Bal Shiksha Foundation is a young Indian NGO focused on improving educational outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds by strengthening the ecosystems around them. Rather than treating education in isolation, the organisation works across families, schools and communities, aiming to ensure children are not left behind due to systemic or socio-economic barriers.
As founder William Major explains, “a child’s learning and wellbeing do not exist in isolation.” He adds, “every child stands at the intersection of family, school, and community. When any one of these is fragile, a child’s education is at risk.” The foundation’s approach is built around this belief, focusing on practical interventions that strengthen all three pillars.
From personal experience to structured action
The idea for the foundation emerged during William’s time living in India with his family between 2014 and 2019, when they were based in Powai, Mumbai. What began as informal support for individuals gradually developed into a more structured vision for social impact.
“We made a conscious effort to travel extensively within India and immerse ourselves in its diverse cultures,” he recalls. During this period, he began mentoring individuals and encountered families struggling to afford basic education for young children. “Over time, I also met families with very young children… who were unable to afford education. That prompted me to begin supporting several children personally.”
That informal support has continued for over a decade. One child he first met at the age of three is now fourteen and still being supported. “This commitment is rooted in my own background,” he says, explaining that his own schooling was made possible through family savings dedicated to education. “I have always felt a strong desire to give something back, particularly to India, which gave so much to my family and me.”
These experiences ultimately led him to formalise his efforts. “That is when I decided to set up a foundation,” he says, describing it as a vehicle to scale impact rather than replace his personal involvement.
On-the-ground work and early impact
Now a registered NGO, Bal Shiksha Foundation operates with a small team in India and the UK, including local partners who work closely with schools and communities in Maharashtra. Current projects include installing solar panels in schools, improving sanitation facilities, building libraries, and supporting girls’ education.
William emphasises that interventions are chosen based on direct feedback from communities. In one school, for example, frequent power cuts and lack of electricity were limiting learning. “We are installing solar panels to provide a reliable power supply,” he explains, noting that this will support lighting, devices and daily school operations.
Sanitation has also emerged as a key priority. In some schools, the absence of bathrooms disproportionately affects girls, who are forced to return home during the day, losing valuable learning time. “We’ve prioritised these kinds of practical interventions that keep children in school,” he says.
The impact of early work is already visible, he adds. “I’ve visited the site three times now, and the difference these interventions can make is clear.” He also points to individual success stories, including a girl whose education he has supported since early childhood and who now consistently ranks at the top of her class. “Without that support, she would not have had the same opportunities.”
A philosophy of dignity, not charity
For William, the guiding principle is not charity but dignity. “For me, it’s about dignity rather than charity,” he says. “We’re not trying to replace or impose solutions, but to offer support where it is genuinely needed and welcomed.”
This philosophy shapes how the foundation engages with local stakeholders. Decisions are made in collaboration with teachers, parents and community members, ensuring that interventions respond to real needs rather than external assumptions.
The foundation’s governance model also reflects a personal commitment to accountability. William confirms that central administrative costs are currently funded by him personally. “All central costs… are fully covered by me,” he says, adding that every donation received is “fully traceable and goes directly towards its intended purpose.”
Challenges and long-term vision
While the foundation has received strong support, the most significant challenges have been administrative rather than ideological. “The main barrier has been bureaucracy and the process of setting everything up,” William notes, describing a two-year process to formalise the organisation.
Despite this, he remains committed to a long-term vision rooted in education. “I don’t have plans to move beyond education,” he says. “There is already so much opportunity in this space, and that will remain the central purpose and objective of the foundation.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to deepen the organisation’s impact and potentially establish a school in the future. Expansion into new regions is also possible, with a particular personal connection to Kerala, though current work remains focused in Maharashtra.
Ultimately, William sees the foundation as a long-term, family-involved commitment. “I would like to transition fully into this work one day,” he says, describing a future where the foundation becomes central to his professional and personal life.
For now, the focus remains steady: small, targeted interventions, community collaboration, and a belief that strengthening the systems around a child can transform educational outcomes in lasting ways.
Find more about the Foundation at www.balshikshafoundation.org and reach out at contact email address - [email protected]
