This Innovation School Teaches Kids in Villages to Solve Real-Life Issues, Minus Exams

The Indian education system is often criticised for its textbook-oriented learning. But a 26-year-old from Odisha is trying to get out of this box through his school for the children of Baral village in Odisha, which focuses on “solving real-life problems”. 

Similar Story

‘I Started With 5 Kids, Now I Teach 105’: Delhi Constable’s Free School Helps Kids Dream Big

Doing odd jobs around Delhi, these kids were deprived of education and opportunities. When constable Than Singh saw their plight, he jumped to action and started teaching them for free. Here’s their story.

Read more >

He is Anil Pradhan, a civil engineering graduate and the son of a tailor-turned-CRPF jawan. 

He discovered his inclination towards technology and innovation during his childhood. When he went to college, he built a satellite and designed a robot. After graduating, he decided to start a school on his family’s land.  

The International School for Rural Innovation started with very few students owing to its method of working. Anil says that parents were not interested in sending their kids to a school that promoted crafting and experimenting rather than textbook learning.

Similar Story

Elections 2024: How Can People With Disabilities Vote From Home in India

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 mandates accessibility of the electoral process for every Indian with a disability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you, or someone you know, can exercise their voting right.

Read more >

But now, it has more than 250 students, who have no exams, but learn new things everyday. The school is now affiliated with the Odisha state board and has 16 teachers, or volunteers, who are either college graduates or in their final year.

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?

“I was born in 42 Mouza and left the area to receive a good education. But I don’t want people to migrate towards the cities for a decent education. They should have that facility at home, especially underprivileged students. I also found that the conventional school curriculum puts a burden on students. Such a system does not produce creative and innovative students who can find solutions for society. To address these concerns, I started this school,” he said.

Watch how the ‘real-life’ Rancho is creating a school that’s different from the norm:

Edited by Divya Sethu