The Education for Education Model: Cultivating Learning Ecosystems from Within

Pratham’s Education for Education (EfE) model is a distinctive approach that places communities at the heart of education. Rather than delivering programmes as isolated interventions, Pratham builds learning ecosystems by training local volunteers, creating sustainable and scalable educational change.

A key example is CAMal ka Camp (Combined Activities for Maximized Learning), a six-week summer programme designed to help children catch up on essential literacy and numeracy skills. In 2023 alone, CAMal ka Camp mobilised over 300,000 local volunteers who reached approximately 3.4 million children across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. These volunteers receive targeted training that includes both teaching skills and digital literacy, enabling them to support children effectively in community settings.

This approach offers a twofold benefit. Firstly, children who participate show significant improvements in reading and arithmetic levels within a short span. Pratham’s internal assessments report literacy gains of up to 30 per cent during the camp period. Secondly, the volunteers themselves acquire new skills, certifications  and confidence, which enhances their employability and social capital.

Perhaps most importantly, this model fosters a sustainable cycle of growth. Children who benefit from these interventions often grow up inspired to become volunteers themselves, creating a virtuous circle of community empowerment. By rooting education in local contexts and fostering community ownership, Pratham ensures that learning continues well beyond the life of any single programme.

This demonstrates the understanding that true educational transformation arises when learning is community-led and capacity is locally built. This model allows Pratham to scale its impact efficiently, nurturing not only better learners but future changemakers who will continue to strengthen their communities for years to come.

Donate now to support community-led learning. Your donations help helps train local volunteers, reach more children, and build lasting learning ecosystems.