In a small village exhibition, student carefully adjusts their homemade water purifier, explaining to visitors how it can provide clean drinking water for their community. A few steps away, another group of children showcase their working model of a volcanic eruption, their eyes gleaming with excitement. These are not just school projects; they are the seeds of innovation taking root in some of the most underserved corners of India.

On National Science Day, February 28, 2025, Caritas India’s Khushaal Bachpan program transformed traditional learning into a hands-on experience across 65 villages in Chhattisgarh. More than 800 children from rural communities, often deprived of experiential learning opportunities, built and exhibited science models from rockets and water cycles to climate change simulators and solar systems. These were not just exercises in creativity; they were practical solutions inspired by real-world problems, demonstrating the power of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in shaping young minds.

In many rural areas, education is often limited to memorization, with little scope for exploration or application. The academic centers established under the Khushaal Bachpan program have been working to change this, ensuring that children receive quality education beyond textbooks. Run by dedicated academic mentors, these centers serve as learning hubs where children engage in interactive activities, cultural events, storytelling, and sports, fostering both academic and personal growth.

For the past two years, the National Science Day celebration has been a key initiative within the program. It is designed to complement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary education, and strengthening STEM education in India. By organizing science exhibitions, quizzes, and interactive sessions, Caritas India is enhancing learning outcomes and instilling confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills in young learners.

The success of this initiative lies in collaboration. Planning sessions were conducted with teachers and school management to design an engaging event plan and determine the science models to be developed. Children formed small groups, working together to brainstorm, create, and refine their models under the guidance of teachers.

The event was more than a school activity—it became a community celebration. Parents, local leaders, and stakeholders such as PRI members, BDOs, and CDOs attended, witnessing the impact of interactive STEM learning first-hand. The presence of community members reinforced the message that education is a shared responsibility and that children’s ideas deserve recognition and encouragement.

As the event concluded, Principals and teachers reflected on how such initiatives can reshape rural education. A science quiz was also organized for students from grades 6 to 8, where participants displayed an impressive grasp of scientific concepts.

This initiative has made learning exciting and sparked a long-term interest in science among students. Children who once hesitated to speak are now confidently explaining their projects to a crowd. This is the power of hands-on education.

While this initiative has redefined learning in 65 villages, the potential to replicate and expand it is immense. Expansion of this model could support thousands of children across rural India in gaining access to quality STEM education, empowering them to innovate, solve real-world challenges, and build a future rooted in knowledge and creativity.