Guidance map for NGOs in disability sector

Bengaluru: India is home to over three million registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), many of which hold the potential to spark transformative change at the grassroots level.

However, a lack of professional guidance often stifles their growth.

“By embracing technology, NGOs can scale up and expand their reach,” said Pratik Madhav, founder of AssisTech Foundation, during the inaugural session of a new NGO incubation programme launched by Bengaluru-based Global Connect Education. AssisTech Foundation supports a network of approximately 450 startups focused on developing assistive technologies for the disability sector.

In a pioneering move, Global Connect Education has launched an incubation programme tailored to small NGOs and people providing special education and remedial services. The inaugural programme aims to empower grassroots organisations and centres with capacity-building support to enhance their impact.

“Many special education and remedial centres are led by passionate people focused on making a positive difference,” said Shanthi Satish, founder of Global Connect Education. “However, these organisations often struggle with operational management, which can severely affect their long-term sustainability.”

The incubation programme seeks to address this gap by providing tools, training, and mentorship in areas such as organisational management, financial planning, and people management.

Shanthi further emphasised that the initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth among these centres.

Through this programme, Global Connect Education, under the banner of REUSSIR Trust, aims to amplify the impact of special education and remedial centres, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.