“Even Small Interactions Can Be Catalysts For Big Change”

At just 16, education reformist SAMARA CHAUHAN is reshaping how young India learns and connects. Through her initiative LEAP, she's bridging public and private school students via peer learning and cultural exposure

- By Team BW

What inspired you to start LEAP during the pandemic, and how did your early experiences shape the programme’s focus on educational equity?

I started LEAP in January 2022 after witnessing the stark differences in the quality of education in public schools compared to private schools. During the pandemic, while volunteering virtually, I interacted with public school students and was struck by how many of them - students my own age - lacked the resources and opportunities I took for granted, from innovative learning methods to participation in national and global events. I felt compelled to change that.

After a lot of brainstorming with friends and peers, and guidance from mentors and school teachers, I decided to bridge this gap by creating a platform that connects public and private school students. That idea became the ‘Buddy Programme’, the core of LEAP, where students exchange ideas, tips, and perspectives through themed Discussion Boards that range from academics and hobbies to future goals and wellness. The web app makes it easy for public school students to access these spaces without needing a mobile device.

Since then, LEAP has connected 250 public schools and 250 private schools, reaching thousands of students and fostering collaboration and peer learning.

With LEAP reaching over 15,000 students across 500 schools, what has been the most rewarding outcome of the Buddy Programme?