From learning to earning: creating pathways for women to thrive

A second chance at education can open many doors.For some women, it means completing the Grade 10 qualification they had to leave behind. For others, it can be the first step towards further studies, a job, a business or greater independence.

At Pratham, our pathways programmes are built around this idea: education and skills can be stepping stones towards opportunity.

A second chance to learn

The Pratham-Jameel Second Chance programme supports girls and women who have had to leave school before completing their secondary education. Through learning support, digital and life skills, and preparation for Grade 10 examinations, the programme helps women return to education and move forward.

Since it began in 2011, Second Chance has reached more than 67,000 girls and women across 12 states in India.

But the real impact of a second chance is what comes next.

For Ritanjali in Odisha, returning to education went hand in hand with building a livelihood. After leaving school, she trained in beauty services through Pratham and began offering services in nearby villages before opening her own beauty parlour. She later joined Second Chance, passed her Grade 10 exams and continues to run her business while pursuing further studies.

For Heena in Jaipur, the journey looked different. After a 19-year gap, she returned to education through Second Chance and went on to top the Rajasthan State Open School Board exams. Today, she is studying for Grade 11 while working as an insurance agent and supporting her family through her income.

And for Sarfaraj, completing Grade 10 was just the beginning. She joined Second Chance at 39, went on to complete Grade 12 and earn a B.A. degree. Today, she teaches women through the same programme that helped her return to education.

Three women. Three different journeys. One second chance that helped each of them take the next step.

From potential to opportunity

There is no single pathway from learning to a better future.

For one woman, it may be returning to school. For another, further education. For another, the skills and confidence to enter employment or start a business.

The goal is not simply to provide training. It is to help people move towards the opportunity that is right for them.

With the support of our donors and partners, we can continue building and scaling these pathways, helping more girls and women turn ambitions that may have been put on hold into futures they can shape for themselves.

Because a second chance at learning can be the first step towards something much bigger. Gift someone a second chance today.