Jammu & Kashmir Association of Social Workers

14/04/2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), in collaboration with the Department of Education, designed and handed over two model ECCE-friendly classrooms in Zone Hajin one each at GMS Prang & GMS Batagund. Joint Director North, Mr. Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad (JKAS) inaugurated the classrooms on 13th April 2026 in presence of district and zonal education officials. With this addition, the Hajin educational zone now has a total of eight Model ECCE-friendly classrooms, designed by JKASW. Apart from direct benefit to 200 plus enrolled children in these eight pre-primaries, the ECCE-friendly classrooms serve as resource lab for the whole education zone. All the materials and designs used were locally developed & contextualized as per ECCE quality standards.
JKASW also plans to facilitate teacher training, giving teachers live experience in play and activity-based pedagogy.

21/03/2026

17/01/2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW) in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir supported by PNB MetLife, successfully conducted a six-day Teachers Capacity Building Programme on effective utilization of STEM Labs in Baramulla and Pulwama districts. Implemented in two phases at GGHS Chainabal (6–8 January 2026) and GGHS Kakapora (12–14 January 2026), the programme adopted a highly interactive, hands-on approach to strengthen teachers’ competencies in STEM pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, robotics and coding. The training empowered teachers to confidently use STEM lab resources, integrate experimentation with curriculum objectives, and shift towards student-centered teaching practices, while creating a network of STEM experts capable of driving innovation and scientific thinking in their respective schools.
Commitment of JKASW:
Under this initiative, is to continuously support and mentor trained teachers through follow-up engagements and hand holding. JKASW remains dedicated to ensuring sustained impact by fostering innovation, strengthening STEM ecosystems in schools, and contributing to the long-term advancement of quality STEM education across Jammu and Kashmir.

25/12/2025

*Young Women Achievers Conclave*
On 24 December 2025, JKASW successfully organized the Young Women Achievers Conclave at Bandipora Auditorium, Kaloosa, under the Koor Cha Noor Project.
The conclave celebrated the strength, talent, and determination of young women who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields, while reinforcing the core values of equality, empowerment, and inclusion.
Adolescent girls enrolled in various Adolescent Girl Resource Centers(AGRCs) showcased their talents through skits and cultural performances, highlighting the vital role of women in strengthening society and preserving cultural values. A traditional Wanwun performance centered on women’s empowerment added a powerful cultural and emotional dimension to the event.
A panel discussion was also conducted featuring the young women achievers, who shared their personal journeys, learning, and challenges. Their inspiring stories served as a source of motivation for the young participants, encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
The conclave was attended by representatives from the Education, Forest, and Social Welfare Departments, along with ICPS, DLSA, and young women from different areas of Bandipora. The speakers highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and emphasized the need for sustained engagement with adolescents to foster long-term social change.
Women Achievers Felicitated
• Ulfat Nazir – Author of AI in Quantum Computational Chemistry
• Asiya Akbar – Recognized for excellence in rooftop vegetable farming and mushroom cultivation
• Nowsheen Hafeez – Young author of The Walnut Tree from Shahgund
• Seerat Tariq – Renowned young artist featured in the World Book of Records
• Masrat – National-level cricketer and Captain of the Kashmir University Women’s Cricket Team
The conclave served as a powerful platform to recognize women leaders, inspire young girls, and reaffirm our collective commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

14/11/2025

We celebrate children's day this year with a commitment to bring positive change in the lives of children of Jammu and Kashmir. On this children's day we are thrilled to share a positive news JKASW in collaboration with PNB MetLife has established 10 STEM Labs in Government Girls Schools of Pulwama and Baramulla districts, with a commitment to establish 50 such labs across different districts of J&K in next two years.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16ks4yJYmw/

PNB MetLife, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), is proud to support STEM education of 2,000 underprivileged girls in Jammu & Kashmir- opening doors to learning, confidence, and opportunity.

This Children’s Day – we aim to build a better tomorrow for them, where education and success are truly within the reach for every girl.

31/10/2025

Mega Launch Ceremony for Orientation of ECCE Helpers held under the Theme “Poshan, Pyaar Aur Parvarish – Nurturing Young Lives with Care”
The Jammu & Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (JKSCERT), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW) and UNICEF, organized a Mega Launch Ceremony for the Orientation of ECCE Helpers on Thursday, 30th October 2025 under the theme “Poshan, Pyaar Aur Parvarish – Nurturing Young Lives with Care.”
The event marked a significant milestone in advancing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) across Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of the Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Higher Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare, J&K, Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo, as the Chief Guest, along with senior officials including Shri Ram Niwas Sharma (IAS), Secretary, School Education Department, Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary & Director, SCERT J&K, Director General School Education Kashmir Dr. G N Itoo, Secretary Jkbose, Joint Directors, and Heads of SCERT, reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening ECCE practices across the Union Territory. Launching the training
In her address, Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo emphasized the government’s vision to enhance early childhood care systems, highlighting the importance of trained and empathetic helpers in ensuring holistic development for every child, particularly those from marginalized communities. She appreciated the collaborative efforts of SCERT, JKASW, and UNICEF in building a strong foundation for quality ECCE delivery in the region.
The orientation session was facilitated by Ms. Babra Shabir (SCERT) and Ms. Ambreen Bashir (JKASW) under the supervision of Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad
(SCERT). The focus of the program was to enhance the understanding of ECCE Helpers regarding their roles and responsibilities in providing care, nutrition, and psychosocial support to young children in government pre-primary classrooms.
The cascading process of the training initiative has initiated with the capacity building of 65 Master Trainers (MRPs) across the Kashmir Division. These Master Trainers will in turn train 3,000 ECCE Helpers across 10 districts through DIETs between 3rd November and 8th December 2025, with technical and logistical support from JKASW and UNICEF.
Since their appointment under Samagra Shiksha (2021–22), ECCE Helpers have played a vital role in supporting pre-primary teachers and children. However they have not received formal orientation or training, often leading to unclear role definitions and the assignment of unrelated tasks.
The capacity building program will be implemented in five phases across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with each district training 300 ECCE.
This initiative represents a transformative step toward empowering ECCE Helpers and ensuring nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for every child in the foundational stage across the Kashmir Division.

30/10/2025

Proud Moment for Team JKASW being felicitated by Minister of School Education, Higher Education, H&ME and Social Welfare J&K Ms. Sakina Masood Itoo in presence of Mr. Shantmanu IAS ACS Director SCERT, Mr. G.N. Itoo (JKAS) DIG School Education and other dignitaries for its exemplary work in improving services and facilities in government schools of J&K and to support educational initiatives of the government of J&K in Educational Conclave held at SCERT Srinagar today 30th October 2025.

15/10/2025

Training for Peer Leaders:

JKASW organised a four-day residential training, that brought together young participants from diverse communities and backgrounds to strengthen their understanding of gender, leadership, and social change. The sessions provide a safe and reflective space to discuss gender roles, equality, and inclusion. encouraging participants to question norms and explore pathways toward a more just and equitable society.
The program offered participants a platform to build awareness, empathy, and confidence to address social issues within their own communities. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership and collective responsibility in driving sustainable change.

This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of peer leaders- informed, sensitive, and committed to advancing gender justice and equality.

Some Glimpses from the workshop