Pratham’s quiet education revolution transforming learning for children

Pratham’s quiet education revolution transforming learning for children | Photo: Nikhita S

Across the complex educational landscape of India, Pratham has emerged as one of the most influential voices in reshaping how learning is understood, measured and delivered. Established in 1995, this non-profit has helped millions of underprivileged children move from classrooms where attendance once meant little to those where true learning takes place. Its mission, Every Child in School and Learning Well, speaks to a broader global aspiration for equitable education and social mobility, aligning with the essence of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

From Mumbai slums to national movement

Pratham’s journey began modestly in the crowded slums of Mumbai, where co-founders Madhav Chavan and Farida Lambay, supported by UNICEF, introduced early childhood education through balwadis, informal pre-school classes designed for children who had never seen the inside of a classroom. From those beginnings, the organisation’s reach has expanded dramatically, now working in over 20 states and union territories across India.

Today, Pratham’s approach represents a blueprint for scalable social impact, low-cost, community-led and rigorously evaluated.

Measuring what matters in education

One of Pratham’s most transformative contributions is the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), launched in 2005. This citizen-led survey evaluates basic reading and arithmetic skills among rural children. In a system often dominated by metrics of enrolment and infrastructure, ASER has refocused attention on learning outcomes, influencing both national and state-level education policies.

Over the years, the ASER methodology has inspired similar assessments in at least 14 other countries, underscoring its value as a replicable global model for educational accountability.

Teaching at the right level

At the heart of Pratham’s classroom innovation lies the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology. Introduced through its Read India campaign in 2007, the model departs from the traditional age-based grouping of students. Instead, children are grouped by ability, enabling teachers and volunteers to focus on foundational literacy and numeracy. Independent studies conducted with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) have shown that TaRL can lead to substantial improvements in learning outcomes within a few months.

This approach has since been adopted by several Indian states and even replicated internationally in African nations such as Ghana and Zambia.

Key impact figures

·       Founded: 1995, Mumbai, India

·       Operational reach: More than 20 states and union territories

·       Children impacted: Over 75 million since inception

·       Annual reach: Around 5 million children through various learning programmes

·       Volunteers and community educators: Approximately 150,000 nationwide

·       ASER surveys: Conducted annually across 500+ districts, engaging 25,000 volunteers

·       Countries inspired by ASER model: At least 14

Empowering women and youth

Pratham’s Second Chance programme offers young women who have dropped out of school a pathway to complete their secondary education, combining academic support with life skills training. Parallelly, the Pratham Institute provides vocational education in trades such as hospitality, construction and automotive mechanics, helping thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds enter formal employment.

Digital learning tools have become a key part of this effort, with educational apps and tablet-based lessons bringing learning opportunities to areas with limited internet access.

Community-led, evidence-driven

Unlike many large NGOs, Pratham operates through an extensive network of local volunteers, often parents and mothers, who deliver educational support within their own communities. This grassroots model ensures sustainability, accountability and cultural relevance, creating a bridge between homes and schools.

Independent evaluations have repeatedly confirmed the efficacy of Pratham’s low-cost interventions. Randomised controlled trials have shown that children attending Pratham learning camps can achieve measurable improvements in reading and arithmetic within as little as 50 days.

Global recognition and ongoing challenges

The organisation’s work has received global acclaim, including the Lui Che Woo Prize (2018) and the Yidan Prize for Education Development (2021). Yet, challenges persist. India still faces significant learning deficits, with ASER data showing that even in 2023, nearly 25% of Grade 5 students in rural areas struggle to read a simple Grade 2 text.

Nonetheless, Pratham’s adaptive, evidence-based model continues to offer a rare example of effective social innovation at scale. Its focus on learning outcomes, community ownership and pragmatic policymaking represents not only hope for India’s future but a valuable template for education reform worldwide.

For those interested in learning more about Pratham’s initiatives and the broader movement for inclusive education, further insights can be found through Pratham’s official website and the ASER Centre.