ABOUT

Our story begins with Pratibha Jairath, the founder, and a memory that haunted her. The memory of a poor domestic worker who was unable to educate her children. Pratibha wanted to be able to support these children in their educational journey. This was the genesis of the founding of Vidya Jyoti, with an initial focus on educating underprivileged children in India. In 2022, Pratibha and Madhu Uppal, along with a few other like-minded volunteers, launched the organization with seed money from many generous sponsors and donors. When we look back at Vidya Jyoti’s first year, we are proud of our achievements. The organization is built upon a firm foundation of documented by-laws, transparency, and a rigorous vetting process to identify deserving institutions that can fulfill the dreams of education for marginalized children. Today we have over 1,000 beneficiaries, on their way to a brighter future, pursuing a multi-year certificate or degree. We are continuing to search for qualified grantees. 

Along the way, with some experience and confidence behind us, and with encouragement from our donors, we decided to expand our horizon to include children in the United States and other parts of the world who also could benefit from our efforts.  So in May of 2023, we modified Vidya Jyoti’s by-laws to become more global in nature. Today, we are known as a “Global Education Opportunity Foundation”. 

Vidya Jyoti has established a thoroughly transparent process for awarding grants, providing funds established charitable organizations with a successful record of supporting the educational needs of underprivileged students. A small portion of funds is also set aside each year to directly help special case individuals. . The selection of the grantees is based on criteria that assure that the use of the grants results where the outcomes are verifiable. Each organization must provide periodic updates as well as an annual evaluation of the funded program in order to be considered for renewal of the grant. These grants are awarded on an annual basis and may be renewed for deserving candidates under certain conditions. 

Potential grantees are welcome to contact Vidya Jyoti team to apply for grants. 

Along the way, with some experience and confidence behind us, and with encouragement from our donors, we decided to expand our horizon to include children in the United States and other parts of the world who also could benefit from our efforts.  So in May of 2023, we modified Vidya Jyoti’s by-laws to become more global in nature. Today, we are known as a “Global Education Opportunity Foundation”.