At 16, Saloni from Delhi isn’t just chasing her own dreams but also helping others find theirs. As an active volunteer with Pratham, she inspires people around her to learn and contribute to their community. But she wasn’t always this confident.

Despite doing well academically, Saloni lacked the confidence to interact with others or even speak up in her class or participate in activities. Like many girls who grow up battling self-doubt, a feeling that often keeps them from realising their full potential, Saloni too struggled to find her voice.

Things began to change for her in 2019, when her parents enrolled her at a Pratham Learning Centre in their neighbourhood. At these centres, trained instructors from Pratham teach subjects like Math, English, and Environmental Studies (EVS) to children in Grades 4 and 5. The goal is to strengthen their foundational skills and keep them engaged with their school learning.

Even at the learning centre, Saloni initially found it difficult to participate, especially because the sessions were activity-based. Noticing her hesitation, Pratham’s instructors made deliberate efforts to support her—breaking down activities, guiding her patiently, and gently nudging her to join in. They encouraged her through interactive tasks like role plays and, at times, even placed her in leadership roles, asking her to lead group activities or present on behalf of her peers.

These small but consistent interventions helped Saloni slowly overcome her reluctance. Over time, she grew more comfortable, became actively involved, and began enjoying the sessions.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, forcing the closure of the learning centre. Determined to continue learning, Saloni began exploring Pratham’s mobile-based learning options. Her father supported her every step of the way, making sure she had access to a smartphone to join Pratham’s WhatsApp learning groups. She diligently kept up with the activities shared there, submitting her responses regularly. This consistency further strengthened her confidence and self-belief.

In 2023, when Pratham conducted a survey in her community to assess children’s learning levels, Saloni and her mother actively assisted in the process. Following the survey, Pratham planned Mohalla Learning Camps for children who needed additional support with their academics, and volunteers were invited to lead them. By then in Grade 9, Saloni eagerly signed up, underwent training, and began conducting learning activities for younger children.

Familiar with Pratham’s teaching methods, Saloni quickly connected with the children. From being a quiet learner, she had now become a mentor—helping others grasp concepts, ensuring regular attendance, and personally visiting homes to bring back absent students. She encouraged hesitant learners to participate, giving them the same support she once received.

While teaching others, Saloni continued to learn through Pratham’s Education for Education (EfE) initiative for volunteers. Within a year, she completed several courses, including Hello Period, First Aid Box, Google Tools, and Be Internet Awesome (BIA). With each course, her confidence grew.

Now in Grade 11, Saloni regularly assists with Pratham’s events and learning activities. Inspired by her daughter’s dedication, Saloni’s mother now helps run a community library supported by Pratham, providing children with free learning resources.

Looking ahead, Saloni dreams of becoming a teacher. She wants to support other children in their learning journeys and contribute to her family’s financial stability. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Learning with Pratham gave me confidence—not just to learn, but to teach and support others. I want to keep learning, keep teaching, and help more children find joy in learning, just like I did."