Happy teachers will change the world. Thich Nhat Hanh

The Reach to Teach Story

The Reach to Teach story began in the state of Gujarat in 2007 and has since evolved from a doorstep school in a bus to an organisation that now works with State Governments to deliver impact at scale.

2003 - 2007

early days

Reach to Teach was founded by Sanjeev Gandhi, a London-based technology investor, in 2003 with the objective of bringing education to out-of-school tribal children in the remote areas of Gujarat. The initial engagement was with tribal districts like Valsad through mobile classrooms. Meals were offered to bring children to learn and build rapport with communities.

2007-2012

deepening community engagement

Learning Resource Centres were set up in rural communities in partnership with local non-profits. Out-of-school children were supported in developing foundational skills and transitioning back to schools. Primary teachers from the United Kingdom trained and supported para-teachers in these centres.

2007 was a milestone year for Reach to Teach as the Larry Ellison Foundation became an anchor funder giving it the impetus to scale up operations.

Impact during this period

  • 104 Reach to Teach centres set up
  • 160 para-teachers deployed
  • 3,000 children reached

2012-2015

alignment with government schools

The learning centres integrated with government schools to improve the overall quality of school education. Developing foundational skills remained the focus and external education experts supported the community para-teachers.

This was first implemented

in Kutch district across

26 government schools

reaching out to

over 4,000 children.

2015-2019

programmatic interventions

The Education & Community Programme was launched in 2015 to support teachers in classroom management and create a stimulating learning environment. Leadership training was provided to head teachers. The programme embedded itself in community to create ownership at all levels.

In 2018, Reach to Teach Foundation set up as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act.

Direct impact:

  • 230 schools
  • 230 head teachers
  • 1,500 teachers
  • 56,000 children

Indirect impact:

  • 100,000 teachers
  • 3,500 community volunteers

Districts:

  • Kutch
  • Bharuch
  • Morbi

2019

strategic partnership with government

In 2019, a strategic shift was made to engage with the Gujarat Education Department to drive scale based on field-level learning of the past decade. The focus moved to was on supporting system-level capacity building and strengthening.

In 2020 there was an organisational shift as the Board of Directors decided that the focus of Reach to Teach’s work needed to be India. As a result, the corporate office moved from the UK to India. In March 2020, Ratna Viswanathan became the first India-based CEO and succeeded Steve Cutts who was the last UK-based Chief Executive.

2021

multistate footprint

Commencing 2021, Reach to Teach is systematically expanding their geographical footprint. The aim is to work across several states, with a focus on North-eastern states. We currently work in Gujarat, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

Our Values

Mutual Respect

We value the dignity, rights, views, and contribution of the people we work with.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical and legal standards in our work and interactions.

Transparency

We are honest in our actions and communication.

Excellence

We strive to excel in everything we do.

Collaboration

We work collaboratively and value diverse opinions.

Trust

We aim to be credible and reliable in our actions.

Culture

We are a diverse and dedicated team, working with commitment to realise the organisation’s vision. We strive to create an environment that fosters excellence, encourages innovation and nurtures people to succeed.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in terms of gender, religion, ethnicity, physical ability, age, sexual orientation and identity. We foster a culture of inclusion and respect.

Governing Board

Know More

Rakhee Ditta

Chairperson

Matthew Symonds

Deputy Chairperson

Neha Aviral

Trustee

Geeta Khehar

Trustee