Thu Jun 19 06:49:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Prayoga Institute of Education Research, supported by the State Bank of India Foundation, is expanding its “Kriya” initiative to improve science education in rural Karnataka, specifically in Raichur district. The project will equip 12 government schools with science lab stations and courseware for Classes 6-10, benefiting over 11,000 students across 77 schools total. The initiative also includes a teacher empowerment program. The goal is to bridge the educational gap in rural areas through experiential science learning.

**News Article:**

**Rural Karnataka Schools to Get Science Lab Boost**

**RAICHUR, Karnataka – June 19, 2025 -** Twelve government schools in the Raichur district of Karnataka are set to receive a significant upgrade to their science education facilities, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Prayoga Institute of Education Research and the State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF). The initiative, part of Prayoga’s “Kriya” program, will equip schools with fully functional science lab stations and provide curated science courseware aligned with state and NCERT syllabi.

The Kriya initiative, now in its tenth year, aims to transform science learning for over 11,000 students across 77 schools in Karnataka. The program targets students in Classes 6 to 10, emphasizing experiential learning to improve understanding and engagement with scientific concepts.

“This partnership is a significant step towards bridging the educational gap in rural India,” said Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation. “By providing quality science education and the necessary resources, we are enabling students to experience science in a more practical and engaging manner.”

In addition to the lab equipment and courseware, the Kriya initiative includes a structured Teacher Empowerment Programme (TEP) with continuous academic mentoring for teachers. This ensures that educators are well-equipped to deliver effective and engaging science lessons. The program is part of the SBIF’s Integrated Learning Mission (ILM) project titled ‘Reimagining Science Education’.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on science education in rural areas, providing students with the tools and support they need to excel in science and pursue future careers in STEM fields.

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