Code Mitra

Pi Jam Foundation

Code Mitra

Code Mitra empowers students with inclusive, contextualized game based learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving

Pune, Maharashtra, India

India

Nonprofit

At its core, education is meant to prepare children for the world they are growing into. But across India and much of the world, this promise remains broken, especially for children from marginalized communities. The problem isn’t just broken infrastructure or low test scores. It’s a fundamental misalignment between what education provides and what learners actually need to thrive. In India, over 70% of students attend government schools. Yet only 37.7% of these schools have computer access, and just 10% have functional computers. Even where infrastructure exists, the curriculum is outdated, teaching remains rote-driven, and content often ignores learners’ cultural and cognitive contexts. As a result, students are not just falling behind in reading and math, they’re missing the opportunity to develop critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy. Globally, UNESCO estimates that 617 million children are not reaching minimum learning proficiency. In India, this learning crisis hits tribal, rural, and low-income students the hardest,especially girls and neurodivergent learners. These children aren’t excluded due to lack of potential, but because education systems weren’t built for them. The real problem isn’t just access,it’s design. We aim to change that.

Code Mitra is an open-access, mobile-first platform designed to equip underserved students, especially those in rural, tribal, and economically disadvantaged communities, with essential 21st-century skills. This is achieved through localized and contextually relevant learning experiences, including AI literacy and problem-solving through block-based programming. At its core, Code Mitra features a modular design, enabling students to engage with block-based programming in a contextually relevant and accessible way. For example, students in Kashmir learn to apply programming to Taleem, the indigenous art of carpet weaving, or projects that align with India's Ministry of Environment's Life Mission, tackling local environmental challenges. The platform integrates with regional government learning management systems like DIKSHA, ensuring alignment with national standards. Teachers can contextualize lessons by incorporating local languages and examples, offering a more relevant and engaging learning experience. The sandbox model empowers educators to customize and co-create lessons, fostering innovation. Optimized for low-cost Android devices and minimal internet access, Code Mitra ensures learning continues even in remote areas. We've reached 1.1 Mn+ students and trained over 12,000 teachers, supporting the goals of NEP 2020 by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.

Code Mitra serves students from government schools across India, who make up nearly 73% of the school-going population. These students, especially in rural and tribal regions, face systemic barriers to accessing quality computer science and 21st-century skills education. Only 10% of government schools with computer labs are functional and most teachers lack digital skills. These learners are underserved due to economic constraints, digital inaccessibility, and culturally irrelevant content. Existing platforms assume access to the internet, English proficiency, and prior exposure—none of which apply to our learners. Code Mitra bridges this gap with a mobile-first, offline-enabled platform offering contextual, game-based coding experiences in regional languages. Students solve local problems using code, while teachers receive embedded training, learning data, and tools for co-creation. The platform also fosters inclusive after-school learning through Open Labs, Code Melas, and student-led Gully Gully Code events. With over 1 lakh students and 2,000+ teachers reached via partnerships with UNICEF, NITI Aayog, and others, Code Mitra delivers inclusive, culturally grounded digital learning—aligned with NEP 2020’s vision for equitable, future-ready education.