J&K Samagra Shiksha launches 21st-century skills platform, Code Mitra for all Govt schools

Srinagar, June 11: J&K Samagra Shiksha launched 21st-century skills platform, Code Mitra for all government schools.

The platform was launched at a three-day capacity-building workshop for teachers, resource persons, and stakeholders at the University of Kasmir, as part of the PM Shri Scheme on Monday.

During this event, Code Mitra, a free and open-access interactive coding platform supported by Amazon Future Engineer, was officially launched in Jammu and Kashmir.

Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Alok Kumar announced the integration of Code Mitra, developed by Pi Jam Foundation, with Samiksha, a J&K student portal and learning tool.

This integration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year with the Samagra Shiksha State Project Director Kashmir aims to enhance digital education in the region.

Code Mitra offers engaging content that helps students develop skills like problem-solving, creative thinking, and computational thinking through culturally relevant and responsive modules.

Kumar urged teachers to promote the platform, emphasising the importance of these skills as highlighted in the National Education Policy-2020.

Notable attendees included Project Director of Samagra Shiksha J&K, Rakesh Magotra; Director of School Education Kashmir, Tasaduq Hussain Mir; Director of School Education Jammu, Ashok Kumar Sharma and Professor Prakshit Singh Manhas.

Founder-CEO of Pi Jam Foundation, Shoaib Dar spoke about the potential impact of this integration, which aims to reach students across the J&K region and provide an accessible platform for learners to learn 21st-century skills creatively and at their convenience without the need for computers.

Pi Jam Foundation representatives highlighted the importance of problem-solving, computational thinking, and coding in today’s tech-driven world, noting the historical significance of indigenous techniques like ‘Taleem’, a script leveraged by carpet weavers for centuries in the region.

They also shared their ongoing initiatives with Samagra Shiksha.

Trainers from Pi Jam Foundation will conduct training sessions for vocational trainers and nominated teachers, along with classroom observations and monthly reviews, to ensure the effective use of Code Mitra and to foster the development of future problem-solvers and innovators.