Avasara Academy

Sector

Education

Engagement since

2026

“

“I became courageous by looking at my daughter, and my daughter became courageous because of Avasara Academy. At Avasara, the girls are taught how to face difficult situations and how to come out of them. I feel that no one can do anything to me now because my daughter has become independent, not just financially, but also in her thinking. My daughter tells me, “Women have the right to make their own decisions.” Things that women of my generation often hide or do not speak about openly are things she can talk about courageously in front of everyone. My dream is to see her become independent and stand on her own feet. Avasara is giving her something far beyond what I could have taught her—things that are important for her generation and that are beyond the limits of my own thinking.”

Shabnam Sayyed Mother of Safa Sayyed, a student at Avasara Academy.

About the Partner

Avasara Leadership Institute operates Avasara Academy, a non-profit day and residential secondary school for girls in Pune. It supports high-potential girls aged 11-18 from low-income communities who often lack access to high-quality education, leadership opportunities and the support needed to fulfil their potential. Since 2011, Avasara has combined a rigorous Cambridge curriculum with leadership, entrepreneurship, socio-emotional learning, mentorship and college guidance. Admission is merit-based, while financial assistance ensures that a student’s ability to pay does not limit her opportunity to attend. Avasara also supports its graduates as they pursue higher education and build pathways towards meaningful careers and leadership.

HBSF Engagement

HBSF’s grant strengthens Avasara’s core programme, with a particular focus on academic and socio-emotional support during transition years. It supports students through rigorous academics, leadership development, socio-emotional learning, residential and day-school provision, and college and career guidance. Academic foundations and student transitions are strengthened through bridge curricula, personalised interventions, study skills, advisory support and counselling. Students also gain leadership experience through projects, clubs, internships and community engagement. The grant further strengthens the school-to-college-to-career journey through financial assistance, mentorship, wellbeing support and alumni engagement, alongside systems that track students’ progress, college access, employment outcomes and economic mobility.