Rajasthan, February 27, 2026: Educate Girls celebrated its 18th Foundation Day by recognising the achievements of learners who passed their Class 10 board examinations and honouring members of its Team Balika volunteer network.
The event, held in Rajasthan, brought together community leaders, government representatives, volunteers and learners to mark nearly two decades of work in advancing girls’ education in rural and educationally marginalised communities. Certificates were awarded to graduating students, and interactive sessions allowed learners and volunteers to share their experiences.
Chief Guest Mr. Sanjay Joshi, Deputy Director, Women’s Empowerment Department, Udaipur, 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 encouraged the organisation to continue its efforts toward connecting 10 million women to education by 2035.
Gayatri Nair Lobo, CEO 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.”
The ceremony also highlighted the Pragati second-chance education programme, which supports young women aged 15–29 who are overage, academically set back or at risk of dropping out. According to the organisation, 10,210 learners have resumed their education through Pragati and successfully completed Grade 10.
Vikram Solanki, Director – Operations 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.”
More than 450 learners, along with volunteers and mentors, participated in the event. The programme also featured a panel discussion and a showcase of supplementary remedial learning materials used to support learners returning to education.
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