Introducing Pratham NY’s Young Professionals Board
The New York Tri-State Chapter is excited to announce the launch of our Young Professionals (YP) Board! This dynamic group of emerging leaders is passionate about driving change and expanding access to education for children across India. To kick off 2025, the YP Board hosted its first-ever, sold-out event in the Lower East Side—an inspiring evening filled with connection, conversation, and commitment to Pratham’s mission. The highlight of the night was a panel discussion featuring three accomplished South Asian leaders: Sonal Bhatia, Deevana Palazzolo, and Vaikkunth Mugunthan. Moderated by Nishi Anand, the conversation explored themes of culture, identity, leadership, and career growth, offering valuable insights and personal stories that resonated deeply with attendees. This event marks the beginning of many more exciting initiatives led by the YP Board as they engage the next generation of changemakers in support of education equity. Interested in getting involved? Contact [email protected] to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to join this growing network.
Industry Leaders Share Why Education and Early Philanthropy Matter
Recently, Goldman Sachs’ Asian Network partnered with Pratham NY Tri-State as part of their Speaker Series, inviting five panelists to speak in person at their NY Headquarters in Tribeca. Amongst the panelists were industry leaders at Goldman Sachs and PNC, Pratham National Board Members and Pratham New York Tri-State Board Members. The panel prompted a powerful conversation about education, philanthropy, and the role of corporate engagement in driving social change. The event brought fresh energy and enthusiasm as panelists shared personal reflections on why Pratham’s mission resonates with them and why giving back—especially early in one’s career—can be so impactful. Each speaker brought their unique perspective, yet their messages aligned beautifully around the importance of education equity and empowering underserved communities in India. Adding to the excitement, the event was webcast across Goldman Sachs offices nationwide as part of their Asian Network initiative, amplifying the conversation around education and community involvement. Interested in engaging your company or corporate network in support of Pratham? Reach out to us at [email protected].
The Future of Philanthropy: How Young Professionals Serve as Pratham Champions
Across the country, young supporters of Pratham USA are stepping up to make a difference, offering their time, enthusiasm, and energy to support Pratham’s mission.
AdventureTripr x Pratham USA: Laugavegur Trek and the Icelandic Adventure Guided Trekking Tour
Education is a cornerstone of progress. It opens doors and transforms lives. I’ve had the privilege of studying at some of the world’s top institutions, including earning my MBA from INSEAD and working in London before starting my adventure company in Washington. As an immigrant who has traveled to over 40+ countries, I’ve personally experienced and seen firsthand the power of education to uplift individuals and communities. But just as education changes lives, so does adventure. Stepping into nature, pushing past your limits, and connecting with the outdoors is a journey that transforms you both physically and mentally. That’s why I made it my mission to make adventure travel accessible to everyone. This mission became AdventureTripr, a platform where people can find local outdoor experiences and international adventures suitable for all budgets, skill, and fitness levels. I’m excited to bring together the power of education and adventure by leading a fundraising trek across Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail to benefit Pratham. This trip combines the life-changing impact of adventure with a cause close to my heart—providing learning opportunities to children and young people across India. Why Pratham? Education has shaped my life and career. Coming from a family of refugees, without any generational wealth, it has opened opportunities for me that I couldn’t have imagined otherwise. That’s why this trek is more than just hiking—it’s about giving children the tools they need to succeed. I’ve been involved with Pratham for years and deeply believe in their mission to provide learning opportunities to children across India. Pratham enables access to learning at scale and that’s why I am joining them—it’s my way of turning adventure into a force for good. Personal Transformation Through Adventure This trek is more than just a physical journey. I’ll be there every step of the way—from helping with personalized training to hiking side by side in Iceland and celebrating accomplishments together. My goal is to inspire positive lifestyle changes and promote longevity. The Laugavegur Trek is very special to me because, in 2015, this trail sparked the idea for AdventureTripr. The landscapes, from Landmannalaugar’s geothermal areas to the stunning Thorsmork Valley, are truly incredible. The 4-day trek covers 35 miles of beautiful scenery encompassing lush valleys, glacier rivers, and one-of-a-kind landscapes. On the trip, we’ll also see Iceland’s famous black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and waterfalls you can walk behind. While Iceland is a popular tourist destination, few people explore the hidden beauty of the Icelandic Highlands like we will. It’s no surprise that National Geographic ranks the Laugavegur Trek among the top 10 hikes in the world. But what makes it truly special is it leaves you feeling stronger and more empowered. Training ahead of time, embracing a healthier lifestyle, and completing the trek will create changes far beyond Iceland. I have chosen this trek and will be going on it personally so I can help more beginners take on an active lifestyle through the journey to prepare and go on this trek. Click here to learn more and see the detailed trip itinerary. How This Trek Benefits Pratham Your participation doesn’t just transform your own life. All fundraising proceeds from this trip will help fund Pratham’s mission to provide learning opportunities to children and young people across India. Each person’s fundraiser will help over 150 children access Pratham’s learning programs. I’ve personally seen how Pratham’s work changes children’s futures and can’t think of a better way to give back. Learn More I look forward to sharing details (dates, training, logistics, and more) about the incredible Laugavegur Trek in Iceland with you. If you’re up for a challenge, not just for yourself, but for building the futures of children, sign up for the information session on October 11 at 5:00 p.m. PST, and let’s fundraise for the trek. Together, we can make a lasting difference in so many lives. Stories of Transformation Our AdventureTripr community is made up of adventurers who not only seek personal growth but also believe in giving back. Many of our trekkers have a deep connection with Pratham and understand how the power of learning can change lives. Here are some of their stories: Darshana Shanbagh, Pratham Seattle Board Member speaks about her Machu Picchu trip experience with AdventureTripr. Pradeep Rathinam, Pratham Seattle Board Member speaks about his Dolomites trip experience with AdventureTripr. Payal Tiwana, Pratham Seattle Board Member and 2024 Pratham Seattle Gala Co-Chair speaks about her Dolomites trip experience with AdventureTripr.
Transforming Lives: Convergence and community impact with Pratham
This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to India and visit our learning programs in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, meet with our dedicated teams and volunteers, and drop in on the first two days of the Pratham Youth Summer Program. While I came away with many stories I could share, the most impactful experience was witnessing our “convergence” work in action – seeing how we’re bringing all of our programs together in a coordinated effort to meet the specific needs of each community, as identified by those on the ground. Here are just a few of the standout moments from my travels. Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu I had the chance to visit one of our Community Skill Training Camps in self-employed tailoring where a classroom of women were learning the art of stitching sari blouses (pictured above). They would later learn how to sell as an income-generating activity. Some of these women were youth volunteers from our education programs, while others were graduates of our Second Chance program. All were women with high hopes and aspirations for bettering themselves and their families – and they now had access to skills development in their own communities, an opportunity they would not have had if they had to travel a distance to participate in the training. Chhattisgarh Here, I met with a group of learners in our Second Chance program in Chhattisgarh — several of the learners are mothers who participate in our children’s education program. They shared how receiving their “10th pass” (10th grade) gave them a sense of dignity, belonging, and accomplishment. They also shared their dreams of “earning beyond learning,” either by pursuing further education or starting their own businesses or revenue-generating activities — activities Pratham can now support as we scale our community model of skill development across India. Odisha At a community-based Creativity Club in Odisha, young girls were learning to extend their learning “beyond basics” – creating art from household objects and exploring scientific principles such as gravity and volume displacement. Some of the kids in this club conducted a household survey to better understand water sources and uses in the households of their communities. This is a great example of how we have been expanding our work well beyond learning for school and work, and into learning for life. These programs in education, skilling and those focusing on women and girls, have been around individually for quite some time. What’s new is our ability to now offer them together in a coordinated way, allowing us to make a deeper, more sustainable impact within communities. The convergence of our programs is not just a strategy – it’s a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we listen to the unique needs of each community and respond with thoughtful, integrated solutions. The stories of learning and empowerment shared today are just a glimpse of the lasting change we are creating together. Thank you for being part of this journey. If you have any stories about Pratham or questions about our evolving work, please feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you directly! You can join us in bringing learning opportunities to more children, young people, families and communities. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference! Donate Now.
Changing lives through learning: The impact we made together
Pratham impacts children and young people through learning and training – by working directly in schools and communities, and in partnership with governments. Our vision is for every child to be in school and learning well. Today, we’re pleased to share the impact of our efforts over the past academic year*. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our achievements! Reaching millions In the past year, Pratham has engaged 650,000 children across more than 20,000 communities with our learning programs. Our reach was further extended through our government partnerships, reaching an additional 8.3 million children in 14 states. By partnering with governments, we are able to leverage their infrastructure and resources, extending our proven learning programs to millions more children. These collaborations are crucial in scaling our efforts. Pawan, an 8-year-old from Dada village, Rajasthan, has dreams of becoming a teacher. But as a Grade 3 student last year, he wasn’t able to read letters and solve simple addition problems. That’s when Pratham stepped in. To truly support Pawan, we needed to involve his family too. His mother became a crucial part of his learning, reinforcing what he learned in the classroom at home. Today, Pawan is a confident 4th grader who has overcome his challenges and is excited about learning. Empowering girls and women for a brighter future Nearly 300,000 mothers were equipped with the tools they need to support their children’s learning and development beyond the classroom. Additionally over 11,500 girls and women enrolled in Pratham’s Second Chance program, giving them the opportunity to achieve their 10th standard certification (high school diploma). After Tameshwari dropped out of school in 10th grade, her days were filled with household chores. In 2020, Tameshwari discovered Pratham’s Second Chance Program. Determined to rewrite her story, she returned to school after a 15-year break and aced her 10th grade exams. The program wasn’t just about academics, it boosted her confidence and equipped her with essential life skills. “It is important for women to be educated, not only for job opportunities but for their self-respect,” says Tameshwari. With her newfound confidence, Tameshwari landed a job as a security guard. Her income now supports her family, and her inspiring journey has motivated her daughter to follow in her footsteps. Skilling the next generation Pratham operated 140 Skilling and Training Centers across 17 states, providing over 50,000 young people with critical opportunities to gain employable skills. An impressive 85% of graduates secured job placements following the program. Kedarnath grew up facing tough challenges. Orphaned at a young age and from a small village in Odisha, India, his life was a struggle. Despite these hurdles, he dreamed of becoming a chef. With limited resources, Kedarnath took on various jobs to support himself and his family. A turning point came when he discovered the Pratham Training Centre, a program that offered vocational training. Through Pratham’s skilling program, he learned the basics of cooking. Driven by passion and hard work, he honed his skills, working in various kitchens and learning from renowned chefs. Today, Kedarnath is a successful chef working in Croatia and dreams of returning to India to start a multi-cuisine restaurant. Join us Our impact numbers tell a powerful story of transformation and hope. From reaching millions of children with our learning programs to empowering mothers and skilling the next generation, Pratham’s work is creating lasting change. With gratitude to our donors, partners and supporters. Your dedication is the cornerstone of our success. You can be part of this life changing mission, too. Join us in ensuring children and young people have access to the learning opportunities they need to thrive. Donate now. *March 2023-April 2024
Change lives and transform futures at the 2024 Pratham Seattle Gala
We are excited to announce the 2024 Pratham Seattle Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting learning in India. This special event will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Westin Bellevue, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
All about Pratham’s Skilling program
India is home to one of the youngest and largest workforces in the world, but young people are facing a lack of skill development opportunities, fewer employment prospects in several industries, and notably low female labor force participation. Pratham’s Skilling program aims to support young people by providing them with employable skills, plus access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Pratham launched its vocational skilling, entrepreneurship and livelihoods arm in 2005 and re-designed its training model in 2020, incorporating digital resources and launching a “Hybrid Skilling” program. The program is now active across 17 states through 140+ centers. Pratham’s Skilling program has cultivated an impressive alumni base of over 200,000 individuals – many of whom have gone on to secure meaningful employment and contribute positively to their communities – and reaches over 30,000 young people annually. Currently, just over 42% of Pratham Skilling’s annual program participants are women. We are dedicated to increasing this number to closer to 50%, with a particular focus on involving girls and women in non-traditional trades. The program historically focused on sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, beauty, plumbing, welding, and construction, but as the job market evolves, so do our offerings. We now focus on four key areas: the care economy, STEM aligned, green skills and IT enabled services. Other initiatives include the entrepreneurship development program, upward mobility program, and a community-based training model. Our goal is to enable every young person with the resources they need to follow their dreams. Join us by making a donation today! Learn more about our Skilling Program at prathamskilling.org
Spring Blooms with Hope: Celebrating the transformative power of learning at the Pratham USA Galas
Springtime unfolded with vibrant energy nationwide as Pratham USA hosted a captivating series of galas in Houston, Dallas Fort-Worth, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Each gala was woven with inspiring stories, speakers, and the joyful spirit of giving. Together, we raised funds to support the learning journeys of over 97,500 children! The Houston Gala kicked off the season with an electrifying performance by Indian Idol stars Mohammad Danish and Shanmukhpriya. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, shared his profound insights during a captivating fireside chat, igniting a spark for educational transformation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the tireless efforts of Houston Chapter Co-Presidents, Dr. Vikram Gopal and Pradip Seernani, along with Gala Committee Members, Annu Rao Naik, Mili Shah, Dhiren Shethia, and Darel D’Souza. Their dedication, coupled with the unwavering support of our exceptional board members, dedicated volunteers, event organizers, and passionate attendees, made this event one to remember. The Dallas-Fort Worth Gala resonated with the soulful voice of Vidya Vox, captivating the audience with her mesmerizing performance. Krish Dhanam, a protégé of Zig Ziglar, provided insightful guidance during the pledge drive, inspiring a wave of generosity. We are incredibly grateful to the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter Co-Presidents, Dr. Lav Kapadia and Suman Chepuri, who, alongside the exceptional board members, gala committee, dedicated volunteers, event organizers, and passionate attendees, collectively empowered thousands of children with the opportunity to learn. The San Francisco Bay Area Gala, held at the prestigious Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club, was a resounding success in raising funds for children’s learning across India. Dr. Vishal Sikka, a renowned leader in the tech industry, captivated the audience with his keynote address, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of education. Siddhi, a Pratham program graduate who now inspires others as a Pratham teacher, shared her remarkable journey—the evening concluded with a spectacular performance by Hrishi. Our deepest appreciation goes to the exceptional board members, gala committee, dedicated volunteers, event organizers, and passionate attendees who made this event unforgettable. The impact of our Spring Galas is a testament to the collective power of compassion and action. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their generous contributions and their commitment to empowering young minds. Together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of children in India. Don’t miss out! Be the first to hear about our upcoming season of events by subscribing to the Pratham USA mailing list.
Thanks to Comic Relief US: Transforming Early Learning in India
Millions of children in rural India lack access to quality early childhood education, hindering their development and future opportunities. Since January 2022, Pratham, in partnership with Comic Relief US, has been on a mission to reshape early childhood education and development in rural Bihar, India. Through the Improving Early Childhood Education and Development for Birth-8 year old children, through engagement of Anganwadi workers, teachers, mothers and other community stakeholder in rural areas of Bihar, India – Pratham has impacted the lives of approximately 18,000 mothers across four districts of the state. The program is designed to introduce quality interventions that positively influence early years education practices for children aged Birth-8. By adopting a holistic approach through community-based engagement models, Pratham aims to foster lasting change at the grassroots level. Mothers’ Groups meeting in progress Stories of Transformation The impact of this program is evident in the lives of countless families. Meet Nazni and her 1.5-year-old daughter, Barisa, from Mahtab Tola village in Bihar. Nazni is part of a Mothers’ Group that was created as part of the Early Years program being implemented by Pratham with support from Comic Relief US. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring! Nazni has been an active member of the group for more than 9 months, soaking in knowledge from idea videos and implementing them diligently in Barisa’s upbringing. From health to playtime, Nazni ensures every aspect of Barisa’s development is nurtured. Her commitment to Barisa’s well-being is unwavering. She crafts toys inspired by the videos, fostering creativity and learning through play. Her devotion sets a remarkable example for all mothers in the community. This heartwarming tale of maternal dedication and the transformative power of education is made possible through our partnership with Comic Relief US. Together, we’re empowering families like Nazni’s to create brighter futures for their children. Meet Deepak, a 3-year-old from Kauwa Uda village, Kochadhaman, Kishanganj, along with his father, Devanand. Their visit to Anganwadi for enrollment became an inspiring journey of discovery and bonding. As they entered, Devanand noticed the mothers accompanying their children, but with Mamuni (Deepak’s mother) unable to join, he decided to stay and observe. To his surprise, Farha, a member of the mothers’ group who encouraged his participation, warmly welcomed him. Engaging in activities like picture and object identification, Devanand immersed himself in the learning process alongside Deepak. His active involvement showcased the power of parental engagement in child development, much to the admiration of other mothers. Initially unsure, Devanand was astonished by Deepak’s progress in various skills, from classification to emotion identification. He expressed gratitude to Farha, recognizing Anganwadi’s invaluable support in laying the foundation for Deepak’s education. Devanand’s commitment to continue these activities at home underscores the significance of parental involvement in nurturing a child’s learning journey. Their bond as father and son strengthened through this shared experience, setting a beautiful example for families in their community. This heartwarming tale of dedication and empowerment is a testament to the transformative impact of Anganwadi, supported by our ongoing partnership with Comic Relief US. These are just a few examples of the life-changing impact our program is having in Bihar. With your support, we can continue to empower families and build a brighter future for countless children in India. To fuel these critical initiatives, you can now donate to Pratham USA and make a difference in the lives of children in India.
