Indian literacy has long been established as a bedrock of social and economic advancement (Source: Census of India, NSSO, PLFS). The 2011 Census put the literacy rate at 73%, whereas in 2017–18, the National Statistical Commission survey estimated it at 80.6%. Most recently, the 2023–2024 PLFS report put literacy at 80.9%. The gap between urban literacy (90%) and rural literacy (77%) is still high, marking deep-seated disparities.
But literacy is more than reading and writing; it is empowering people to achieve their desired goals, advance their socio-economic status, and engage positively with society. For rural India, where access to education is piecemeal, this empowerment is frequently smothered by cost, infrastructure, and cultural obstacles.
Role Played by NGOs in Rural Education Support
Efforts by the government alone are not sufficient to address the immense and diverse educational needs of rural India. That is where education nonprofits act as game-changers. NGOs offer innovation, flexibility, and community confidence and supplement government efforts to bridge the gap so that no child is left behind. They offer free resources, mentorship, infrastructure, and value-based education to take quality learning to the remotest corners.
In their emphasis on holistic development and long-term influence, NGO literacy programmes help initiate the shift from basic literacy to life-ready skills in rural education, giving children and youth the skills to help end the cycle of poverty.
Each One Educate One Foundation: Programmes Overview
At the Each One Educate One Foundation, we are on a mission to transform rural education in India. We believe that no child or youth should be denied the right to learn and grow because of financial or social barriers. That’s why we provide free-of-charge, values-based, holistic education to rural children and youth across the country. We serve through three flagship programmes:
Each One Educate One Programme
Supporting rural children from class 6 to class 12 with absolutely free residential schooling. This includes education, food, clothes, accommodation, healthcare, and overall care.
Each One Higher Educate One Programme
Making quality higher education available and accessible free-of-charge at the university level.
This programme supports students from rural and underserved backgrounds, many of them first-generation learners, to pursue their academic aspirations in diverse fields. At the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, they are nurtured not just as graduates but as compassionate, value-driven leaders who place society above self.
Streams offered at Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence :
- Science: Biology | Physics | Chemistry
- Computer Sciences & Applications
- Mathematics
- Vedic Studies
- Art & Literature
- History
- Postgraduate Diploma in NGO Management
- Diploma in Integrated Agricultural Sciences
- Performing Arts: Music (Carnatic & Hindustani), Dance (Bharatanatyam)
- Skill Development: Plumbing & Electrical Technologies
Each One Medical Educate One Programme
This programme takes off the financial burden from the shoulders of under-served students who are meritorious and want to pursue medical education. Under this programme, free-of-charge medical education is provided to meritorious students at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences & Research. This allows students to pursue their education in MBBS, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, depending on their interests. This programme encompasses education, lodging, food, and other essentials provided free-of-charge to the students.
Holistic Education Model: 360-Degree Development
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to education. Every student’s development is nurtured across multiple dimensions:
Empowered Through Education: Student Testimonials
Pramod Kumar Revadi
Everything changed when I joined the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam in Grade 6. The institution nurtured my talents and passions. I discovered my love for painting and developed my skills in sports, especially football. Here, all my needs are taken care of – food, accommodation, books, uniforms, shoes, and all other personal essentials are provided totally free-of-charge, ensuring a comfortable stay at the hostel. I enjoy learning economics the most, and I am inspired to pursue higher education in this field.
Rifa M
The free-of-charge medical education has lifted the burden from the parents of many students like me, who come from humble backgrounds, allowing us to pursue our dreams without financial constraints. I am committed to applying these values of compassion, service, and selflessness in my medical practice to positively impact the lives of others.
Education transforms lives, but only when it reaches those who need it most. With the support of compassionate individuals and organisations, this change becomes possible. You can join the path:
- Sponsor the education of a child or youth through the three programmes
- Join as a CSR supporter to increase access to rural education.
- Spread the word about the value of free, integral education.
Conclusion
At the Each One Educate One Foundation, we are redefining the history of rural education in India. By removing financial hurdles, providing comprehensive care, and imparting lifelong values, we are not only educating children and youth—we are shaping generations.
Education is not charity—it is a basic right. And with your support, any rural child and youth in India can learn, develop, and excel.
