MUMBAI (India CSR): Deutsche Bank and non-profit partner Masoom today marked the successful completion of the first year of operations of India’s pioneering LGBTQIA+ Evening Learning Centre (ELC) in Sion, Mumbai. Launched in June 2024 under Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education programme, the initiative aims to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community with access to formal education and mainstream employment opportunities by supporting their efforts to complete the Grade X examination through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
First-Year Milestones Achieved
In its inaugural year, the Sion-based centre enrolled 35 learners from the LGBTQIA+ community. Sixteen of these learners continued their academic journey with consistent support and engagement. In March 2025, eleven students appeared for the Grade X examination, with five successfully passing and securing scores between 55% and 74%. Aliza (also known as Danish) topped the class with an impressive score of 74%.
Inclusive Learning Support
The learning centre supports its students with a comprehensive, inclusive approach, including regular academic mentoring from NIOS board experts, one-on-one counselling sessions, open dialogue platforms, travel and grocery allowances, and provision of notebooks, textbooks, and stationery. These efforts are designed to ensure learners have a safe, supportive environment to
pursue their education and reintegrate into the formal academic system.
Continued Academic Guidance
The five successful students have now progressed to Grade XII studies at the same centre and continue to receive academic and career guidance to help them build pathways toward higher education and sustainable livelihoods. Students who did not clear the exam on their first attempt are receiving continued encouragement and support as they prepare to reappear.
Deutsche Bank Commitment
Ruchi Khemka, CSR Head, Deutsche Bank Group, India, said: “The Evening Learning Centre project reaffirms Deutsche Bank’s long-standing commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Through this initiative, we are offering members of the LGBTQIA+ community a renewed opportunity to complete their education and pursue their aspirations. We are optimistic about expanding the project’s reach and enrolling a larger cohort in the upcoming academic year.”
Masoom Leadership Perspective
Nikita Ketkar, Founder and CEO of Masoom, added: “We celebrate each learner’s resilience and progress. Their determination inspires us to create more safe and inclusive spaces for learning and growth. The success of the LGBTQIA+ Evening Learning Centre in its first year motivates us to scale the programme further and empower more individuals to reclaim opportunities they may have once been denied.”
Longstanding Collaborative Effort
Deutsche Bank and Masoom have collaborated since 2015 to support 25-night schools across Mumbai, reaching more than 12,000 learners who had previously dropped out of the formal education system. The Night School Transformation Programme facilitates the reintegration of these learners into mainstream education, enabling them to earn their Grade X certifications and enhance their career prospects.
Broader Vision Impact
In addition, Deutsche Bank has supported Masoom’s Career Cell programme over the past two years, enabling 200 women to access specialised career courses. The bank also supports another Evening Learning Centre in Pune, where over 160 adult learners are being supported in their journey toward completing their secondary education.
Promoting Inclusive Equality
This partnership continues to exemplify Deutsche Bank’s broader vision of promoting equality, dignity, and opportunity for all through impactful and inclusive CSR initiatives.
(India CSR)
