The RightWalk Foundation

Making social policies work for people who need them most

How It All Began

RightWalk was founded with a bold vision—to break the cycle of generational poverty, dismantle deep-rooted inequalities, and empower vulnerable families toward a future of dignity and opportunity.

From the very start, we focused on tackling the root causes of socio-economic disparity. We chose social policy as our most powerful tool to create real, lasting change.

Our journey began by unlocking the Right to Education Act (RTE) Section 12.1.(c) in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring access to free, quality education for children from marginalized communities. But we knew education alone wasn’t enough.

To create true socio-economic mobility, we expanded into livelihoods—connecting disadvantaged youth to apprenticeship opportunities, and healthcare—ensuring early detection and intervention for at-risk children.

Today, we drive policy-to-impact transformations that uplift millions, proving that when policies truly work for people, lives change forever.

Our Journey

RightWalk Foundation’s journey from teaching in a slum in Uttar Pradesh
to generating impact across India

इंटरएक्टिव टाइमलाइन स्लाइडर
2014

Launched Flagship Program - RTE 12.1.(c)

Only 54 admissions in Uttar Pradesh private schools under RTE

Faced initial resistance from private school lobbies but remained committed to inclusion

2015

Historic Supreme Court Win

Secured a landmark Supreme Court ruling enforcing the RTE mandate

Enabled 4,200 children in UP to access quality education, including 13 in a top Lucknow school

Partnered with the UP government to drive RTE 12.1.(c) implementation

Founder, Samina Bano, honored as an Ashoka Fellow for pioneering work in education equity

2016

Policy Breakthrough on Financial Aid

Advocacy led to ₹5,000 annual government aid for children's educational expenses

Organised a flagship event on Malala Day with the UP Chief Minister

Trained 2000+ private school educators across 8 districts on Social Inclusion with UNICEF

2017

RTE Goes Digital

Developed an Online RTE Portal with NIC to streamline admissions and reimbursements.

Removed bureaucratic barriers, simplifying RTE access for millions of children.

Successfully advocated for removal of 1km admission restriction, expanding school choices for families

2018

Key Policy Amendments

Secured an official gazette notification expanding neighborhood criteria from 1 km to Ward/Gram Panchayat

Led capacity building sessions for lawmakers and UP Government officials on RTE Implementation

Founder, Samina Bano selected as an Acumen Fellow, recognizing her leadership in policy transformation

2019

RTE Roundtable and Financial Inclusion

Facilitated the release of financial aid to parents, improving access to books and uniform

Strengthened financial reimbursements to private schools, unlocking public funds for people

Enhanced the RTE portal with improved security and user-friendly functionalities.

2020

Expanding Impact During the Pandemic

Repurposed the RTE helpline for COVID distress support, assisting thousands.

Distributed 1.5 million meals and essential relief kits across communities

Hosted an apprenticeship webinar with key stakeholders, bridging students, industry leaders, and policymakers

2021

Pioneering Apprenticeship in UP

Designed and launched UP's first state-wide Apprenticeship PMU, tackling youth unemployment

Contributed to pandemic relief by donating oxygen concentrators, BiPAPs, and food kits across four states

Upgraded RTE portal with school registration, financial aid tracking, and digital disbursements.

2022

RTE reaches Gujarat and EPinc Launch

Won the National CSI e-governance award for the Uttar Pradesh RTE portal.

Initiated RTE implementation in Gujarat, expanding educational access.

Introduced EPInc, an AI-powered ed-tech solution for grades 3-6, boosting peer learning

Designed and implemented the UP Chief Minister Fellowship Program for emerging policy leaders

2023

Scaling Apprenticeship in Maharashtra and Kerala

Expanded the Apprenticeship Model with MoUs in Maharashtra and Kerala, establishing PMUs

Strengthened partnerships with state governments, ensuring policy driven skilling and job opportunities.

Launched RTE Scholars Fund to support students beyond class 8

Founder, Samina Bano honored as a Mulago Fellow and a Chevening Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK

2024

Strengthening Partnerships and Global Recognition

Signed an MoU with Gujarat Government to expand Apprenticeship program

Scaled impact across Maharashtra, building stronger pathways for youth employment

New Delhi becomes our head office; Participated in Skoll World Forum (Oxford) and TED Conference (Vancouver).

Selected for 100x impact Accelerator by the London School of Economics (LSE) in UK

Way Forward

We are now entering the healthcare sector through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), starting in Gujarat. This intitiative will ensure early detection and intervention for children from disadvantaged communities, strengthening their well-being and ability to succeed in education and life.

Our Presence

RightWalk was founded with a bold vision—to break the cycle of generational poverty, dismantle systemic inequalities, and steer families towards a future of sustainable living. Through strategic interventions in education, livelihoods, and now healthcare, we activate social policies to create real, lasting impact.

foundation of our mission. Here, we have pioneered RTE 12.1.(c), ensuring marginalized children access quality education, introduced the RTE Scholar Fund to support talented students beyond Class 8, and launched the Apprenticeship Program to equip youth with hands-on industry experience. Additionally, our AI-driven EPInc program enhances early-grade learning, fostering peer-based knowledge sharing in classrooms.

implementing the apprenticeship Program as the state government’s PMU, ensuring structured skill-building opportunities for youth. Simultaneously, our AI-driven EPInc platform is transforming early-grade learning, bridging educational gaps through peer-assisted learning.

are driving access to quality education through RTE 12.1.(c), strengthening youth employment through the Apprenticeship Program, and revolutionizing classrooms with EPInc. Additionally, we are expanding into healthcare with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Yojana, ensuring early detection and timely medical interventions for children from underserved communities.

through the Apprenticeship Program, working closely with the state government. As the PMU, we are ensuring policy-driven, structured apprenticeship opportunities, fostering long-term career success for young individuals entering the workforce.

EPInc, an AI-powered peer-learning platform reaching 6,000+ students across 15 schools. By leveraging peer-assisted learning, EPInc empowers lower-achieving students with confidence and high-achieving students with leadership skills, creating more inclusive and engaging classrooms.

Our Founding Team