Giving back at 10: Ishaan’s inspiring fundraiser for Pratham UK!

When 10-year-old Ishaan from Dubai decided he wanted to help children in India, he didn’t just talk about it—he took action! In January, his mother Namrata reached out to Pratham UK on his behalf, sharing his passion for supporting a charity that improves the lives of children and young people in India through education. Just one month later, Ishaan had organised his very first fundraising initiative, and the results speak for themselves!

A student at North London Collegiate School in Dubai, Ishaan was inspired to make a difference through his school community. During the school’s fair in February, there were a few stalls specially allocated to young entrepreneurs—around 4-5 student-led businesses ranging from slime jars and lemonade stands to bracelets. Ishaan chose to set up a dedicated t-shirt stall with the goal of raising funds for Pratham UK. Driven by compassion and determination, he managed to sell almost 30 t-shirts, collecting an incredible DHS 1,500 (over £300!) in donations to support Pratham’s learning initiatives across India!

Ishaan’s family are originally from India, and his grandparents live in Gurgaon, near Delhi. His connection to the country and its communities runs deep, making his fundraising efforts all the more meaningful.

What makes Ishaan’s effort especially powerful is not just the money raised, but the message it sends—that young people can be changemakers too! For Ishaan, the experience was a proud moment and an eye-opening journey. It taught him how impactful a single initiative can be when fuelled by empathy and a sense of purpose. He also gained valuable real-world skills, from planning and setting up a stall to confidently communicating the importance of the cause to his schoolmates and visitors.

Ishaan’s mother, Namrata said: “Having been raised in India, I have seen how education can drastically change a child’s life,” which is what made Pratham the perfect fit for Ishaan’s fundraising initiative. Ishaan added, “It was my first experience fundraising for a charity and it has inspired me to do more!” Philanthropy at a young age builds empathy, leadership, and a sense of global responsibility, and Ishaan is a shining example of this.

Outside of fundraising, Ishaan also loves being on stage and dreams of a future career in acting—a passion that certainly helped him shine while selling t-shirts and sharing his mission with confidence!

The funds he has raised will help support Pratham’s award-winning learning programmes, which are transforming the lives of millions of children across India. From helping children learn to read and do basic maths, to supporting girls’ education and digital learning initiatives—every contribution helps open new doors and brighter futures for those who need it most!

Nick Sankey, Executive Director at Pratham UK, said: “We are so proud to have young supporters like Ishaan who understand the value of education and are passionate about extending that opportunity to others. His story is a wonderful reminder that no one is too young to make an impact—and that with the right support and encouragement, the next generation can lead the way in creating meaningful change.”

Thank you, Ishaan and Namrata, for your compassion, creativity, and commitment to helping children in India learn, thrive, and dream big! If you would like to fundraise for Pratham UK, please email: hello@pratham.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you!