Rajasthan, Feb 26: Educate Girls, the first Indian organisation to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (2025), marked its 18th Foundation Day by celebrating the achievements of its Team Balika volunteer network and felicitating learners who successfully passed their Class 10 board examinations.
The ceremony brought together community leaders, government representatives, volunteers, partners, and learners to commemorate nearly two decades of advancing girls’ education in rural and educationally marginalised communities. Graduating students were awarded certificates, and interactive sessions provided a powerful platform for learners, motivators, and Team Balika members to share stories of perseverance, community mobilisation, and transformation.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Sanjay Joshi, Deputy Director, Women’s Empowerment Department, Udaipur. Addressing the gathering, he said, “The most important thing is to start, because once you start, it becomes easier to move forward. One girl’s success inspires other girls, and one girl’s education impacts the entire family and future generations. It is important to free women from social constraints and connect them with education.” He further encouraged the organisation to pursue its ambitious goal of connecting 10 million women to education by 2035 with renewed vigour.
CEO, Gayatri Nair Lobo congratulated the graduating learners and emphasised that completing Grade 10 is a milestone in a much longer journey. She said, “Eighteen years ago, Educate Girls began in Pali district of Rajasthan with a simple belief – that every girl deserves a chance. Today, as we celebrate supporting over 10,000 young women to successfully complete their Class 10 examinations, we are celebrating far more than results – we are celebrating courage, resilience, and collective effort. To our young women – this is not the end of your journey; it is a new beginning. You are hope, you are strength, and when you rise, you carry entire communities forward with you.”
Celebrating Second-Chance Success Through Pragati
At a special gathering in Udaipur, adolescent girls and young women from across Rajasthan were honoured for their academic achievements in their Rajasthan State Open School Class 10 examinations. These learners are part of Educate Girls’ second-chance education initiative, Pragati, which supports young women aged 15-29 who are overage, academically set back, or at risk of permanently dropping out of formal education.
Through its second-chance Education program, 10,210 learners have resumed their education after extended gaps and successfully completed Grade 10. Pragati strengthens academic foundations, builds life skills, and nurtures the confidence and agency young women need to shape their futures.
Director – Operations Vikram Solanki said, “Behind every exam result is a story of courage and collective effort. In strong partnership with state governments and powered by our Team Balika volunteers and
Preraks, we are proving that when communities and systems work together, change becomes sustainable. As we move toward empowering 10 million learners by 2035, our commitment is not just to bring girls back to education, but to ensure they thrive.”
The event witnessed participation from over 450 learners, 45 Preraks, and 73 Team Balika volunteers, along with partners and guests. Director – People and Culture Anushree Singh and Rajasthan State Operations Head Brajesh Sinha were also present.
Many of the young women recognised at the ceremony have overcome restrictive gender norms, domestic responsibilities, and years away from school. For several, the event marked the first time they stepped outside their homes to attend a public celebration — a milestone reflecting both personal determination and community support. Their achievements have positioned them as role models within their villages.
The program also featured a dynamic panel discussion with learners from remote communities, dedicated Team Balika volunteers who mobilise families door-to-door to support girls’ education, and Preraks who mentor young women returning to school after extended breaks. Attendees experienced an interactive showcase of Educate Girls’ supplementary remedial learning materials, highlighting innovative tools and approaches that enable learners to re-enter the education system and succeed.