Every Child Deserves a Path from Classroom to Career.
We walk with the same students from Grade 5 through school, into higher education and on to a career, until they are empowered.
Photo: students and a young facilitator mid-lessonThe Crisis
Children Are in School. Too Many Are Not Learning Enough to Build a Future.
27%
Of Class 3 children in rural India can read a Class 2 level text.
ASER 2024, Pratham
37%
Is the average maths score of Class 9 students across India.
PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, Ministry of Education
29.1%
Of young graduates are unemployed, nine times the rate for youth who cannot read or write.
India Employment Report 2024, ILO and IHD
Our Solution
The Shiksha Path: From Education to Livelihood
One path from Grade 5 to an empowered life, in three stages: Foundation in school through the Shiksha Doot Program, then Transition and Livelihood through our Youth Development Access Labs. Choose a stage to see how we walk with each student.
Stage 1: Foundation
Shiksha Doot Program
Experiential learning inside schools that builds skills from an early age. In Grades 5 to 7, students build the eight core competencies through arts, basic science and games. In Grades 8 to 10, the focus moves to hands-on STEM, artificial intelligence and technical skills, with rigour rising each year.
Delivered by our Shiksha Doot facilitators.
Stage 2: Transition
Higher Education Access Lab
Right after the Grade 10 exams, we step in so every student moves smoothly into Grades 11 and 12, and again from Grade 12 into the first year of college. We help with course and college choices, admissions, scholarships and accommodation.
One of our two Youth Development Access Labs.
Stage 3: Livelihood
Career Access Lab
For undergraduate and postgraduate students. Skilling workshops and exposure visits open to all youth, plus focused one-to-one support to build skills and secure paid internships, fellowships and placements.
One of our two Youth Development Access Labs. Many of our youth return as Shiksha Doots, completing the loop.
Students can join at any stage. Once they do, we stay with them until they are empowered.
Explore the full Shiksha PathSince 2017, One Classroom at a Time.
968
Students in our first year, 2020
750+
Students on the Shiksha Path, 2026-27
60
Shiksha Doot facilitators in our 2026-27 cohort
1M
Future-ready learners by 2050, our Mission
Where We Work
Rooted in Pune City but Growing Across Maharashtra.
Our Pune chapter runs the Shiksha Doot Program at present. We are now expanding to Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ahilyanagar, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane and Mumbai. Choose a place.
Operational Chapter
New Chapters
Operational Chapter
Pune City
Our Pune chapter runs Shiksha Doot Program, where youth fellows and facilitators work with the same students year after year.
4 schools, 750+ students and 60 Shiksha Doot facilitators in 2026-27
New Chapter
Pimpri-Chinchwad
We are expanding the Shiksha Doot Program to Pimpri-Chinchwad, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Mumbai
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Mumbai, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Thane
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Thane, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Ahilyanagar
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Ahilyanagar, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Satara
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Satara, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Solapur
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Solapur, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Sangli
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Sangli, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
New Chapter
Kolhapur
We are expanding the Shiksha Path to Kolhapur, building a local team and partner schools.
Pilot is underway
Beyond Maharashtra, our National Integration Program has reached Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Kerala, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
Photo: Ritu Jadhav (with her consent)Ritu’s Story
From Student to Empowered Youth
Ritu joined us as a school student in 2021. She got focused exposure in our virtual classrooms, and mentoring support after her senior secondary education. She is now completing her engineering degree at a reputed college in Pune. Along the way she joined us as a facilitator and later as a coordinator, and today she trains and supports our next group of mentors.
“Being student of Shikshanganga was the one of best experience for me to learn & empower”
This is the Shiksha Path working both ways: the young people who guide our students grow with them.
Read more storiesFour Ways to Walk with Us
Our Story
It Started with 30 Youth and One Community in Pune.
In 2017, under the leadership of Samrat, a group of colleges youth across Pune city began working with the children in the Vaiduwadi community, facing child marriage, addiction and a lack of good learning opportunities. That work grew into Shikshanganga Foundation later.
Photo: early volunteers with children, 2017 to 2020Our Vision
Every Indian youth leading change through meaningful socio-economic contribution to India and the world.
Our Mission
To cultivate one million future-ready learners by 2050 through holistic, skill-driven education that enables them to excel personally, socially and professionally.
How We Got Here
- 2017Thirty young volunteers begin work with children in the Vaiduwadi community, Pune.
- 2020Our founder joins the Teach For India Fellowship. 80 youth volunteers reach 968 students in our first structured year.
- 2021Shikshanganga Foundation is formally registered as a Society and Trust officially , with mentorship from Teach For India, Eivolve and InnovatED.
- 2022Our National Integration Program started offcially in collaboration with Gyan-Setu, Jnnanaprabodhini, Pune and subsequenty it expanded to five states independently.
- 2026We become a Section 8 company and launch the Shiksha Path, from education to livelihood in three stages (Foundation, Transition and Livelihood), with a cohort of 60 Shiksha Doot facilitators across Pune city chapter.
- NowOur Pune chapter runs the Shiksha Doot Program, and we are expanding to Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ahilyanagar, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane and Mumbai.
Our National Integration Program has reached Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Kerala, Meghalaya and Nagaland. - 2050Our goal: one million future-ready learners.
Why We Work in Fewer Schools
Preparing students for sustainable livelihoods requires a strong foundation built over time. We ensure deeper engagement, consistent mentoring, and meaningful learning experiences.
What We Value
The People Leading the Work
PhotoSamrat Pawar
Founder and CEO
PhotoShraddha Thorbole
Chief Operating Officer
PhotoTejaswini Gabhane
Chief People and Culture Officer
PhotoUma Khare
Lead, Strategic Planning
PhotoAkash Pawar
Lead, National Integration Program
PhotoShivam Jadhao
Lead, Shiksha Doot Program
PhotoSukanya Mahanta
Lead, Media and Communications
The Crisis
India Has Put Its Children in School. The Next Promise Is That School Leads Somewhere.
Nearly every child now enrols. But many move up grade after grade without the basics, leave school without skills for work, and join a job market that has little room for them.
1. Learning
Children Move Up the Grades, but the Basics Stay Behind.
27.1%
Of Class 3 children in rural India can read a Class 2 level text.
ASER 2024 (Rural), Pratham, released January 2025
30.7%
Of Class 5 children in rural India can solve a simple division sum.
ASER 2024 (Rural), Pratham, released January 2025
37%
Is the average mathematics score of Class 9 students in a national assessment.
PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, Ministry of Education and NCERT
2. Skills
Teenagers Stay in School, but Leave It Without Skills for Life and Work.
1 in 4
Rural youth aged 14 to 18 cannot fluently read a Class 2 level text in their own language.
ASER 2023 “Beyond Basics”, Pratham
43.3%
Of rural youth aged 14 to 18 can do a basic division sum, a Class 3 to 4 skill.
ASER 2023 “Beyond Basics”, Pratham
5.6%
Of rural youth aged 14 to 18 are taking any vocational training or skill course.
ASER 2023 “Beyond Basics”, Pratham
~45%
Of young graduates assessed are not yet considered job-ready by employers.
India Skills Report 2025 (54.81% employable), Wheebox with AICTE and CII
3. Work
More Education Has Not Meant More Jobs for Young People.
83%
Of India’s unemployed are young people.
India Employment Report 2024, ILO and Institute for Human Development
65.7%
Of unemployed youth have completed secondary education or more, up from 54.2% in 2000.
India Employment Report 2024, ILO and IHD (2022 data)
29.1%
Of young graduates are unemployed, nine times the 3.4% rate for youth who cannot read or write.
India Employment Report 2024, ILO and IHD (2022 data)
10.2%
Unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 29, against about 3% for all workers.
Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023–24, MoSPI
How the Gap Becomes a Spiral
Choose a cause to see where it leads.
Rote Learning Leads to Stunted Growth
When school means memorising for exams, children learn to repeat answers rather than ask questions. Curiosity and confidence fade just when they should be growing.
The Skills Gap Leads to Professional Paralysis
Students finish school without communication, collaboration or problem-solving skills. Degrees pile up, but employers still say young people are not ready for work.
No Exposure Leads to Social Hindrance
Without seeing careers, people or places beyond their own community, students cannot imagine options they have never met. First-generation learners feel this most.
Why We Exist
Every Number Here Points to the Same Gap: Years in School That Do Not Add Up to a Future.
We close it with the Shiksha Path: a strong Foundation in school, a supported Transition into higher education, and a first step into a Livelihood. We stay with each student from Grade 5 until they are empowered.
Sources
All figures are from the latest official or nationally recognised surveys. Last checked: [Month 2026].
- Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 and ASER 2023 “Beyond Basics”, Pratham Education Foundation
- PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, Ministry of Education and NCERT
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2023–24, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
- India Employment Report 2024, International Labour Organization and Institute for Human Development
- India Skills Report 2025, Wheebox with AICTE, AIU and CII
Our Path
From Education to Livelihood
One student, one continuous journey, in three stages. Students can join at any stage, and we stay with them until they are empowered.
The Roadmap
Follow the Journey
Choose a stop on the road to see what happens there.
Stage 1: Foundation
Shiksha Doot Program
For Grades 5 to 10. Experiential learning inside schools that builds skills from an early age, with rigour rising each year.
- Grades 5 to 7: the eight core competencies, through arts, basic science and games.
- Grades 8 to 10: hands-on STEM, artificial intelligence and technical skills.
- Every session: Anticipate, Act, Reflect.
- Two versions: the year-long Shiksha Doot Fellowship, and the weekly Shiksha Doot Facilitator Program in some schools.
Inside a Grade 9 Classroom
Students build a mini solar-powered fan and test how sunlight changes its speed, exploring renewable energy and electric circuits.
Photo: Shiksha Doot facilitators in a classroomStage 2: Transition
Higher Education Access Lab
Right after the Grade 10 exams, we step in so every student moves smoothly into Grades 11 and 12, and again from Grade 12 into the first year of college.
- Course and college choices
- Admissions in reputed institutions
- Scholarships and accommodation
What We Track
Number of Grade 10 students admitted to senior secondary education, scholarships secured and accommodation support provided.
One of our two Youth Development Access Labs.
Stage 3: Livelihood
Career Access Lab
For undergraduate and postgraduate students. Skilling workshops and exposure visits open to all our youth, plus focused, individual support for each one.
- Skilling workshops and exposure visits
- Paid internships and fellowships
- Access to placement
What We Track
Number of youth who secured paid internships, fellowships and placements.
One of our two Youth Development Access Labs.
Empowered
And the Loop Continues
Many of our young people return as Shiksha Doots, guiding the next students on the same path. While they teach, we invest in them too, with dedicated support for their own skilling and career readiness.
Students can join at any stage. Once they do, we stay with them until they are empowered.
The Eight Competencies
Beyond the Shiksha Path
Extended Initiatives
National Integration Program
Exchanges and journeys that connect young people across five states and Puducherry.
Nirmayee Magazine
A monthly youth-led magazine in Marathi and English where young people write about democracy, culture and their lives.
Read NirmayeeOur Impact
What Your Support Has Built
Our institutional dashboard, with the reporting period for every figure. Last updated: November 2026.
10,000+
Students reached
Reporting period 2020–2026
750
Active students
2026–27
374
Youth development enrollments, young people trained as facilitators
Reporting period 2020–2026
How We Measure
Our data is collected through program trackers and verified reporting, together with participants’ self-reports and surveys. Our Impact Monitoring and Evaluation team curates and checks it before it is shared.
2025–26 Impact Dashboard
When Youth Teach, They Grow
Every Shiksha Doot facilitator teaches, reflects and grows. Here is what one year of the Shiksha Doot Program built in young people.
91
Youth facilitators engaged
Two cycles in 2025–26
941
Sessions reflected on
Every facilitator, after every session
9.2/10
Average session rating
For learning, joy and satisfaction
89%
Would definitely recommend us
To other young changemakers
How They Grew
100%
Were satisfied with the learning opportunities
98%
Built strong relationships and teamwork
85%
Significantly improved communication and problem-solving
84%
Grew strongly as professional, empathetic leaders
From Facilitator to Leader
- 72%Chose to continue their journey with us
- 47Earned internship and volunteering certificates
- 3Facilitators stepped up to lead the next cycle as coordinators
- ₹73,863Raised for the cause by our youth during Daan Utsav
Skills They Used Most
Share of sessions in which facilitators named each skill as one they used.
“When children feel safe and encouraged, they ask amazing questions and work together with trust.”
Shiksha Doot facilitator, Winter 2025–26
Source: Shiksha Doot Program trackers, session reflections and end-of-cycle survey, 2025–26.
Where We Work
| Chapter | Status | Schools | Students | Shiksha Doots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pune | Operational, since 2017 | 4 | 750+ | 60 |
| Pimpri-Chinchwad | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Mumbai | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Thane | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Ahilyanagar | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Satara | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Solapur | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Sangli | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
| Kolhapur | New chapter | 1 | 120 | 10 |
Pune runs the Shiksha Doot Program through two versions of Shiksha Doot: the Fellowship and, in some schools, the weekly Facilitator Program. New chapters will report figures once classrooms begin.
Stories from the Classroom
Photo: student (consent on file)“I am able to walk on my path due to my mentor didi at Shikshanganga ”
Pratiksha Rathod, Student, Virtual Learning Center
Photo: Ritu Jadhav (with her consent)“My mentors supported me at every stage of academic jounrey, I am always greatful”
Ritu J, with us since 2021 as a student, now a Alumni
Photo: a parent or teacher (consent on file)“ The people of organization are so caring and innovative”
Achuyt R & Pushpa R, Parents, Pune
We share stories only with written consent, use first names, and focus on strengths rather than hardship.
Give
Walk with a Student, All the Way to Empowerment.
Your gift supports all three stages of the Shiksha Path: hands-on STEM and AI learning in Foundation, higher education support in Transition, and career guidance in Livelihood. You will get regular updates from the classroom you support.
Photo: facilitator with studentsThank You.
Next, you will finish your gift on our secure payment page. Your receipt will be sent to your email.
Continue to secure paymentJoin Shiksha Doot
Two Ways to Teach, Lead and Grow
We are a youth-led movement. Our Shiksha Doots are undergraduate and postgraduate students, and every one of them gets dedicated support for their own skilling and career readiness.
For a Year-Long Commitment
Shiksha Doot Fellowship
Work in schools 5 days a week part time for one year and empower students in your classrooms. This is a fully paid fellowship.
Apply in MayUnsure About Your Time?
Shiksha Doot Facilitator Program
Work with a classroom once a week for 3 to 4 months. We run two cohorts each year.
| Shiksha Doot Fellowship | Shiksha Doot Facilitator Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Time in school | 5 Days a week | Once a week |
| Duration | One year | 3 to 4 months |
| Applications | Once a year, in May | Winter and Monsoon cohorts, announced on social media |
| Best for | Those ready for a year-long engagement | Those unsure about time commitment and availability |
| Stipend | Fully paid | 1000/- INR per month subject to engagement in schools and training |
Partner with Us
Joining Collectively, Leading Change
This is the heart of every partnership we build. Whether you give as an individual, a foundation or a company, you join a shared effort to walk with students from Grade 5 to empowerment.
High-Net-Worth Individuals
Support a school, a cohort of Shiksha Doots or a stage of the Shiksha Path, and see its progress first-hand.
Institutional Grants
Fund programme growth, new chapters or research on outcomes, with clear milestones and regular reports.
CSR
Bring your company into a long-term education partnership in the communities where you work.
Questions Donors Ask
Where does my money go?
Donated money strictly goes towards the program related expenditure of Shiksha Doot Program and Youth Development Access Labs.
Will I hear how it is going?
Yes. Donors receive our newsletter with stories from the classroom, and our annual report by early of April each year.
Can I stop a monthly gift?
Yes, at any time. Email operations@shikshanganga.org and we will cancel it.