Pratham Education Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and quality in India’s educational sector. Established in 1995 in Mumbai, Pratham began as a small initiative to offer preschool education to children living in underserved urban slums. Over the years, it has grown expansively, reaching millions of children and youth across more than 25 states and union territories in India. Pratham’s mission is simple yet profound: Every Child in School and Learning Well.
What makes Pratham truly unique is its commitment to innovation and scale. The organisation introduced the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology, a revolutionary approach that groups children by their learning ability rather than age or grade. This focus on personalised learning has transformed how students grasp fundamental reading and maths skills, helping close education gaps that have long persisted in the country. Beyond direct interventions, Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) draws critical nationwide attention to children’s learning levels, influencing policy and funding decisions across India and even internationally.
Pratham achieves meaningful change by partnering closely with government bodies, local communities, parents, teachers, and volunteers. Its programs are designed to complement existing education systems, making them more inclusive, effective, and replicable. Over the years, thousands of volunteers have been mobilised, trained, and supported to deliver education initiatives on the ground, creating a powerhouse of community engagement.
Supported by renowned philanthropies and a strong evidence-driven ethos, Pratham combines research with action. The organisation employs straightforward, scalable solutions that make quality learning accessible to all children, including those from the most marginalised backgrounds. Its work extends beyond early education into youth skill-building and vocational training.
Pratham’s success lies not only in numbers but also in impact—raising literacy and numeracy rates, shaping education policy, and advocating for all children’s right to learn. For those passionate about transforming education through grassroots innovation, Pratham is a pivotal force.
