For 21-year-old Pratigya Rekham, life once held dreams that felt impossibly distant, locked behind the constraints of her family's circumstances. Hailing from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, the aspiration to prepare for the UPSC examinations seemed a world away. But within the heart of Kanha, a spark of hope ignited when Pratigya joined Earth Focus Foundation (EFF) as a Shiksha Prerak in January 2023. Within a mere sixteen months, by May 2024, her commitment and passion for education propelled her to the role of a full-time Educator. This promotion, a testament to her exceptional abilities, typically takes aspiring Shiksha Preraks two to three years to achieve. Pratigya, who once supported the children of Gudma, now leads learning at both Gudma and Bheemlat, guiding young minds and also imparting the vital skills of English speaking and writing. Her own pursuit of knowledge continues; while serving as a Shiksha Prerak, she transitioned from her Bachelor's degree to now pursuing a Master’s in Mathematics, showcasing her unwavering thirst for learning. Beyond her core responsibilities, Pratigya's impact extends even further. She also dedicates her time to supporting 5th-grade students preparing for Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya entrance exams. Last year, her guidance led three students to success.

Pratigya's journey at Earth Focus Foundation is more than just a career progression; it's a story of dreams rekindled. 
 

In Solapur, many children continued to face hardships despite receiving government and organisational support. Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), in collaboration with our institution, stepped in to bridge critical gaps. Under the guidance of the Women and Child Development Commissioner, CSA addressed children's health, nutrition, education, sanitation, and emotional well-being.
From providing hearing aids and health check-ups to arranging tuition support and organising a science exhibition, CSA’s efforts have created meaningful change. Through their Aftercare program, several young adults are now pursuing vocational skills in hotel management, carpentry, and civil work. Ten young women were also supported in completing a diploma in manufacturing excellence, opening new doors of opportunity.

CSA’s commitment to child welfare is truly making a lasting impact.

Born into a farming family in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Preeti Pal was diagnosed with cerebral palsy just days after birth. Her lower body had to be plastered due to weak legs and irregular posture, and she spent years undergoing traditional treatments. Despite these early challenges, Preeti’s determination never wavered. In 2017, she discovered para athletics and began training in the T35 100m and 200m sprints. With support from OGQ, covering nutrition, equipment, tournament exposure, and a monthly stipend, Preeti was able to fully focus on her training. In 2024, Preeti’s hard work paid off. She won two bronze medals at the Paris Paralympics and another two at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, making her one of India’s most inspiring para athletes.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, and the difference the right support can make.

Pavithra, a trained beautician from Vesmaplam, Chennai, struggled to expand her small home-based setup due to limited understanding of business management. But her journey took a transformative turn when she was introduced to Vrutti and Avendus’s initiative designed to empower small entrepreneurs through structured training programs. Pavithra joined their Level 2 training, which provided essential insights into running a successful business, managing a beauty salon using natural products, and developing the confidence needed to grow. With the right guidance, she implemented new strategies that significantly improved her business operations, growing her average monthly earnings of ₹10,000 to ₹16,000-₹18,000—an impressive 60% increase in income. This growth not only enabled her to manage her expenses more effectively but also allowed her to enhance the quality of services she provided.

Pavithra’s success story is a testament to how targeted skill development and business training can empower women entrepreneurs to achieve financial stability and long-term growth.