Episode 40: The middle Road Sandeep Rai & Mohammad Shoeb enabling K12 education within India

Today, I (Nishant Malhotra) welcome Sandeep Rai, CEO & Founder of The Circle India, and Sayed Mohammad Shoeb, Founder & Project Head of The Panaah Communities, for an insightful discussion about their impactful work in the education sector.

A brief introduction:
Sandeep Rai - An alumnus of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Sandeep has worn multiple hats within the global development sector, serving in leadership roles at Teach For India, where he currently serves on the advisory board. He is the author of the book 'Grey Sunshine,' which explores the existential education crisis in India. The Circle India, founded by Sandeep, is revolutionizing the country's education system with best-in-class pedagogy, preparing less privileged students for the future.

Sayed Mohammad Shoeb - A chemical engineer turned educator and social entrepreneur, Sayed has over 7 years of experience transforming educational outcomes in underserved communities. As the founder and project head of The Panaah Communities, his work focuses on providing quality learning through community mobilization, parental literacy, and employability skill-building.

Welcome, Sandeep and Shoeb. I look forward to our meaningful conversation about your impactful work. Let's begin with Sandeep's initiatives at The Circle India.

Sandeep, your journey in the global development sector, culminating in your book 'Grey Sunshine,' has been remarkable. The book delves into the existential education crisis in India, where, according to a 2019 UNICEF report, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels (Grade 8). UNESCO's data further reveals that India has over 6 million children aged 6-13 who are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.

Could you share what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this eye-opening book?

While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still live on less than $6.85 per day, the benchmark for upper-middle-income countries. The Circle India strives to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged students nationwide. I am keen to learn more about your impactful undertakings and the pathways you are addressing to drive this transformative change.

You are building a community focused on educating and uplifting underprivileged sections of society, including establishing after-school training centres and empowering teachers. Could you elaborate on the initiatives and approaches you have adopted to create a sustainable educational ecosystem?

Sandeep, your book 'Grey Sunshine' sheds light on the existential education crisis in India. According to UNICEF, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels, and UNESCO data reveals that over 6 million children aged 6-13 are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.

➢ Share with audience what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this thought-provoking book.

Inequality remains one of the biggest drivers of poverty and social discontent globally. According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty, earning less than $2.15 per day. Additionally, almost half of the world's population subsists on less than $6.85 per day – the measure used for upper-middle-income countries. While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still remain below the poverty line, especially when measured against the $6.85 per day benchmark. The Circle India is striving to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged students across the country.

Sandeep, we would be keen to learn more about the impactful work you are undertaking and the strategies you have implemented to address this pressing issue sustainably.
Now, Shoeb, let's turn our attention to your wonderful work at The Panaah Communities. Your venture is addressing inequality in formative quality education through The Panaah Communities. Could you share how The Circle India has supported your endeavor and provide examples of how you are invigorating the K-12 learning experience?

With 4 centers, 11+ programs, and over 2,500 enrolled students, your venture significantly impacts its target audience. You've achieved an impressive 80.06 percent average attendance and 75.27 percent average mastery across programs for students.

• How did you manage to have such a profound impact within these communities? • I like your idea of involving parents within the community. Speak about the parental education. • What motivated you to work on this idea? Could you share some of the struggles you faced while setting up the venture?
Shoeb, I know you have a focus on STEM education. Speak more about this initiative.

• Sandeep, could you share any poignant experience from your book that left a lasting impression on you?
Finally, an "Aha!" question for both of you: Could you share an experience, either personal or professional, that brightens your life and serves as a source of inspiration?

I thank you both for sharing your time and insights about your remarkable work. The Middle Road offers highly discounted products and services to development organizations, and honored to explore potential collaborations.