We are an education revolution bringing literacy to 3 million rural children every year.
While it takes 42 years to graduate a family out of poverty, first learners change this to 12 years. This is especially significant for girls, since educated girls tend to marry later, have fewer children and are strong proponents for educating their own children.
Our innovative model of a single-teacher primary school has led to long-term, unprecedented impact. Ekal is a revolution that’s changing the paradigm of education.
Our innovative model of a single-teacher primary school has led to long-term, unprecedented impact.
Current Students
Girls
Boys
Teachers are Women
Children have gained literacy since 1986
Ekal Schools in all States in India
The Indigenous Solution
The Students
Ages
4-10 years old
Class size
30 students
School day duration
2 hours / 6 days a week
Cost to Student
Free
The curriculum across all Ekal’s schools follows a standard core of language, arithmetic, and science. Students also participate in physical education, value education, and creative arts.
Schools are located in informal, accessible places that are central to the village They are managed by a school oversight committee comprising of parents and community members.
Ekal’s teachers are selected by the school oversight committee and have a minimum of a 10th grade education. They undergo intense training to serve the pedagogy of the schools. 80% of Ekal’s teachers are women who are role models, encouraging families to educate girls. This is crucial for gender equality. 50% of Ekal students are girls pursuing higher education, some joining as Ekal teachers, thereby giving back to the communities they grew up in.
Ekal schools are completely free, with learning materials including digital tools provided at no cost.
For every dollar invested, the following program costs have been consistent since 1986.
$365 to educate a child for a school year or a $1 per day, breakup below:
Teachers Salary
Teacher Training
Program M&E
Learning Tools
Ekal graduate studying for her Bachelor's degree in Technology at AMIE University
"Without Ekal, I would never have known about education. Today, I might have been taking care of the cattle at home instead of getting my degree. Ekal has transformed my life."
Ekal Graduate; was chosen to carry the torch for India's Olympic Team in the London 2012 Olympics
After attending an Ekal school in Assam Barbaruah Tea Garden, Pinky went on to graduate from high school. She led adult literacy classes and conducted an alcohol abuse prevention program, later working with the United Nations.
It only costs $1/day to fund an entire school. Your financial support helps us sustain our schools, support more students, and innovate how we teach.
