Educate Girls: an NGO in Mumbai empowering girls through education

EDUCATE Girls is an NGO in Mumbai that works to transform communities by ensuring that girls have access to an education. In a world that is constantly evolving, where education is often considered a fundamental right, it is disheartening to know that millions of girls in India are still deprived of this basic necessity. This grim reality is what led to the establishment of Educate Girls, an NGO in Mumbai that has been making a significant impact since its inception in 2007. Educate Girls is dedicated to breaking down barriers to education for girls from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds in India. This article explores the remarkable journey and achievements of Educate Girls in its mission to transform lives through education.

Founding and mission

Educate Girls is an NGO in Mumbai that was founded in 2007 with a clear mission: to identify out-of-school girls and enroll them in existing government schools. The organization recognizes the importance of education in empowering girls and believes that education is a powerful tool for social change and development. Their approach is multifaceted, focusing not only on increasing enrollment but also on ensuring that girls stay in school and do not drop out. Furthermore, this NGO in Mumbai is committed to strengthening the foundational knowledge of both girls and boys, recognizing the importance of education for all.

Leveraging Government resources

One of the key strategies employed by Educate Girls is leveraging existing government schools and facilities to bridge the gap between education and children. This particular approach by this NGO in Mumbai recognizes the potential of government infrastructure and seeks to maximize its impact by targeting out-of-school girls and encouraging their enrollment. By working closely with government schools, Educate Girls can make efficient use of available resources and create a sustainable model for education.

Innovation through Development Impact Bond  

One of the most notable achievements of Educate Girls is its initiation of the first Development Impact Bond (DIB) in education. This innovative financing mechanism has allowed the organization to attract investments and measure the impact of their programs rigorously. The DIB has set a precedent in the field of education, demonstrating the potential for innovative financing models to drive positive change.

Impact and transforming lives

The impact of Educate Girls speaks volumes about the organization’s commitment and effectiveness. To date, this NGO in Mumbai has enrolled more than 750,000 girls, with an impressive 94% retention rate. Educate Girls has improved the learning outcomes of over 1.3 million students and equipped 250,000 girls with essential life skills. In total, Educate Girls has benefited more than 11 million individuals across three states, 20 districts, and more than 18,000 villages in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This incredible reach is made possible through the dedicated efforts of over 13,000 village-based volunteers. To support Educate Girls, you can donate here.

Addressing a critical issue

Educate Girls is addressing a critical issue in India, where more than 3.7 million girls are out of school. Without access to education, these girls remain socially and economically immobile, vulnerable to discrimination, and with little hope for an independent future. In Rajasthan, where Educate Girls primarily operates, the situation is particularly dire, with 70% of girls being married off before reaching the legal age and 15% before their 11th birthday. Educate Girls strives to break this cycle of poverty by providing education as a pathway to empowerment.

Partnerships and support

The work of this NGO in Mumbai is made possible through partnerships with various organizations and corporations. Some of their notable partners include Adobe, Accenture, Bank of America, Cartier Philanthropy, Fossil Foundation, Goldman Sachs, Oracle and many more. These partnerships provide the necessary financial and logistical support to carry out their initiatives effectively. It is through such collaborations that Educate Girls can expand its reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of girls in India.

Awards and recognition

The remarkable work of Educate Girls has not gone unnoticed. This NGO in Mumbai has received numerous awards and recognition for its efforts, including the Skoll Award in 2015, the WISE Award in 2014, the USAID Millennium Alliance Award in 2014, the Stars Impact Award in 2014, and the India Development Marketplace Award in 2011 by the World Bank. These accolades highlight the significance and impact of their work in the field of education. 

The Educate Girls model

The success of Educate Girls can be attributed to its innovative and holistic model. The organization focuses on reforming government schools through community ownership, leveraging existing resources, empowering rural communities, and mobilizing local youth volunteers as positive ambassadors for education. The approach by this NGO in Mumbai has yielded remarkable results, including improved enrollment rates, fewer dropouts, and better learning outcomes for girls living in marginalized communities.

Educate Girls is a shining example of an organization dedicated to transforming lives through education. By focusing on the education of girls from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, this NGO in Mumbai is not only providing access to knowledge but also empowering these girls to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination. Their innovative approaches, strong partnerships and unwavering commitment make Educate Girls one of the most cost-effective and sustainable models for bridging the education gap in India. As we celebrate their achievements, we also recognize the importance of supporting organizations like Educate Girls in their mission to create a better future for girls through education. To support Educate Girls, you can donate here.