In a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education, five Indian schools have been shortlisted for the prestigious World’s Best School Prizes 2024. Organized annually by T4 Education in the UK, these awards celebrate schools worldwide for their enormous contributions to society’s progress.
The shortlisted schools from India exemplify innovation, community collaboration, environmental action, overcoming adversity, and supporting healthy lives.
Among the finalist schools revealed last week are two from Madhya Pradesh and one each from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Competing in various categories for a portion of the USD 50,000 prize money, these schools are making headlines in Education news. Below are the schools that are shortlisted:
1. Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj (Delhi) – Environmental Action
Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, stands out for its innovative approach to tackling water scarcity and pollution. The school has considerably lessened its environmental impact by implementing initiatives like hydroponics and biogas plants.
The school’s dedication to sustainability and environmental education is demonstrated by its ranking in the Top 10 for the “Environmental Action” category, which is the result of their efforts.
2. Kalvi International Public School, Madurai (Tamil Nadu) – Community Collaboration
Kalvi International Public School in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has been named in the Top 10 for the “Community Collaboration” category. The school empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds through education and sports, enabling them to achieve excellence.
By fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration, the school demonstrates how educational institutions can drive social change and uplift communities.
3. Government CM RISE Model HSS, Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh) – Supporting Healthy Lives
Government CM RISE Model HSS in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, has been recognized for its holistic approach to education. The school integrates health education, nutritional meals, and community engagement to uplift children from Scheduled Tribes.
By addressing both educational and health needs, the school has made it to the Top 10 shortlist for the “Supporting Healthy Lives” category in the World’s Best School Prizes, demonstrating its role in improving the quality of life for its students.
4. GHSS Vinoba Ambedkar Nagar, Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) – Innovation
GHSS Vinoba Ambedkar Nagar in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, is celebrated for its innovative approach to public education. Originally founded for tribal girls in an urban slum community, the school has become a beacon of innovation.
It has successfully encouraged the community to embrace formal education, earning it a place in the “Innovation” category. The school’s efforts highlight the importance of education in transforming lives and communities.
5. Mumbai Public School L K Waghji International (IGCSE) – Supporting Healthy Lives
Mumbai Public School L K Waghji International (IGCSE) in Maharashtra has taken significant strides in promoting healthy lifestyles among its students. By cutting out junk food and encouraging healthier choices, the school has been shortlisted for the “Supporting Healthy Lives” category.
This initiative underscores the importance of fostering healthy habits from a young age to ensure the well-being of future generations.
Recognizing Global Contributions
The World’s Best School Prizes were founded by T4 Education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to give a platform to schools that are changing lives both in and out of the classroom.
The five prize categories – Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – recognize schools that are making a significant impact on their students and communities.
Prize and Public Vote
The winners of the five World’s Best School Prizes will be chosen by an expert “Judging Academy” based on rigorous criteria. In addition to the expert judgment, all 50 shortlisted schools will participate in a public vote, which opened last week.
The top three finalists for each prize, in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, will be announced in September, with the winners revealed in November. Each winning school will receive an award of USD 10,000, sharing the USD 50,000 prize fund.
Inspiring Global Change
Jill Huntley, Managing Director – Global Corporate Citizenship at Accenture, praised the shortlisted schools: “Your vital work brings hope that solutions can be found to some of the greatest challenges we face today. Through the platform of the World’s Best School Prizes, your solutions will now inspire countless others across the globe from the classrooms to the administration.”
The World’s Best School Prizes provide a global platform for schools to showcase their innovative solutions, inspiring educators and policymakers worldwide. The achievements of these five Indian schools illustrate the profound impact that dedicated educational institutions can have on society, fostering hope, innovation, and positive change.