LLF Speaks

A conversation with Benjamin Piper (Director, Global Education Program, Gates Foundation) and Dhir Jhingran (Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation)

Why Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) should be a national priority? In this opening episode of Season 2, we begin with the ‘why’. Even as school enrolment has expanded globally, millions of children complete primary school without learning to read with understanding or use numbers meaningfully. This foundational learning crisis has serious consequences for equity, economic growth, and social progress. In conversation with Benjamin Piper, Director, Global Education Program, Gates Foundation, and Dhir Jhingran, Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation, the episode explores the scale of the global learning crisis, what foundational literacy and numeracy truly mean, and why getting these basics right in the early years has lifelong impact. The discussion also looks at the vision behind India’s NIPUN Bharat Mission and how a system-wide focus on foundational learning is central to education reform. This episode sets the stage for a season that asks what it will take, in policy, practice, and systems, to ensure that every child learns the foundations well. Know more about LLF:

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In our last episode of Season 1, Surendra Pratap Shah, dedicated educator and Block Education Officer from Naugarh shares his experiences from over two decades of working at the grassroots level in school education. He speaks about the evolving educational landscape in rural areas, where students from underprivileged backgrounds are not just attending school but also progressing intellectually and socially. With the support of LLF and structured programmes like Structured Language and Numeracy (SLN), he highlights how collaborative practices between ARPs, teachers, and school leaders are improving learning outcomes.

Through the conversation, Mr. Shah offers a grounded and hopeful view of foundational learning, one that thrives on community involvement, teacher collaboration, and consistent mentoring. Join us for this inspiring conversation.

In our ninth episode, Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, LLF, discusses his deep-rooted work in building inclusive, context-driven education systems in India. Drawing from decades of experience, Sanjeev reflects on how education can be reframed not as a system of control but as one of care, dialogue, and co-creation. He discusses the importance of creating safe, joyful, and democratic learning spaces for children, particularly in conflict-prone and marginalised regions. Through his work with LLF and other organisations, Sanjeev emphasises how equity in education starts with acknowledging diversity, listening to teachers, and trusting children’s ability to learn. He also shares practical insights on reimagining school systems, advocating for a shift from rigid curriculum delivery to flexible, localised learning rooted in children’s real lives.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Srivastava reveals how his work challenges conventional hierarchies in education and offers a humane and collaborative vision for transforming foundational learning in India.

In this engaging eighth episode, Niraj Pandey, a prominent educator and advocate for inclusive education, shares his vision and experiences in advancing foundational literacy across India. Niraj discusses the significant role of community involvement in creating a sustainable learning environment, emphasising the need for educators to focus on building meaningful relationships with students. Niraj highlights the challenges faced by educators, particularly in rural areas, and the transformative power of teacher empowerment and continuous professional development. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how targeted interventions and mentorship can significantly enhance learning outcomes, especially for marginalised groups.

In our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.

In our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kumar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.

In our sixth podcast episode, Dhiraj Singh, Head Teacher at Prathamik Vidyalaya Hattopur and a dedicated member of the State Resource Group (SRG), Janpath Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh shares his profound insights on the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) and its ground-level impact on transforming foundational education. Dhiraj sheds light on the powerful collaboration with the LLF, which has been instrumental in supporting teachers through structured curricula, professional training, and in-classroom support.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Singh discusses how these efforts are creating joyful learning environments, equipping teachers with the right tools, and empowering students for a brighter, knowledge-driven future.

In our fifth podcast episode, Azhar Zaheer, District Programme Manager, District Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, shares insights from his educational journey and how LLF’s structured pedagogy and teacher support are transforming classroom practices. The use of tools like Sandarshika, continuous training, and data-driven strategies are improving student learning outcomes.

From traditional methods to structured pedagogy, Mr. Zaheer’s journey reveals how teacher development is key to better learning. Join us for this inspiring conversation

In our fifth podcast episode, we are honored to welcome Azhar Zaheer, District Program Manager, District Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, as he shares his valuable insights on the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) and its transformative impact on foundational learning across the nation.

Mr. Zaheer highlights the vital collaboration with the Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) and their unwavering commitment to revolutionizing India’s education system. From providing continuous professional development for educators to offering technical support in state-led initiatives and fostering knowledge-sharing ecosystems, LLF is ensuring that every child develops essential skills in language, literacy, and critical thinking.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Zaheer discusses how these initiatives are shaping the future of education, empowering children with the tools they need for lifelong learning and success.

In our fourth podcast episode, Komal Rani, Block Resource Person, Shahabad Block, District Kurukshetra, Haryana shares her valuable perspectives on how teacher training and effective teaching practices created a supportive learning community. She witnesses how through joint school visits, access to quality materials, and ongoing mentoring, LLF has built trust among teachers and strengthened the education system.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation to hear how collaborations between the government and NGOs like LLF is key to improving learning outcomes.