Kotak Education Foundation has been consistently working to support students from across India to “bridge educational divide and ensure equitable access to learning and growth opportunities.”
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ms Jayasree Ramesh, Head of Education Programs and Scholarship, Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) talks about various educational programmes run by the organization and the success it has achieved so far. She shares insights on how her foundation strictly monitors the project implementation and measures the impact of its educational projects. Ms Ramesh also elaborates on how KEF’s vocational education initiatives bridge the gap between educational offerings and industry requirements to empower students towards employment opportunities.
Scroll down to delve deeper into KEF mission and to know how its efforts are bringing transformative changes into the lives of student beneficiaries.
Interview with Jayasree Ramesh, Head of Education Programs and Scholarship, Kotak Education Foundation
Q: Could you share Kotak Education Foundation's broader goals and interventions in the field of education, including its initiatives related to school education, vocational education, and scholarships?
A: Our organization is dedicated to supporting children and youth from underprivileged families through various education-based interventions, with the overarching goal of enabling them to transcend the poverty line and lead lives of dignity through sustainable processes. To achieve this mission, we have set forth a range of broader goals and interventions that encompass diverse aspects of education.
One of our primary aims is to enhance the quality of education in schools and elevate the overall learning experience of students. We envision equipping students with 21st-century skills that will enable them to thrive in an increasingly complex and volatile world. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with both privately aided and unaided schools facing resource constraints, as well as government schools. Our key focus areas include implementing effective leadership practices for school leaders, providing support to teachers in implementing innovative teaching methodologies at the primary and secondary levels, developing engaging educational materials, and fostering proficiency in communicative English skills among students. Additionally, we emphasise the promotion of digital literacy among students and teachers by introducing technology-driven learning solutions within classrooms. By pursuing these comprehensive initiatives, our organisation endeavours to create positive transformations in education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future and have the necessary tools to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Recognizing the vital role of vocational skills in preparing students for the workforce, our foundation places significant emphasis on vocational education and skill development programs. In collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners, we offer vocational training courses that equip students with practical skills, thereby enhancing their employability. Our vocational education initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between educational offerings and industry requirements, ultimately empowering students to secure meaningful employment opportunities.
Scholarships: The foundation offers scholarships to meritorious students with the goal to empower meritorious students from underserved communities to complete their education and rise above the poverty line, by not only supporting them with financial aid but also opportunities for holistic development through scholarships. All the scholarships and financial assistance projects of KEF focus on handholding the students in their educational journey via mentoring, academic support, home visits, exposure visits and focused training on life and job readiness skills. In 2021 KEF has expanded its wings to include two Pan-India projects: Kotak Kanya Scholarship and Kotak Shiksha Nidhi – taking KEF’s work to far-flung corners of India
Overall, the Kotak Education Foundation's broader goals and interventions in the field of education reflect a comprehensive approach towards improving learning outcomes, promoting skill development, and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. We collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, corporate partners, and NGOs, to implement its initiatives effectively.
Q: How does the Kotak Mahindra Group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity, Kotak Karma, align with the initiatives and objectives of Kotak Education Foundation?
A: Karma in Sanskrit means ‘action’. Kotak Karma symbolizes Group’s actions that positively contribute to the economic, environmental and social well-being of the deprived and underprivileged communities. Kotak Group recognizes the critical role of education in empowering individuals, fostering social progress. Both Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation aim to create long-term, sustainable solutions in the field of education and Livelihood.
Q: How has the scholarship wing of Kotak Education Foundation contributed to supporting students over the past decade, and what are some notable achievements? Please share how much of the approx. total budget provision was made for such projects over the last three years?
A: KEF’s Scholarship offerings have evolved over the past decade. Starting with 10 students from 3 schools, KEF has supported over 3500+ students through its 4 scholarship projects at Mumbai as well as Pan-India level. Scholarship projects have led to 670 graduates and 2600+ students are currently studying at various schools and universities. More than 550 students have been successfully placed in premium organisations across India and abroad while some have chosen to pursue their Master’s degrees. The scholarship support has led to more than 180 students becoming Engineers, 9 Doctors, 147 finance and allied professionals. Two of the students are also pursuing careers in nation building as they are part of the Indian Army and Indian Navy. KEF scholars have also been chosen for highly coveted internships in international bodies such as the United Nations and Google. Many scholars are high achievers shining not only in academics but in sports and extracurricular activities representing India at international forums. Close to INR 10 crores have been spent by KEF for the Scholarships in the past three years.
Q: How does Kotak Education Foundation collaborate with other stakeholders, such as colleges in Mumbai, to identify and support eligible scholarship recipients?
A: KEF has believed in working not only in isolation with the students but also with the entire ecosystem that supports and influences the students. Till 2021, scholarships were offered only to the students of KEF Partner Schools in Mumbai (104 Schools). With the launch of pan-India Kotak Kanya Scholarship, and financial assistance project Kotak Shiksha Nidhi, KEF’s work has reached students enrolled in more than 900+ institutions across the country. The institutes include a wider range of public and private schools and colleges. KEF is in the process of signing MOUs with the top ranking universities in India for collaboration and student selection. In the year 2023, KEF has launched ‘Kotak Junior Scholarship’ which will establish KEF’s work across Mumbai and help us to support meritorious students from Colleges across Mumbai (MMR Region)
Q: How does Kotak Education Foundation measure the impact of its programs and interventions? Are there any specific indicators or success metrics that the organization uses to assess the effectiveness of its programs?
A: We acknowledge the significance of measuring the impact of our programs and interventions as a means to ensure their effectiveness and inform future strategies. In this regard, our organization adheres to a comprehensive approach to assess the impact of our initiatives. Presented below are key facets of KEF's impact measurement methodology:
Output and Outcome Indicators: We employ specific output and outcome indicators that are aligned with our program objectives. These indicators encompass measurable targets pertaining to student achievement, school improvement, teacher development, and community engagement. For instance, output indicators may include metrics such as the number of students enrolled in vocational training courses or the percentage of schools implementing innovative teaching methodologies. Outcome indicators, on the other hand, may measure improvements in student learning outcomes or enhanced employability among graduates of vocational education programs.
Baseline and Endline Assessments: At the onset of our programs, we conduct comprehensive baseline assessments to establish benchmarks for measuring progress. These assessments provide a clear understanding of the initial conditions of schools, students, and teachers. Subsequently, we administer end line assessments to evaluate the impact of our interventions. These assessments serve to quantify the changes or improvements achieved as a direct result of our programs.
Qualitative Feedback: In addition to quantitative metrics, we attach great importance to gathering qualitative feedback to gain deeper insights into the impact of our programs. We collect feedback from school leaders, teachers, students, parents, and community members through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. By incorporating qualitative data, we develop a holistic understanding of stakeholders' experiences and perspectives, enabling us to identify successful areas as well as areas requiring improvement.
Longitudinal Studies: We have also initiated longitudinal studies to monitor the long-term impact of our interventions. Through the continuous tracking of students' progress over an extended period, we aim to assess the sustained effects of our programs on educational attainment, employment outcomes, and overall well-being.
Collaboration with Research and Impact Evaluation Institutions: We collaborate with external research institutions and subject-matter experts to conduct rigorous evaluations and impact assessments of our programs. This collaborative effort ensures objective assessments of our initiatives while leveraging in-depth expertise in the measurement process.
By integrating these various approaches, our organization endeavors to collect comprehensive data that fosters a nuanced understanding of the impact of our programs. This information empowers us to make informed decisions, refine strategies, and continuously enhance our interventions, thereby maximizing their effectiveness in achieving the desired educational outcomes.
Q: Can you share some success stories or examples of how the Kotak Junior Scholarship program has positively impacted the lives of economically disadvantaged students?
A: Kotak Junior Scholarship is launched at Pan-Mumbai level by KEF in 2023. KEF carries a legacy of similar scholarships known as the ‘10 plus scholarship’ which supported the educational journey of more than 1900+ students and another scholarship for graduation students from partner schools. Students who have graduated from the 10 plus and 12 plus scholarships have achieved great heights and are placed in premium companies like TCS, Infosys, Saint Goblin, Axis bank, Cap Gemini to name a few.
Saish Naik, a student who was raised by a single mother became an Excel Scholar after receiving 93% in SSC and 79% HSC. With the support of the scholarship he cleared entrance exams like NATA and took admission for Architecture. He is now working as an accomplished Architect.
Vandana Ardad, who has become the first Secretary of the Excel Alumni Committee has had an inspirational educational journey. Vandana’s father works in APMC market as a lemon seller and mother is a housewife. Vandana, being a bright student, scored 86% in SSC and became an Excel Scholars. Excel Scholarship supported Vandana for 6 years and she became an Electronic Engineer. She is currently working with Accenture India as an Application Development Analyst. During her scholarship journey, she not only accomplished academic laurels but also became National Taekwondo Gold Medalist and represented India 8th World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea and won Silver in 2014. She was also invited for the Global Youth Leadership Summit in the USA in 2013. Vandana was also invited as a Chief Guest by KEF for Rize 2022, felicitation event to welcome new scholars.
Q: What are the geographies within India where you have been working for over 4-5 years? What are some of the key challenges you face while implementing your education-related projects?
A: KEF has a significant presence in Mumbai, where it is headquartered. The foundation has implemented numerous projects in the city, collaborating with schools, teachers, and students to enhance the quality of education and promote educational empowerment. Apart from Mumbai, we have initiatives in different regions of Maharashtra. We have extended our reach to Gujarat, implementing projects in KGBV schools. We are also in conversation with various other states.
While implementing education-related projects, we face a range of challenges. One of the key challenges is addressing the socioeconomic disparities that affect access to quality education. We work with underprivileged communities, where children often face financial constraints, lack of resources, and limited opportunities for learning and development.
In many project locations, inadequate infrastructure and lack of resources pose challenges. This includes issues like insufficient classrooms, drinking water facilities, toilets and technology infrastructure, which hinder effective teaching and learning.
Also, ensuring quality education requires well-trained and motivated teachers. We face challenges in providing comprehensive teacher training and professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practices, especially in resource-constrained schools. Engaging with parents, guardians, and the larger community is crucial for the success of education initiatives. We cater to that with special initiatives.
Monitoring the progress and evaluating the impact of education projects pose challenges in terms of collecting accurate data, conducting assessments, and measuring outcomes effectively. Ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation systems is vital to track progress and make informed decisions.
Despite these challenges, KEF remains committed to overcoming them through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and continuous adaptation of its programs. By working closely with stakeholders and leveraging collective efforts, we strive to address these challenges and drive sustainable change in the field of education.
Q: As the Head of the Education Programme and Scholarship, what are your personal motivations and goals in driving educational empowerment through Kotak Education Foundation? Looking ahead, what are the future plans and aspirations of Kotak Education? Are there any new initiatives or partnerships on the horizon?
A: As an educator, my personal motivations and goals revolve around fostering educational empowerment and creating transformative opportunities for children. I firmly believe in the profound power of education to break the cycle of poverty and unlock individuals' potential, enabling them to lead purposeful and gratifying lives. Towards this objective, school leaders’ and educators’ capacity building plays a crucial role by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively inspire the next generation of global citizens.
Through the initiatives of Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), my aim is to bridge the educational divide and ensure equitable access to learning and growth opportunities. I am deeply passionate about empowering students with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources needed to navigate the rapidly evolving world and become future-ready citizens.
Kotak Education is committed to expanding its reach and maximising its impact. We strive to scale up our existing programs and interventions, forging deeper engagements with schools, teachers, and students. Our continuous focus is on improving the quality of education and enhancing learning outcomes for the beneficiaries we serve.
Furthermore, we actively explore new initiatives and foster partnerships to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the education landscape. We seek to leverage technology and digital platforms to extend our reach to a broader audience and offer innovative educational solutions. Collaborating with like-minded organizations, government bodies, and corporate entities is pivotal in maximizing our impact and effecting sustainable change in the field of education.
Our future aspirations encompass fortifying school education and skill development programs, equipping students with practical skills that align with industry requirements. Additionally, our aim is to enhance our scholarship programs, ensuring that deserving and talented students have access to financial assistance to pursue higher education and achieve their aspirations.
In conclusion, my personal goals strongly align with the vision of KEF to empower individuals through education, drive social transformation, and create a future where every child is presented with equal opportunities to succeed. By remaining dedicated, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our beneficiaries, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and youth, empowering them to realize their full potential.
