Help us run a Dream School in Mumbai's slum

Date: 28 July 2025

The ACE initiative partnered with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)and provided focused support to transform a government-run CBSE school in Govandi, Mumbai. From October 2024 to June 2025, we implemented a holistic school improvement program. Key support included a full-time School Manager, subject-specific volunteer, Sports Coach, two Inclusive Education Fellows, and resources like 300+ books, a computer for the school leader, electronic gadgets, and essential classroom infrastructure. We also prioritised teacher wellbeing and growth through regular in-house training and exposure to leading programs on inclusive education.


KEY AREAS OF IMPACT

1. School Leadership Capacity: Effective Leadership & feedback to improve classroom teaching

We believe sustainable school transformation begins with empowered school leadership. A dedicated School Manager now works closely with the School Leader to drive school-led initiatives. The School Manager visits the school thrice in a week to conduct classroom observations, share feedback to the teachers, and conduct bite-sized trainings to accommodate the busy schedule of the teachers, yet provide them with some reflection points. 

2. Empowering Teachers to lead Safe and Inclusive Classrooms

We have prioritised teacher wellbeing and professional growth through:

• Regular in-house training on Child Protection Policy, Student Safety, Child-Centric Pedagogy- active skills, routine structures, classroom structures, behaviour management cycles

• Exposure to high-quality external development programs on inclusive education
  
  

This has resulted in: Motivated teachers leading student centered classrooms

• Higher teacher motivation through team-building activities and art-based recreation time. Towards the end of training, we saw participation from all the teachers from the school, as compared to only two in the beginning

• Adoption of student-centred teaching practices by regular training on classroom management, behaviour management and classroom structures which was seen being incorporated during one of the classroom observations

3. Student-Level Interventions

Student development has been at the heart of our work. Programs introduced this year include:

• The Right Pitch- a cricket-based leadership program that promotes teamwork, confidence, and discipline

• Junoon- a platform for student expression, creativity, and voice

These interventions have boosted student engagement, peer learning, and participation across the school.

5. Resource and Infrastructure Support

To strengthen implementation, Unifly has provided:

• A full-time School Manager
• One Subject-specific volunteer
• A dedicated Sports Coach
• Two Inclusive Education Fellows
• 300 books to set up reading corners in each classroom, a personal computer for the school leader, and basic infrastructure support such as benches, desks, cupboards and tables

The Road Ahead

This year’s work has laid a strong foundation for long-term impact. With continued funding support, we aim to:

• Deepen our presence in the school

• Scale innovative practices across more classrooms

• Measure and strengthen student outcomes

• Expand inclusive education efforts

Thank you for helping every child think, feel, dream and drive meaningful change!