Teaching on the Footpath, Learning Along the Way
Before INSEAD, I co-founded and spent six years building an edtech startup that helped commerce graduates bridge the skill gap and secure jobs. Most of my work focused on employability, training, and building futures, downstream in the education journey. This summer, I found myself exploring the very start of that journey: where access to basic education is still a daily struggle.
Through the Hoffmann Institute Impact Programme, I spent the summer with UPAY (Underprivileged Advancement by Youth), an NGO that brings learning directly to children through their initiative, Footpathshaala. These are open-air classrooms on footpaths, where volunteers teach children who might otherwise be working or helping out at home.
The idea is simple but profound: If the children can’t reach the school, let the school reach them.
The experience was both humbling and enriching. The only real challenge was the monsoon rains, which sometimes meant classes had to be quickly rearranged or moved to a sheltered spot. Yet, the energy never dipped. The students arrived bright, eager, and ready to learn. Many of them displayed remarkable curiosity, quick thinking, and a strong grasp of concepts. They were equally enthusiastic about extra-curricular activities, and many showed a strong desire to improve their reading and writing skills, often asking thoughtful questions that went beyond the day’s lesson.
The classroom environment was warm and positive, thanks to the dedication of UPAY’s coordinators, volunteers, and associates. They work as a true unit, creating an organised, well-run, and welcoming space for both students and teachers. Over time, the students began to connect with me in small but meaningful ways, whether it was sharing a recent achievement, asking for an extra worksheet, or simply running up to say hello before class began.
UPAY’s work is grounded and deeply impactful. With over 2,000 children engaged across cities like Nagpur, Delhi, Bangalore, and Gurgaon, they have seen a 50% increase in school enrolment. Their mission to increase literacy and provide equal learning opportunities to underprivileged children is at the heart of every initiative. It is quiet, consistent work that makes a real difference.
This experience reminded me why I care so deeply about education, not just as a means to a job but as the foundation for agency, dignity, and choice. I came to INSEAD to broaden my horizons and ultimately pivot into consulting. Before stepping into a fast-paced and demanding consulting career, I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children in India. This summer was an important part of that journey.
For anyone considering a project like this, especially one beyond their comfort zone, I would strongly encourage it.
Growth often begins where familiarity ends, and the experience can be far more rewarding than expected.
And finally, I would like to sincerely thank the Hoffmann Institute and the INSEAD team for their unwavering support in making this experience possible.
If you would like to support UPAY’s mission, you can make a contribution here: https://contribute.upay.org.in/donate
This internship experience was supported by the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend.
