Project Title: School on Air
Designed by: Tekmiphy Muivah
School on Air is a radio-based learning initiative designed to bring education to children and families in Manipur, India who are unable to access traditional schooling due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure challenges. The project aims to introduce students to essential Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts through engaging storytelling and poem reading activities while fostering global inclusivity by introducing languages from around the world. Each episode of School on Air will explore SEL kernels—core principles that build emotional awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills—woven with literacy exercises. This language-inclusive approach encourages students to appreciate diverse cultures and forms of expression, helping them connect with the wider world even from remote settings.
This project was inspired by my firsthand experience growing up in Manipur, where quality education is often limited. Through iterative design and feedback, various audio formats were tested to refine the vision for integrating language inclusivity into each episode. Conversations with educational leaders emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong SEL focus balanced with engaging literary elements.
School on Air serves as more than just an educational tool; it’s a hope and a source of normalcy for children and families affected by conflict, offering them a chance to learn and grow despite the challenges they face. The project demonstrates the importance of balancing detail-oriented planning with a clear overall vision in effective learning design.
This initiative aligns with other innovative educational approaches in challenging environments, such as India’s first floating elementary school in Manipur. Opened at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok village, this school aims to provide education to dropout students and illiterate adults who were rendered homeless due to recent evacuations. (Curly tales, 2020)
By leveraging radio technology, School on Air overcomes barriers to education in vulnerable communities, similar to other digital solutions being implemented in conflict zones worldwide. These initiatives seek to provide accessible educational resources, training for educators, and support systems to promote resilience and empower students in challenging circumstances.
