About us

Pratham Education Foundation (Pratham) is one of the largest NGOs in India, with a track record of innovative, rigorously evaluated programs that have inspired similar initiatives across three continents. Pratham’s journey began in 1995 in Mumbai with the mission: Every Child in School and Learning Well. From the slums of India’s biggest city to today’s presence in more than 26 states and union territories, our journey has been one of learning and scale—from evidence to practice, from small innovations to systemic reforms. Pratham’s work extends from programs for early and elementary years to initiatives for girls and women, and youth skilling.

We reach 7 million children and youth in a typical year through a combination of efforts: working directly with children and youth in communities, as well as through collaborations with state and district-level governments.

Our Mission and Vision

Pratham is committed to making schools and communities future-ready where every child, youth and woman has the education, tool and opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our Programs

Education

From Early Childhood Education to Elementary Education, Pratham identifies education-related gaps and opportunities in each segment and develops context-based solutions. We collaborate with children, schools, families, and communities through direct programs and government partnerships.

Reach 2024-25

KC Widget Content

Activities in

26

states &
union territories

Children reached

8

through direct programs and
government partnerships

Girls and women reached

270

through mothers' groups and
second chance program

Youth reached

124

through vocational/non-
vocational courses

Stories Of Change

Step into the heart of Pratham’s mission through our Stories of Change—a collection of real-life journeys that showcase the resilience, determination, and hope of those we serve. From children building strong learning foundations to women and youth rewriting their futures, these stories highlight the transformative power of education and skills. Explore how, together with our communities and partners, we’re creating lasting impact, one story at a time.

Heena

After a 19-year gap, a mother of two returns to education and tops the exams.

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Bhoomi

A hesitant Grade 8 student rediscovers her confidence through hands-on STEM learning.

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Deepika

Forced to drop out of school early, Deepika now supports her children’s learning while growing her own skills.

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Saloni

Once hesitant to speak in class, she now leads learning activities for younger children in her community.

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Vineeta

Defying odds, Vineeta from Uttar Pradesh turned an electrical course into her path to independence.

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Ritanjali

Once a school dropout, she passed Grade 10 while running her parlour and continues her studies.

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Media & Publications

शिक्षा में बेहतर हो रहे हालात का अब दिख रहा है ‘असर’

हर साल की शुरुआत में लोग ‘असर’ (एनुअल स्टेटस ऑफ एजुकेशन रिपोर्ट) का इंतजार करते हैं। 2005 से यह रिपोर्ट ग्रामीण भारत में बच्चों की शिक्षा की मौजूदा स्थिति पर रोशनी डालती आ रही है।

Pratham CEO Rukmini Banerji Featured in Outlook Business Changemakers 2024 List

What started as a local initiative in India has now shaped learning outcomes across multiple continents.

तीन शिक्षा आयोग और चार नीतियां भी नहीं दिला सकीं प्राथमिक शिक्षा को ‘ए’ ग्रेड

पहली कक्षा में दाखिले के लिए उम्र की सीमा पर सख्ती से अमल होना चाहिए। नई शिक्षा नीति में 5 से 6 साल के बच्चों के लिए 'बाल वाटिका' का प्रावधान किया गया है। यह बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण कदम है जो बच्चों को औपचारिक शिक्षा के लिए तैयार करेगा।

The Role of Bridge-Builders in Global Policy Reform

From Mumbai to millions of children across Africa, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) demonstrates how innovative teaching methods can transform learning.

Dr. Rukmini Banerji on Achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Goals

Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, recently appeared on Sansad TV to discuss the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission.

Crafting Schools of the Future by Dr. Rukmini Banerji

How quickly can we change our school systems and revise our family aspirations to support new and more meaningful ways for our children to learn for school, learn for life, and learn for work?

Dr. Rukmini Banerji conferred the Doctor of Letters, honoris causa (DLitt), by Krea University

Dr. Banerji was conferred the Doctor of Letters, honoris causa (DLitt), by Krea University in recognition of her exceptional services to education and development.

The foundational learning data challenge: A civil society view from the Global South

Suman Bhattacharjea, Director (Research), ASER Centre co-wrote an article published on UNESCO 's World Education Blog. It stresses on the need for internationally comparable data on early-grade literacy and numeracy.

Rukmini Banerji co-authors blog on fighting learning crisis with World Bank's Mamta Murthi

In a new blog, Rukmini Banerji and Mamta Murthi, Vice President, Human Development, World Bank, tell us how learning poverty can be tackled using scalable interventions and community-driven initiatives.

Children’s Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region: Critical Reflections on Participation, Education, Girls’ Rights and Child Marriage

Bridging the divide between parental understandings of schooling and learning filled a missing link in children’s education and has paved the way for ongoing parental engagement in children’s education, which is overwhelmingly positive.

Dr Rukmini Banerji on learning outcomes and implementation of NEP 2020 at TEDx IIM Ahmedabad

Dr Rukmini Banerji was invited to speak at TEDx IIM Ahmedabad. In her TED talk, she emphasises on the importance of foundational learning and implementation of NEP 2020.

Dr Madhav Chavan and Dr Rukmini Banerji in a podcast series with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

In the two-part podcast series 'Grassroots Nation', Dr Madhav Chavan and Dr Rukmini Banerji talk about Pratham's origin, its expansion and core values.

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