Step2Words

Step2Words

Non-profit Organizations

Pune, Maharashtra 680 followers

India Free of English Literacy Gap

About us

Imagine losing the potential of the 62% of students who drop out before even reaching 10th grade in the world's fastest-growing young population. Imagine these 62% bright minds becoming passive spectators instead of catalysts for change in the future. The dropout rate after 8th grade is four times higher than during middle school because 4 out of 6 subjects are taught in English, where 53.4% of 8th-grade children cannot read simple English sentences, making it incredibly challenging for these students to continue their education. We dream of an India free of this English Literacy gap. An India where no child has to drop out because of not knowing English. For this to be true, bridging this gap will ensure every child will be in a position to seize a plethora of opportunities to transform into catalysts for change. Research by Greenfader & Brouillette shows young learners participating in theatre and art-based activities showed a 16% boost in comprehending English compared to their peers in traditional classrooms without arts integration. Step2Words adopts this approach to offer a 4-year program in schools for middle school students, starting with Grade 5th, to teach English through an art-based approach. We partner with top-tier English Literature colleges to place their final-year students as fellows in schools and implement our program.

Website
www.step2words.org
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Pune, Maharashtra
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2023

Locations

Employees at Step2Words

Updates

  • Step2Words reposted this

    View profile for Ashwini Rokade, graphic

    Fellow at Step2words

    When community visits become a workout , you know you're doing something right!! But let's be real, there one phrase that's become my personal favorite "My house is very far". Anyone else hear this often?. I've heard it so many times that I'm starting to think it's a national pastime. But seriously, connecting with the community was an incredible experience. Our mentors, Tanya Sharma and Samridhi Nair , provided me and my peer Tamana Singh this amazing opportunity to visit the homes of our students , These home visits allowed us to step into our students' world, understanding their journey and to establish bond and trust with the students and their families. Tanya also gave us some awesome tools to keep in mind , such as staying objective and really listening. At first , I was super nervous since Tamana and I were doing this alone for the very first time. But, Wow! Our visits totally changed my perspective. One of my students was beyond thrilled to see me at her home. She'd gotten up early, done her chores, and was all set to hang out! Her family welcomed us with open arms , warmth and resilience. And her excitement was on its peak as she exclaimed, "When I tell my friends at school that didi came to my house, they won't believe me!" The grandmother despite health issues, got up to bless us and see us off. What touched me the most was how naturally they included us, treating us with a familiarity that made every moment special. Another visit showed me parents willing to improve their circumstances, seeking better living conditions for their children's sake. They weren't counting on their kid's to improve their lives; they were taking charge themselves . What struck me the most was how these parents gave their kid's the freedom to choose their own paths. No pressure just unconditional support and love , which was truly heartwarming.These community visits reminded me that connection and listening can change everything. These families, despite facing challenges, chose happiness and gratitude. They taught me what appreciation really means.Step2Words ❤️

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  • Step2Words reposted this

    View profile for Tanya Sharma, graphic

    COO, Step2Words | Gandhi Fellow'23 | Piramal Foundation

    🌟 This Diwali, Light Up a Child's Future! 🌟 Meet Lucky, a bright, creative soul in standard 5 from one of our intervention schools, a low-fee private school. Despite his enthusiasm, Lucky’s teachers saw him struggling—facing challenges with understanding, expressing, and keeping up with his class. The baseline assessment showed his English skills were below even a class 1 level. But Lucky’s story was just beginning. With two months of support and intervention, we saw Lucky bloom! Once hesitant to share, he now creates his own characters and stories, expresses his thoughts openly, and even helps his classmates. His teachers are amazed at his transformation. Lucky is proof of the power of integrating art and creativity into learning, showing how the right approach can ignite a world of possibilities in every child. At Step2Words,we know that with the right support, every child can thrive and we’re on a mission to empower students like Lucky—young minds who are often labeled as “slow learners” but simply need the right support to shine. This Diwali, you can bring that light into their lives by contributing just ₹500 a month or ₹6000 a year. Your contribution helps us reach more children, giving them the tools to believe in themselves and succeed. Scan the QR or click on the link in the comments to contribute. ✨ Together let’s bring the light of learning into their lives this festive season! ✨ #everychildcan #embracingcuriosity #creativity #education Step2Words I Samridhi Nair I Aditya Amolekar I Ashwini Rokade I Danyah Khan I Tamana Singh

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  • Step2Words reposted this

    View profile for Tamana Singh, graphic

    Fellow At Step2Words | Content Reviewer At Leading Edge Media

    "Teaching, in its truest sense, is a journey of both understanding and being understood." Stepping into my role as an educator, my mentors, Samriddhi and Tanya, pushed me to look beyond the classroom and witness the deeper realities shaping my students. When they first asked me to visit communities independently, it felt unexpected—intimidating even. Previously, these visits were done with their guidance. This time, it was just Ashwini, my fellow educator, and me, each taking turns leading these spaces and embracing both the insights and discomforts they revealed. Tanya’s advice to observe without assumptions was invaluable. She reminded me to put aside expectations and just see—to listen fully. But it wasn’t easy. At times, I questioned why these visits were needed. Wouldn’t it be enough to teach in the classroom, focusing on the role I’d expected? Then, a moment shifted everything. A mother shared that because of her son, she could now sign her name in English. Her pride was quiet but radiant. In that small victory, I realized that while we may come looking for challenges, we also find resilience and joy—things we’d miss without taking this step. Meeting my students in their own worlds was powerful, but often unsettling. I felt a quiet weight, knowing that I could walk away from their everyday struggles while they remained rooted in them. This realization was sobering, but also grounding. It reminded me that true teaching means more than instruction; it’s a commitment to walk alongside them, to work toward a shared hope. In those moments when doubt rises, I remind myself: we’re on this journey together, learning from one another in ways I never expected. Teaching, I now see, is about letting each experience shape you, often in ways that only reveal their meaning after you’ve lived them. "In teaching others, we teach ourselves the strength of presence and the quiet power of shared hope." Step2Words |Ashwini Rokade | Samridhi Nair | Tanya Sharma | Aditya Amolekar

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  • View organization page for Step2Words, graphic

    680 followers

    On Children’s Day, we often celebrate the innocence, creativity, and boundless imagination that define childhood. This year at Step2Words, we want to do more than just celebrate — we want to showcase it. ✨ We are excited to invite you to our Comic Strip Exhibit, where our children will bring their own stories to life through comics. These aren't just any stories; they are windows into their worlds — their dreams, their challenges, and their triumphs. This exhibit is an opportunity for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the world through their eyes. Our children have worked hard, pouring their creativity into every line, every character, and every plot twist. By attending, you’re not just supporting them — you're encouraging their ability to think, to create, and to believe that their voice matters. 📅 Date: 14th November 2024   ⏰ Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM   📍 Venue: Prakash English Medium School, Rasta Peth, Pune So come join us, not just as attendees but as mentors, supporters, and believers in the power of creativity. Because Children’s Day is more than just a celebration — it is about empowering the next generation. 👉 Scan the QR code or access this link (https://lnkd.in/dpeyfBs3) to register and be part of something special. #ComicStripExhibit #Step2Words #ChildrensDay2024 #CreativeMinds #YouthEmpowerment #PuneEvents #StorytellingForChange

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  • View organization page for Step2Words, graphic

    680 followers

    Our fellows spent the last few days in the communities of the children they work with, trying to learn more about their children and their families. They’ve gained valuable insights from their community visits, allowing them to understand the children on a deeper level, beyond what they share directly. This understanding will enable them to offer more tailored and effective support to each child. Stay tuned to directly hear it from our fellows! Tamana Singh | Ashwini Rokade | Aditya Amolekar #community #children #educators

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  • Step2Words reposted this

    View profile for Samridhi Nair, graphic

    Founder, CEO at Step2Words | Entrepreneur-In-Residence @ The Circle India | Building English Literacy Through Arts |

    🤖Robots are here but where are our children?🤖 It’s been nearly two decades since 'I, Robot', showed us a future with intelligent machines. In 2024, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk brought that prediction to life. But as we marvel at this progress, I can’t help but wonder—where will our children be 20 years from now? Where will those children, who aren’t part of this race for the future, find themselves while others—children with access to quality education—lead the next great revolution? 62% of children in India don’t finish 10th grade.🤯 These children may not even be able to dream of a future in the new world being built around them. Instead, they’ll be spectators of a change that others—just 38% of their peers—are driving, all because of one thing: the perpetual cycle of education inequity. But here’s the thing—this is not a fixed reality. It is dynamic.  It can change.  And you and I can change it. When we look at those children who don’t yet have access to opportunities, we don’t see despair—we see hope. We see untapped potential. We see future inventors, artists, leaders, and visionaries, waiting to catch up to the race. And they can. But they need our help. The 38% of children who are fortunate enough to access quality education will shape India’s future, but the remaining 62%? They, too, can help shape our world if we open the door to opportunity. At Step2Words, we believe in that potential. We believe that the next Elon Musk, the next Abdul Kalam, the next Sarojini Naidu is sitting in a classroom right now, waiting to be discovered. And with your support, we can give them that chance. For as little as ₹500 a month, you can help a child step forward—one child, for one month, gaining the tools they need to not just dream but achieve. And if you can commit to just ₹6,000 for the year, you’ll give that child the gift of continuity—the gift of a future they may have never thought possible. 💫Our children will step towards a better life. 💫Our children will step towards a better India. 💫And with your help, our children will step towards a better tomorrow. We are fundraising for our children. In case you are interested in donating - scan the QR code in the image, or reach out to Tanya Sharma or me, as LinkedIn is not giving our donation link visibility. #elonmusk #education #children #India

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  • View organization page for Step2Words, graphic

    680 followers

    At Step2Words, our children are bringing characters to life through myriad shapes and emotions, weaving stories around them. They are steadily building their way to creating comic strips, short sentences in English, and their own narratives; fueling both English learning and imagination. We believe this creative approach will accelerate the bridging of English literacy gap in India. Your support can help empower these young minds to dream bigger. If you believe in the power of education, join us in our mission to create a literacy-rich India by contributing to our fundraiser. https://r.give.do/t5DC_WG7 Together, we can make a lasting impact. #LanguageForChange #EnglishEducation #SocialMobility #Step2Words Tanya Sharma | Samridhi Nair | Ashwini Rokade | Danyah Khan | Tamana Singh | Aditya Amolekar

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  • View organization page for Step2Words, graphic

    680 followers

    Behind every child at Step2Words is a Fellow, someone who’s not just teaching a language but mentoring, supporting, and inspiring. Our Fellows are an integral part of our program, working tirelessly to ensure that each child feels seen, heard, and valued. The bonds formed between our students and Fellows are transformative. Whether it’s through a kind word of encouragement, lesson plans, or simply being a role model, our Fellows are making a lasting impact. We recently concluded our evaluation for Phase 1 of the program. Stay tuned for updates! #mentorship #Step2Words #Fellowship

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