Speaking Seeds is a year-long, mentorship-based program that helps students from under-resourced communities build strong spoken English and communication skills. Through daily interactive sessions with trained mentors, students develop confidence in public speaking, professional communication, and self-expression. The program uses a structured, skill-based curriculum delivered virtually, enabling students from across India to engage regardless of location. Starting with students in grades 8 to 10, Speaking Seeds focuses on early intervention to lay a strong foundation that prepares them for higher education, scholarship opportunities, and resilient livelihoods.

In India, over 60% of graduates are considered unemployable due to a lack of communication and other essential soft skills.¹ Students from under-resourced schools face this challenge even earlier. Despite completing school or college, many lack key skills like spoken English, public speaking, email writing, and resume preparation. These are rarely taught in traditional classrooms, which focus heavily on rote learning and examinations. Without structured opportunities to build confidence and express themselves, students especially from low-income backgrounds struggle to access scholarships, college admissions, or entry-level jobs, creating a major barrier to resilient livelihoods.

¹ India Skills Report 2023 (by Wheebox, AICTE, and CII) – which highlights that communication and soft skills are among the top reasons for employability gaps among graduates.