ENABLE: Building inclusive education systems across India, one community at a time
At Pratham, we believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential. That belief lies at the heart of ENABLE, one of our most ambitious and transformative initiatives to date.
Launched to embed inclusion within India’s education framework, ENABLE is working together with government systems to create a scalable, sustainable, and truly inclusive model of early childhood and foundational learning. It’s more than a programme, it’s a mindset shift, an infrastructure overhaul, and a collaborative movement designed to ensure no child is left behind.
What is ENABLE?
ENABLE (Enabling Inclusion in Education) is designed to create environments where all children, including those with developmental delays or disabilities can learn alongside their peers in supportive, equipped, and inclusive spaces.
To do this, ENABLE focuses on:
- Awareness and sensitisation around early screening
- Intervention and inclusive curriculum tailored to diverse learner needs
- Establishing Model Resource Hubs at block level to serve as training, support, and demonstration centres for inclusive education practices
This initiative aligns directly with India’s National Education Policy, which prioritises an inclusive early childhood and foundational learning system which is not just about access to school but to meaningful learning.
How does it work?
At the heart of ENABLE is a systems-change approach. We work closely with state and district governments, as well as Anganwadi workers, teachers, parents, and communities, to ensure that inclusion isn’t just a policy on paper but a lived reality in classrooms and homes across India.
By embedding practices such as early identification, inclusive lesson planning, and family engagement, ENABLE helps build the capacity of the entire ecosystem that surrounds a child, both in and out of the classroom.
We also establish Model Resource Hubs at block level to serve as centres of excellence. These hubs provide practical tools, ongoing training, and peer support for educators and government officials. This model ensures that our work doesn’t end with us and that it’s owned and carried forward by the communities we serve.
Where we work
ENABLE is currently active in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two of India’s largest and most diverse states. By partnering with state departments, local authorities, academic institutions, and national institutes, we ensure that our model is evidence-based, context-specific, and primed for scale.
These partnerships not only add credibility but create a powerful network of advocates, implementers, and changemakers working together to build a more inclusive education system.
Why it matters
Over 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs before the age of six. Providing appropriate care and nurturing to children in their early and formative years is therefore critical for subsequent growth and development. A significant proportion of disabilities are preventable if developmental delays are detected early and appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.
An estimated 7% of children in India live with disabilities, and many more experience developmental delays that go undiagnosed or unsupported. Without early identification and inclusive support, these children are often left out of mainstream classrooms or worse, excluded from school altogether, limiting their futures possibilities and earning potential through a wider range of careers.
ENABLE exists to change that.
By reaching children early, supporting their families, training educators, and reshaping school environments, we are opening doors that have been closed for far too long. And by working through government systems, we’re ensuring that this change is not only impactful, it’s enduring.
Join us in building a more inclusive future
At Pratham UK, we are proud to support ENABLE and help bring inclusive learning to thousands of children in India. Your support helps us build resource hubs, train educators, and empower communities with the tools they need to foster inclusive, welcoming learning spaces for all children.
This is how we build a future where no child is left behind and has the opportunity to reach their full potential through inclusive learning. Donate today to help us scale inclusive education across India!