Beyond the Book: What 100 Villages in Haryana Taught Us About Joyful Learning

Curiosity led the way, as children across 100 villages in the Rohtak and Sonipat districts of Haryana gathered for an engaging event designed to show that Science and Math can be as exciting as they are essential.

This event, organised by Pratham, incorporated STEM learning into play through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations. Children from Grades 3 to 8 gathered around as they tested air pressure with plastic bottles, uncovered number patterns through puzzles & play, and built models to explore principles like balance and stability. This was learning beyond the book, where children could actually interact with the theory they had learnt in classrooms.

‘This is actually fun!’ said one child after solving a number puzzle—an offhand comment that captured the spirit of the day. In rural India, STEM subjects are often considered intimidating. But the right kind of early engagement can drastically improve learning outcomes. Confidence in these subjects doesn’t just support academic growth; it builds life skills like critical thinking, resilience, and the courage to ask questions. And when learning is rooted in curiosity and play, it becomes sustainable.

What truly stood out was the collective effort behind the scenes. Local volunteers, parents, and teachers all played a role in making the event a success. It was a vibrant example of community-led learning, an approach Pratham champions across its programmes.

These events represent a scalable model of what equitable, engaging education can look like in rural contexts. By using simple materials, locally available resources, and collaborative action, they show that quality STEM learning need not be out of reach.

When learning feels joyful and shared, it stays with children and the  communities for a long time.

If you believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of learning, you can support more community-driven initiatives like this. Donate to Pratham UK and help bring playful, purposeful education to more children across India.