Eight affordable non-state schools recognized for advancing quality education through strong leadership and innovative, community-centered solutions

December 2025 Opportunity International announced the recipients of the 2025 EduQuality Global Awards, honoring eight outstanding affordable non-state schools across Asia, Africa, and Latin America for their exceptional commitment to educational excellence.

The EduQuality Global Awards recognize schools that deliver high-quality learning outcomes in some of the world’s most undeserved communities—typically rural areas with populations living in extreme poverty. Leaders and teachers at these schools have demonstrated a deep dedication to quality education, overcoming great challenges through innovative practices, strong leadership, commitment to their student populations.

“A quality education is the engine of opportunity—and one of the surest ways to end generational poverty,” said Atul Tandon, Opportunity International CEO. “This year’s EduQuality Award winners demonstrate that quality education can be provided to every child, regardless of background or income level. Their leadership is shaping stronger schools today—and stronger communities for generations.”

The awards spotlight schools that stand out among more than 3,000 institutions participating in Opportunity International’s EduQuality program, embodying values such as collaboration, community engagement, and a passion for teaching.

This year’s EduQuality Global Winner was India’s Vidyanketan Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Following the pandemic, Vidyanketan addressed a major challenge: restoring student behavior and emotional well-being. Through new policies, teacher training, and strong community engagement, the school achieved a 30% drop in disciplinary cases and a 25% increase in attendance.

“Opportunity International is committed to teachers and school proprietors because they are committed to their students and communities,” said Andrew McCusker, Head of Education Finance. “The winners of this year’s EduQuality Awards are proof positive that our world’s educators have what it takes to propel their students forward—many just need the support, training, and financial resources necessary to achieve their own goals.”

Other 2025 Country Winners

Seven additional schools were recognized as country-level winners, each receiving a $1,000 cash prize, plus an award certificate and wall plaque. Country winners include:

• India—Bharathi Kalabhavan School—for increasing admissions and reducing in-class behavioral challenges.
• Ghana—Wellspring School—for improving teacher capacity and student learning outcomes through teacher trainings.
• Nigeria—Royal Pride Montessori School—for strengthening inclusive, child-centered learning, resulting in recognition as a Montessori school of excellence.
• Tanzania—Souvenir Pre and Primary School—for improving both enrollment (up more than 50%) and financial sustainability.
• Kenya—The Shiners School Maili Saba—for dramatic renovations to their facilities, resulting in increased safety and success for students.
• Rwanda—Good Foundation Centre for Education—for improved infrastructure and increased enrollment.
• Dominican Republic—Escuela Hogar Paula—for increase in student enrollment and reduction of unpaid tuition.

ABOUT OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL:

Opportunity International is a global nonprofit that has been equipping people to build sustainable livelihoods and educate their children for 54 years. Opportunity provides 21 million families with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. In 2024, Opportunity International and its partners helped fund more than 19,000 schools that reached 3.4 million children. Discover more at opportunity.org or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.