By Aftab Shaikh. Sr. Communication Associate
India’s digital revolution is unlocking unprecedented opportunities in education. On National Education Day, we reflect on how technology, like AI and low-touch tech like WhatsApp, is transforming ECE for millions of children in India.
National Education Day reminds us of India’s ongoing commitment to accessible, quality education for all the children. Quality education for children starts with a solid foundation in Early Childhood Education (ECE). More than 85 percent of the brain development is achieved by the age of six; shaping a child’s cognitive, social and emotional growth. However, according to the National Sample Survey 75th Round report, approximately 37 million children are in need of access of early education services in India.
As India surges ahead in the global digital revolution, it brings unprecedented opportunities to elevate the reach of quality early childhood education in India. With an estimated 1 billion smartphone users in India by 2026 (Deloitte), the country stands at a crossroads: technology can now deliver consistent, effective educational tools to communities limited in resources and training.
Rocket Learning is one of many efforts working to improve early childhood education in India and striving to break these barriers through technology; bringing inclusive, engaging learning experiences to young learners. What sets Rocket Learning apart is its ability to deliver highly personalized, data-driven education experiences powered by AI, directly accessible on the widely used messaging tool: WhatsApp.
Rocket Learning’s latest initiative, Saheli, an AI-powered digital learning companion being developed in partnership with Google.org, aims to assist parents and educators by delivering personalized educational experiences for children aged three to six. While Saheli is still under development, it is designed to bridge the educational divide. With its Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities, it will assess data and provide adaptive learning experiences based on each child’s progress and developmental needs.
With Google.org’s additional support via a team of Google Fellows, Rocket Learning is ambitiously working towards reaching 50 million children over the next five years—a vision closely aligned with India’s Digital India mission and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
At the core of Rocket Learning’s technology-based interventions is its WhatsApp-based teaching model. Rocket Learning offers two key programs: the Smart Parent Program and the Star Educator Program. The Star Parent Program actively involves parents in their child’s early learning activities, recognizing that education begins at home. The Star Educator Program, on the other hand, equips over 13 lakh Anganwadi workers to bring quality ECCE to 8 crore children every day that come to Anganwadi Centers. This is the world’s largest women-led childcare system, unparalleled in the world.
Both programs use localized and personalized content to reach communities in even the most remote areas. This accessible technology ensures that every home has the resources it needs, creating a strong partnership between parents and Anganwadi workers in supporting the early learning journey of millions of children across India. With this model, Rocket Learning has reached over 3 million children and parents in four years.
Rocket Learning’s impact is significant. Studies show that children who participate in the program demonstrate higher language, literacy, and cognitive skills than their peers. One heartwarming example of Rocket Learning’s impact is narrated by Mrs. Shalu from East Delhi. She says that Rocket Learnings’s digital classrooms has ignited curiosity in her 4 year-old daughter. “When they do activities in school that have already been shared with the parent groups, she immediately takes charge and leads in the class. She keeps trying various activities now and as a result, her curiosity to learn new things has increased. Even her vocabulary has become better and she can recognize shapes and numbers better,” Mrs. Shalu said.
Another example is Katyayni Anup Bhoitey, a young child in Rocket Learning’s digital classroom. Katyayni’s mother shared that the program has increased her daughter’s focus and interest in learning activities, providing meaningful ways for the family to engage in her development. “We participate in group activities regularly, and if one of us is unavailable, any family member can step in. The activities are simple but powerful, taking only about 20 minutes each,” she explained. Rocket Learning’s program has doubled parental engagement on a daily basis – enabling learning to become a part of routine and habit.
Rocket Learning is working towards building a community around learning, and making education a shared responsibility. On this National Education Day, as we honour the legacy of India’s first Minister of Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Rocket Learning’s commitment to accessible, equitable education for all resonates deeply. By harnessing India’s digital infrastructure, Rocket Learning is not only narrowing the education gap but also fulfilling Azad’s dream of an inclusive, united India where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.