The Pearson Foundation announced it has joined the ‘Support My School’ (SMS) initiative, a public-private partnership that aims to create a happy and healthy environment for children to learn across India. The ‘Support My School’ campaign was launched earlier this year with the goal of establishing learning environments and improving basic amenities in rural areas.
The Pearson Foundation will serve as ‘Learning Partner’ for this national initiative, providing support for teachers and helping to outfit classrooms and libraries in 100 schools across the nation. In addition, Pearson’s India businesses will add additional local support by providing localised teacher training materials.
At a ceremony in Mumbai Mr Khozem Merchant, President - Pearson India handed over a cheque to Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, the brand ambassador for the Support My School campaign.
“Helping teachers and students is key to improving the fortunes for everyone in these rural communities,” said Pearson Foundation President and CEO Mark Nieker. “Better classrooms, well-stocked libraries, and improved teacher training are great ways to build upon the exiting achievements of this innovative campaign.”
Launched earlier this year, the ‘Support My School’ campaign was created by NDTV and Coca-Cola in association with NGO partners, UN-Habitat, CAF and Sulabh International. The campaign initially aimed to develop healthy, active and happy schools in rural India through improvement of basic amenities. With the Pearson Foundation’s participation, each of the schools supported now have the capacity to improve teaching and learning as well.
Welcoming Pearson Foundation on board, Vikas Chawla, Vice-President Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, said "We believe that the role of business in the 21st century is not just about creating shareholder value but also promote the sustainability of the environment and local communities. Support My School is a grass root initiative to engage with communities and make a difference on ground. We are extremely pleased to have Pearson Foundation on board as Strategic Partners for this campaign. We believe their association through creating libraries and training teachers will strengthen the campaign and offer rich educational experience to the children. The contribution of the Pearson Foundation will surely make deeper and longer lasting impacts in the communities
Amita Puri, CEO Charities Aid Foundation, India said “We, at CAF, are delighted to have Pearson join us and add a new dimension to the Support My School campaign. The current partners have steadfastly worked towards providing the basic amenities so essential to students. This strategic partnership with Pearson Foundation will now augment learning for students and help them reap the benefits to enhance their potential.”