children learn how to learn from their earliest years so they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. She noted that while academic achievement is important, equal emphasis must be placed on developing children’s social skills and character.

Addressing the gathering, Sandeep Sahu reflected on the foundation’s decade-long journey and its commitment to transforming education in India’s Himalayan frontier regions. He highlighted that strengthening educational ecosystems in remote geographies has contributed to improved school attendance and reduced outward migration.

Through its Whole School Transformation approach, 17000ft Foundation has established playgrounds, libraries, and solar-powered Personalized and Adaptive Digital Learning Labs (DigiLabs), while also strengthening the capacities of headmasters, master trainers, and teachers in early education and foundational learning. The foundation has additionally encouraged active participation of communities and parents in children’s learning journeys.

Other speakers at the event appreciated the Department’s continued efforts and acknowledged 17000ft Foundation’s contribution towards transforming the school ecosystem in Ladakh, building teacher capacities in modern pedagogies, and introducing contextualized instructional materials for Grades 1 and 2 to strengthen foundational learning across the region.

The programme concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ladakh receives access to joyful, equitable, and high-quality foundational education.