From Skills to Solutions: Pratham Wins National WASH Award

Pratham Education Foundation has been recognised with the FICCI National Award 2025 for Best Skilling Initiative in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).

The award was presented at the India Sanitation Conclave in New Delhi, in recognition of Pratham’s Waterworks Management & Sanitation Programme. Launched in 2017, this initiative equips young people with practical skills in plumbing, waterworks maintenance and sanitation system management, addressing some of India’s most pressing WASH challenges.

So far, the programme has trained thousands of youth across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. By combining centre-based training with community-level training camps, it has reached young people in underserved and remote regions. In 2024–25 alone, over 1,700 youth were trained, with an average placement rate above 85%.

Key impacts of the programme include:

• Improved access to safe water and sanitation in vulnerable communities

• Dignified livelihood opportunities, with graduates working in municipal projects, the private sector and self-employment

• Greater gender inclusion, with women encouraged and trained in plumbing and sanitation roles

• Sustainable practices, including eco-friendly methods, water conservation and community-driven maintenance models

Accepting the award, the programme team noted:

“This award is a recognition of the resilience and hard work of our trainees, trainers and community partners. At Waterworks Management & Sanitation Programme, we believe skilling is not just about employment, but about dignity, empowerment and sustainable community development.”

The FICCI jury highlighted the initiative’s affordability, scalability, inclusivity and sustainable impact, aligning with India’s national sanitation goals.

To learn more about Pratham’s skilling programmes, click here.