Launch Ceremony of Initiatives to Strengthen Learning in Early Years and at Foundational Stage

Leh, May 21, 2026 — The Department of School Education, UT Ladakh, supported by 17000ft Foundation, successfully 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. The launch marks an important step towards advancing Early Childhood Education and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) in line with the recommendations of NEP 2020 and NCF-FS 2022.

The launch event was held on 21st May 2026 at the Exhibition Hall, DIET Leh and brought together Smt. Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary – School Education, UT Ladakh; co-founders of 17000ft Foundation; CEOs of Leh and Kargil; Principals and faculty members from DIET Leh and DIET Kargil; NIPUN Bharat officials; ZEOs; Headmasters; Master Trainers; teachers from schools across Ladakh; and representatives from the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare.

The newly introduced initiatives are designed to ensure that every child develops strong foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional development and cognitive abilities that form the building blocks for future academic achievement and lifelong learning.

During the launch, 17000ft Foundation showcased a comprehensive set 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 to the developmental and learning goals of the foundational stage. The materials are intended to support teachers with structured classroom delivery while enabling continuous assessment and reinforcement of concepts.

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

As part of the launch, the Department of School Education and DIET Leh also introduced several innovative Teaching Learning Material (TLM) initiatives developed for the foundational stage. Through Smt. Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary, School Education Department, UT Ladakh, “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 beautiful 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 also formally handed over to the Chief Education Officers of Leh and Kargil to support effective implementation across schools.

Speaking at the ceremony, Smt. Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary – School Education Department, 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 emphasised the importance of helping children learn how to learn from their earliest years so they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. She emphasised that while academic achievements are undoubtedly important, a major focus of teachers and the education system should be on developing the social skills and character of children.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sandeep Sahu, Co-Founder of 17000ft Foundation, reflected on the foundation’s journey over the last decade 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 Personalised and Adaptive Digital Learning Labs (DigiLabs), while simultaneously strengthening the capacities of Headmasters, Master Trainers and teachers on Early Education and Foundational Learning and encouraging 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 on the latest pedagogies and introducing contextualised instructional materials for Grades 1 and 2 to strengthen foundational learning across the region.

The launch 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.