India has one of the largest education systems in the world, with more than 1.49 million schools, 9.5 million teachers, and more than 255 million children from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. However, there continues to be huge gaps in education access, quality, and results, especially for the marginalised groups. According to recent reports, while enrollment of students in primary level has gone up, there remain significant issues:
- There are 32.20 million of out-of-school children in the age group 6 to 17 years.
- Half of primary school-going children in rural India, which constitutes nearly 50 million children, do not achieve grade appropriate learning levels.
- 50 percent of adolescents do not complete secondary education.
Reports from World Bank and UNICEF have shown that removing barriers to access and providing holistic quality education is the key to improving outcomes.
CERF programs focus on increasing affordable access, and providing quality and holistic education and learning, with a special emphasis on girls and tribal children.
We provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in rural and disadvantaged communities. We do this by establishing local village based schools and learning centers.
Rights Education
In many rural and disadvantaged communities across India, children face unimaginable challenges. Instead of classrooms, they find themselves in fields, factories, or forced into early marriages. Some are even trafficked—robbed of their safety, freedom, and future.
At CERF, we believe every child deserves a chance to dream, to learn, and to grow up free from exploitation.
Why this matters
Child Labour.
Millions of children in rural India are forced to work to support their families. Long hours, low wages, and dangerous conditions steal their childhoods – and their opportunity to learn and rise out of poverty.
Child Marriage.
India accounts for one in every three child brides worldwide. Child marriage in India is one of the most prevalent forms of exploitation and abuse . Many girls are married off before they turn 18, ending their education and exposing them to health risks, domestic violence, and lifelong inequality. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021), around 23% of women aged 20-24 years were married before the age of 18.
Child Trafficking.
Vulnerable children are trafficked for labor, begging, or worse. It’s a hidden crime that thrives on poverty, ignorance, and silence.
At CERF, we are committed to educating children, parents, and communities about the dangers and long-term consequences of child labour, child marriage, and trafficking.
