MUMBAI (India CSR): In a significant step towards improving literacy and numeracy levels in primary education, DBS Foundation (DBSF) has partnered with Sampark Foundation to transform learning outcomes for underserved children through the launch of the DBS Foundation x Sampark Foundation: Foundational Learning Programme.
As part of the programme, DBS Foundation has committed SGD 4.21 million (approximately Rs 27.1 crore) over three years (2025–2028), aiming to benefit 512,000 students in over 12,700 government schools across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh.
The partnership aligns with DBSF’s efforts to uplift the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Guided by its two core pillars – Providing Essential Needs and Fostering Inclusion – the Foundation supports innovative, strategic, and scalable programmes that enable resilient communities.
Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, said, “At DBS Foundation, we believe that a strong start early in life is key to building long-term resilience. Education is one of the most powerful drivers of equity, and our partnership with Sampark Foundation aims to narrow the education gap for children in rural communities. By focusing on early learning interventions, we hope to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in school and instil a love for learning to take them through all stages of life.”
Arun Bhatt, Head- Philanthropy & Partnerships, Sampark Foundation, added, “Transformation at scale requires frugal innovation, deep collaboration, and a commitment to impact. Our partnership with DBS Foundation brings us closer to our mission of enabling interactive and sustainable learning experiences for children across India. By working with state governments, we are embedding these innovations into the heart of the public education system.”
By equipping classrooms with interactive learning tools and providing teachers with structured training, the programme seeks to address persistent gaps in the education system. Despite increased enrolment, many students in India require strengthened foundational literacy and numeracy skills. This will be addressed through targeted interventions:
- Grades 1–5: Introduction of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Box – an internet-free, plug-and-play device preloaded with state curriculum-aligned content and LED TVs, alongside tools such as manipulatives and board games to support mathematics, hindi and English proficiency
- Grades 6–8: Deployment of LED TVs and the Sampark Science Box – an offline, plug-and-play device preloaded with curriculum-aligned content for Years 6 to 8 to enhance science learning and promote STEM education
Recognising the pivotal role that teachers play in sustaining learning outcomes, the programme places them at the centre of educational transformation. Through hands-on training in inclusive and innovative pedagogy, educators will be equipped to deliver engaging and effective classroom experiences.
The DBS Foundation x Sampark Foundation: Foundational Learning Programme is closely aligned with state education priorities. To ensure scale and sustainability, non-financial MoUs have been signed with the governments of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, embedding the programme within the public education framework. The model is designed for scalability and government co-ownership. By 2028, the initiative aims to deliver an approximate 30% improvement in student learning outcomes across literacy, numeracy, and science, measured through assessments conducted before and after the intervention.
Since 2005, Sampark Foundation has impacted 18.4 million children, trained 850,000 teachers, distributed 41,000 Sampark TVs, and delivered 278,000 Teach-Easy kits across eight states in India. This programme is part of DBS Foundation’s broader efforts to support and work with like-minded partners in the ecosystem to create societal impact at scale.
In 2023, DBS announced that over the next ten years, it would commit up to SGD 1 billion, along with 1.5 million employee volunteering hours across its markets to improve lives and livelihoods. The programme with Sampark Foundation is part of these efforts. Embodying DBS’ brand promise of “Live More, Bank Less,” the DBS Foundation empowers individuals to live better, at every age and in every circumstance. In India, this often begins with ensuring young children have access to essential education, building blocks for a brighter future.
This holistic approach directly parallels DBS Bank India’s philosophy: just as the Foundation nurtures individuals through life’s various stages, DBS Bank India similarly partners with businesses from their start-up phase, fostering their growth into SMEs and eventually large corporates. This commitment extends to retail customers as well, with DBS Bank India supporting their banking needs throughout different life phases, from opening their first salary account to partnering in their wealth creation journeys.
(India CSR)
