Beating the pandemic: Learning kits, book kiosks bring education alive

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has been working in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for some years and has found a way of involving parents, children and the community in primary education. It has found a low-tech solution that provides access to quality learning opportunities for all. A ‘learning at home kit’ or the ‘big box of bold ideas’ was developed for use during the pandemic. It had colours, word cards, puzzles, simple, pictorial, illustrated activity ideas that enabled families without Internet to engage with children so that they learn at home. Every month or two, new items and activities supplement available resources and inspire parents to think of other learning activities they can do at home. The cost of the kits is USD $2, currently provided by AKF, and the materials are linked to the school curriculum. The kit included masks and soaps with messages on Covid-19 safety.