Monthly Impact Report (17th May to 16th June 2025) ToW 2483A Sonbhadra - Copy - Copy

In April 2025, the Young Tinker Foundation launched a bold initiative in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh — Tinker on Wheels (ToW), an AI-powered mobile lab designed to take STEM education to the remotest corners of India.

The core idea?

“If students can’t come to the lab, the lab will go to them.”

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Tinker on Wheels van transforms open spaces — playgrounds, panchayat halls, and rural courtyards — into vibrant AI learning hubs. This unique model ensures equal access to innovation, no matter the location or resources of the school.

Why Sonbhadra? Bringing STEM to the Margins through Tinker on Wheels

Sonbhadra, located in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most geographically and socially diverse districts in the state. Despite being rich in natural resources, it remains educationally and economically underserved. A large tribal population still remains disconnected from mainstream education, with many children being first-generation learners.

Due to the lack of quality education, healthcare, and public awareness, children in Sonbhadra often miss the chance to explore or develop their talents. Girls’ education in particular suffers from systemic barriers — early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and limited school access. For most students, STEM education is nearly non-existent. They’ve never coded, worked with electronics, or conducted science experiments — not because they lack potential, but because they’ve never had the opportunity.

Additionally, unemployment, migration, and lack of development continue to hinder the growth of youth in this region. Traditional teaching methods and outdated curricula do not equip them for the rapidly changing world.

That’s why we launched TOW — Tinker on Wheels — in Sonbhadra.

By bringing a mobile STEM and AI lab directly to the students, we aim to bridge this gap — empowering them with scientific thinking, creativity, and future-ready skills. Our mission goes beyond education: we seek to unlock the hidden potential of these children through innovation and skill-based learning, enabling them to become self-reliant, confident, and informed citizens.

In this journey, the insights and deep community engagement of Banwasi Seva Ashram and Mission Samridhi played an invaluable role. For decades, Banwasi Seva Ashram has been working at the grassroots level to uplift marginalized communities in Sonbhadra through education, healthcare, and sustainable development initiatives. Similarly, Mission Samridhi has been tirelessly focused on improving local livelihoods and creating opportunities for youth empowerment. Their understanding of the region’s needs, trust within local communities, and commitment to social change helped us reach children in some of the most remote areas — ensuring that the promise of STEM education truly reaches the margins.

Through ToW, we aim to bridge the STEM education gap by visiting not only schools but also remote Gram Panchayats in Sonbhadra, ensuring that every curious young mind has access to learning opportunities.

1 Day ToW Workshops at Gram Panchayats (GP)

Dates	Gram Panchayats' Names	Students Impacted
21/05/25	GP Gambhirpur, GP Kusmha	45
22/05/25	GP Rantola, GP Kirwani	47
23/05/25	GP Khairahi, GP Karamdaan	38
24/05/25	GP Kataundhi, GP Katauli	48
25/05/25	GP Gulaljhariya	44
26/05/25	GP Jharokla	17
27/05/25	GP Rannu, GP Turidih	52
28/05/25	GP Mahuariya, GP Murta	49
29/05/25	GP Sardiha	21
30/05/25	GP Barwe, GP Dhankhor	49
31/05/25	GP Ghaghari	35
02/06/25	GP Faripaan, GP Devharpurvi	63
03/06/2025	GP Ahirbudwa, GP Sangobandh	48
04/06/25	GP Kudpaan	25
06/06/25	GP Dumrahar, GP Bhalpahari	72
07/06/25	GP Rajmilan, GP Nemna	48
09/05/25	GP Mahuli	35
10/06/25	GP Cherwadih, GP Gidhiya	59
11/06/25	GP Bodhadih, GP Karahiya	43
12/06/25	GP Harra, GP Bhalookudar	77
13/06/25	GP Padrach	26
14/06/25	GP Jugail Ambedkar nagar, GP Jugail Khass	50
16/06/25	GP Karamghatti, GP Bhanwar	45