Bringing Science to Life for Every Child
Hands-on STEM learning for rural government school students
In govenment school classrooms of Shirol block, Kolhapur, thousands of young minds are brimming with curiosity. But without the tools to explore and experiment, that curiosity often fades. At Vidyoday Muktangan Parivar Foundation (VMPF), we exist to change that.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to touch, build, explore, and understand the science subject world through hands-on experiments and innovation — not just textbooks.
(Check out the 40 Sec. interesting video of Ritesh (Takaliwadi village School) explaining magic of science and concepts behind it.)
🟦 Why We Exist
For too long, rural government school students have learned science without ever doing science experiments.
In 2016, we founded VMPF with a clear purpose — to bridge this gap. We wanted to introduce affordable, hands-on, activity-based learning in government schools, starting in Shirol Tehsil, Kolhapur.
We began by building and conducting low-cost STEM workshops, engaging children with simple materials, real-world applications, and joyful discovery.
Today, we are a grassroots innovation engine. We co-create learning experiences with teachers. We set up lane-based schools during lockdowns. We turn local challenges into opportunities for creative learning.
VMPF exists to ensure that every child, no matter how remote their school, can become a confident, curious problem-solver.
A Call from the Classrooms
Kolhapur has a legacy of progressive and inclusive education, rooted in the social reform vision of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. But despite this history, many rural Zilla Parishad schools still struggle with:
Rigid textbook-based teaching
No materials for experiments
Overburdened teachers with little training
Disengaged students who memorize without understanding
During our field visits, we met teachers eager to do more – and students yearning to explore. That’s when we realized:
VMPF can be a catalyst.
What Sets Us Apart
Low-cost science models: Affordable tools that can be used in any school setting.
Hands-on learning kits: Built by local educators, tested in real classrooms.
Community-rooted approach: We train teachers, work with parents, and build local leadership.
‘Learning by Doing’ framework: Rooted in constructivist, experiential education.
Our Vision for the Next Decade
We dream of transforming all 157 Zilla Parishad schools in Shirol Tehsil into vibrant, activity-based learning hubs. With our recent entry into 10 schools in Belgavi district (Karnataka), our model is expanding beyond borders.
Our long-term goal is to create a scalable, replicable model of rural STEM education rooted in empathy, relevance, and experimentation.
And we know we can’t do it alone. We are building learning manuals, seeking collaborations, and working with education leaders to make this vision a reality.
Voices from the Ground
