Overview
Learn to Read, Read to Learn was Sesame Workshop India's first large-scale digital literacy initiative-designed to test how mobile technology, print materials, and teacher training could improve reading outcomes for children in low-resource rural settings. As Content & Education Manager, I led the educational strategy, learning design, and multi-modal content development for this ambitious program.
My Role
I directed the end-to-end learning design, blending mobile games, culturally grounded print materials, and a robust teacher training program into a cohesive literacy curriculum. I oversaw the creation of 10 Hindi literacy games, companion workbooks, and classroom activities featuring Galli Galli Sim Sim (Sesame Street India) characters. I also designed and delivered teacher trainings that equipped educators to integrate digital learning tools effectively into their classrooms.
Impact
The program reached 42,000 children across 400+ schools, implemented in partnership with:
- Government of Bihar (Phase 1: 30,000 students)
- Government of Maharashtra (Phase 2: 12,000 students)
Independent evaluation showed:
- Children using mobile games performed better in 3 of 5 literacy indicators compared to print-only learners
- Significant gains in oral reading fluency and comprehension
- Clear evidence that mobile technology can meaningfully improve literacy in low-resource environments
These results validated Sesame Workshop India's first digital literacy intervention and influenced subsequent learning innovation across multiple regions.
Why It Was Innovative
This program pioneered:
- Low-cost mobile games as a literacy tool in areas with limited infrastructure
- Pico projectors for local teacher training in schools without electricity
- A multi-modal literacy model combining screens, print, and in-classroom facilitation
- A culturally relevant approach that blended global educational expertise with local learning realities
The project became an exemplar of how thoughtful EdTech design can overcome infrastructural barriers and deliver measurable impact at scale.