Transforming public education in an urban slum community

CM RISE School Vinoba, Ratlam, a state kindergarten through secondary school in Ratlam, India, is a beacon of innovation in public education, originally founded for tribal girls in an urban slum community hesitant to embrace formal education. Facing low enrolment and attendance, alongside severe infrastructural decay, the school’s leadership, rejuvenated in 2021, launched a transformative journey grounded in resilience and empowerment for its 577 students.

The school's response to its challenges is encapsulated in its innovative “Cycle of Growth” model, which fosters continuous professional development for teachers and dynamic engagement for students. This model is pivotal in reversing the school's fortunes, raising attendance from 25% to over 85% and dramatically improving exam pass rates from 29% to 82%. Through a revitalised commitment to community collaboration and local resource utilisation, CM RISE School Vinoba, Ratlam has made education both relevant and accessible.

Leadership at CM RISE School Vinoba, Ratlam adopts a distributed model, empowering teachers and engaging parents to cultivate a culture of high expectations and collective responsibility. Innovative practices, such as integrating education with local festivals and hosting early morning sports sessions, have enriched student experiences and outcomes, garnering recognition from local educational authorities, further validating the school’s impact.

Should CM RISE School Vinoba, Ratlam win the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, the prize money will be channelled into expanding its Learning and Development Lab. This investment will empower students to further engage with and address community challenges through innovative projects, extending its influence beyond the classroom and into the wider community.