TESS-India Success at Guardian Awards

At the end of March, the OU’s TESS-India team saw off stiff competition to win the Guardian University Awards International Projects category, with judges praising its innovative approach and inspiring use of partnerships.

Described as an 'exceptional project with unparalleled reach', TESS-India (Teacher Education Through School-Based Support) was established to help improve the quality of teaching in rural Indian schools, supporting teachers to incorporate a more child-centred approach. As part of this, it has created educational resources in seven languages – designed with and for teachers – which are freely available through delivery mechanisms ranging from mobile phones to print.

IDII member Matthew Foster who, with colleagues Freda Wolfenden, Rebecca Barnett and OU Director of Communications Lucian Hudson, collected the prize from BBC presenter Lauren Laverne, commented: 'We are thrilled with the recognition of our achievements. It was great to hear the judges thought TESS-India was an outstanding project, making full use of the OU's capabilities where they are most needed – reaching rural teachers across seven Indian states.'

Established in 2012 with funding from DFID, since November 2016 TESS-India has been delivered in partnership with Save the Children India.