Educate Girls Honors ‘Pragati’ Learners at Graduation Ceremony in Pali
Pali: Educate Girls, the first Indian organization to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2025), hosted a graduation ceremony in Pali to honor learners who successfully cleared their Class 10 board examinations through its second-chance education initiative, Pragati. Community leaders, government representatives, partners, volunteers, and learners gathered to celebrate nearly two decades of advancing girls’ education in rural and educationally marginalized communities. Certificates were awarded to graduating students, and interactive sessions provided a platform for learners, community mentor motivators, and ground-level Team Balika volunteers to share inspiring stories of resilience, community engagement, and transformative impact.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Kailash Chandra Rathore, District Literacy & Continuing Education Officer, Pali, who praised Educate Girls for its sustained impact over the past 18 years. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that education is a lifelong journey and lauded the Pragati learners for overcoming significant obstacles to realize their aspirations. He highlighted how the organization has empowered out-of-school girls to progress with confidence and independence.
Rathore expressed his vision for Educate Girls to dramatically expand its impact, aiming to reach—and eventually double—the number of learners served. He reaffirmed his department’s support for initiatives advancing girls’ education and underscored that educating one girl strengthens an entire family. Gender expert Rajshree from the Women Empowerment District Hub was also present at the ceremony.
Celebrating Second-Chance Success through Pragati
At the program, 13 adolescent girls and young women were recognized as toppers for scoring over 70% in the Class 10 examinations of the Rajasthan State Open School. These learners are part of the Pragati program, which supports young women aged 15–29 who are older than typical school age, academically behind, or at risk of being out of formal education.
To date, over 10,210 learners have resumed their education through this program after long interruptions and successfully completed Class 10. Pragati focuses not only on academics but also on building life skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities to help young women shape their future.
The event was attended by over 750 learners, 86 mentor motivators, Team Balika volunteers, partners, government representatives, and members of the Educate Girls team.
Many of the honored young women overcame restrictive gender norms, household responsibilities, and years away from school. For several, this was their first public event—a milestone reflecting both personal determination and strong community support. Their achievements have positioned them as role models within their communities.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the 13 toppers, who shared inspiring stories of perseverance, balancing domestic responsibilities, challenging social barriers, and resuming education to pursue their dreams. Their journeys underscored the transformative power of second-chance opportunities. Team Balika volunteers also shared experiences of ensuring education for every girl through their “My Village, My Problem, I Am the Solution” approach. Mentors highlighted their role in organizing communities through household outreach, motivating families to enroll and retain girls in school.
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