The Assam Investment Advisory Society (AIAS) is reshaping education for children in Assam's forest fringe communities through its pioneering FFS Model (Forest Fringe School Model). These areas, often underserved, face significant challenges in accessing quality education. AIAS bridges this gap by transforming local schools into centers of learning, sustainability, and empowerment, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Combining academic excellence with extracurricular activities, environmental education, and life skills training.
Empowering local residents to actively participate in school management and development.
Introducing livelihood programs to ensure schools are economically independent and resilient.
AIAS has made significant strides in transforming schools in the forest fringe areas of Assam, particularly in Baligaon, Sonitpur District. One of the flagship successes of the FFS Model is the transformation of the Upendranath Brahma M.E. School in Balipara, which had long struggled with high dropout rates and poor infrastructure. Prior to AIAS’s intervention, the school faced severe challenges in retaining students due to the lack of basic amenities. Today, however, thanks to improved infrastructure, better resources, and continuous support, the school now accommodates over 200 students from 17 nearby villages every year. This is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating the power of focused investment and community involvement in transforming education.
In addition to Upendranath Brahma M.E. School, AIAS has also successfully developed and supported Baligaon Malsing L.P. School, Mainaogiri L.P. School, and Gwjwnfwthar L.P. School, all located in forest fringe areas. These schools collectively support more than 150 students from the surrounding communities, providing them with access to education that was once unavailable to them.
• A once-struggling school now serves over 200 students from 17 villages annually.
• Infrastructure improvements and resource support have turned it into a model for educational transformation.
Another standout achievement is the transformation of Bogijuli High School, located in Bogijuli Forest Village, Balipara. This school, which serves as the only high school for the area, caters to students from 30 surrounding villages, offering them a chance to pursue secondary education close to home. With an enrollment of around 220 students, Bogijuli High School is a beacon of hope for families in the region where AIAS has played a pivotal role in improving the school’s infrastructure and educational standards, ensuring that these students have access to the tools they need for academic success.
A distinctive feature of the FFS Model is its emphasis on creating self-sustaining schools. Through a variety of revenue-generating activities, AIAS ensures that these schools can remain financially viable, reducing dependency on external funds. These activities include:
• Poultry farming
• Fishery
• Vegetable farming
• Mushroom cultivation
• Eri Silk Spinning
These initiatives involve local community members, especially women and youth, who actively participate in the management of these ventures. This not only provides income to support the school’s operations but also encourages economic self-reliance and fosters a sense of ownership within the community.
Moreover, these programs are designed with an environmental focus, promoting sustainable farming and eco-friendly livelihood strategies that align with the broader goals of environmental stewardship.
At its core, the FFS Model is about empowering communities. By integrating education, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, AIAS is helping forest fringe communities build resilience and self-sufficiency. The transformation of these schools is not just an academic success—it is a testament to the strength of community-driven development.
Through this model, AIAS is creating a cycle of growth and empowerment, where communities are not only uplifted through better educational facilities but are also given the tools and resources to drive their own long-term development.
The work done so far is just the beginning. With the success of schools like Upendranath Brahma M.E. School, Bogijuli High School, and the Govt. Aided L.P. schools, AIAS is paving the way for the expansion of this model to other regions. The goal is to continue scaling this initiative, ensuring that more children in Assam’s forest fringe areas have access to empowering learning opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and a deep understanding of their environmental responsibilities.