London, United Kingdom — The Malala Fund, the international non-profit organisation founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, has announced that it reached 26 million students worldwide during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking one of its largest impacts to date.
In its annual report released this week, the organisation highlighted its efforts in advancing girls’ education across low- and middle-income countries, particularly in regions where conflict, poverty, and social barriers continue to limit access to schooling.
According to the report, the Fund’s programs supported education initiatives in over a dozen countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, India, and Brazil. These efforts ranged from direct funding of grassroots organisations to policy advocacy, teacher training, and digital learning initiatives.
Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of the Fund, said the milestone reflects both progress and the urgent need to sustain global investment in education. “Reaching 26 million students in one year is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we prioritise education. But millions of girls are still out of school. We must continue to push governments and partners to invest in their future,” she stated.
The Fund reported that its support enabled local partners to expand safe learning spaces, provide scholarships, and address systemic issues such as child marriage and gender-based violence, which often prevent girls from completing their education.
Education advocates praised the Fund’s impact, noting that reaching such a large number of students in one fiscal year demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven models combined with international advocacy.
Analysts, however, caution that global education gaps remain significant. According to UNESCO, over 120 million school-age children worldwide remain out of school, with girls disproportionately affected.
The Malala Fund has pledged to continue scaling its programs in the coming year, with a focus on strengthening digital learning infrastructure, influencing education policy, and supporting female leadership in education advocacy.
