Deloitte Grant to Scale Pratham Programs in Uttar Pradesh

Last month, Deloitte committed to impacting 10 million women and girls In India by 2030 through financial support, pro bono work and engagement with NGO partners. This investment is part of WorldClass, Deloitte’s global initiative to help 50 million people succeed in the new economy through education, skills development and access to opportunity.

Pratham is one of two charities chosen by Deloitte to help realize its vision in India. One of the world’s largest professional services organizations, Deloitte will support the implementation of Pratham’s innovative Teaching at the Right Level methodology in 22 districts across Uttar Pradesh. This state is significant because it has the nation’s largest child population—about 50 million—but also the fewest teachers per student and some of the lowest learning outcomes in the country.

In a recent article in Forbes, “Investing In India’s Women Can Unlock The Country’s Economic Potential,” Punit Renjen, Deloitte’s Global CEO, makes it clear that their focus is on females: “India is home to the largest number of illiterate women in the world. There are more than 3 million eligible, yet out-of-school girls throughout India. And almost 40 percent of girls aged 15 to 18 years drop out of school and college.”

Deloitte’s funding of Pratham’s education programs will give girls (and boys) the foundational skills necessary to succeed in school and beyond, while also empowering mothers, teachers and entire communities. The goal of this partnership, which includes the State government, is to act as a catalyst for positive change in the education system of Uttar Pradesh.

Read more about Pratham’s literacy and learning programs.