Educate Girls Celebrates 18 Years of Impact with Graduation Ceremony for Pragati Learners in Munger

Munger: Educate Girls marked its 18th Foundation Day with a graduation ceremony for over 200 Pragati learners (community motivators) in Munger, Bihar. The event brought together community members, government officials, and education advocates to celebrate the transformative power of girls’ education and collective action.

Learners from some of the most underserved and Naxal-affected areas, including Bhimbandh, were felicitated for successfully completing their education despite significant socio-economic challenges. Certificates were distributed in the presence of Chief Guest Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar, District Magistrate of Munger, along with Gayatri Nair Lobo and Vikram Singh Solanki.

Addressing the gathering, District Magistrate Nippanikar emphasized the critical role of education in driving long-term development. He noted that initiatives like Educate Girls are instrumental in improving enrollment and learning outcomes in remote regions. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the administration, livelihood missions, the education department, and civil society to ensure that every girl has access to education.

CEO Gayatri Nair Lobo said, “Education is the most powerful force to transform lives and communities. Since 2022, in Bihar alone, we have helped nearly 200,000 girls return to education and supported around 9,000 adolescent girls and young women in reclaiming their education. Each story represents resilience and a powerful second chance. With continued support from the government, donors, and partners, we remain committed to reaching 10 million learners by 2035.” She also congratulated all learners who successfully passed their Class 10 examinations through the Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination.

The event featured inspiring stories of determination. Eighteen-year-old learner Sabya Parveen successfully completed her secondary education even after marriage and motherhood. She shared that the support from Educate Girls gave her the confidence to continue her education and move forward in life.

Another learner, Urmila, emerged as a shining example of perseverance. Despite personal loss, she continued her education and is now working as a paramedical professional. Reena Kumari, a community mentor associated with Educate Girls, has become a local leader, helping out-of-school girls re-enroll in education. So far, she has enrolled 33 learners, many of whom have successfully completed their secondary education.

An interactive session led by Vikram Singh Solanki provided learners with a platform to share their experiences and aspirations. He reiterated the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, communities, and institutions to drive sustainable change in girls’ education.

The program also included cultural performances centered on themes of empowerment and inclusion, reinforcing the message of education as a catalyst for change.

District Magistrate Nippanikar appreciated the organization’s continued efforts in raising awareness and improving enrollment in hard-to-reach areas and assured ongoing administrative support to strengthen such initiatives.