Transforming parent-led learning through WhatsApp-based engagement, adaptive worksheets, and data-driven program delivery.
Summary
Impact Created
2,40,000+
children reached (from 3,000 in 3 years)
50%+
children advanced one FLN level in 3 months.
100%
shift to automated WhatsApp workflows + real-time dashboards.
About the organisation
Saajha’s mission is to ensure parents become active partners in their children’s learning journey. Originally working through School Management Committees (SMCs), the organisation evolved toward direct digital engagement with parents, especially during and after COVID-19.
Problem Statement
Before the transformation, Saajha faced two critical barriers:
- Scaling Engagement: Program delivery depended heavily on in-person interactions, limiting the organisation’s ability to grow beyond small clusters without significant cost and time.
- Data & Measurement Gaps: Manual data collection across states led to inconsistencies, minimal real-time visibility, and limited ability to demonstrate outcomes or refine strategy
This undermined both program scalability and evidence-based decision-making - limiting the organisation’s ability to reach more families or secure growth funding.
Solution
Saajha scaled parent-led learning by shifting to a WhatsApp-first delivery model, enabling daily FLN worksheets and nudges to reach families at scale. A custom mobile app supported structured assessments and virtual calling, while interactive microsites made home learning engaging and trackable. Real-time dashboards strengthened program monitoring, and a ChatGPT-powered helpdesk automated responses to parent queries. Together, these digital tools created a seamless, scalable system for improving children’s foundational skills.Key learnings
- Tech works only when people are prepared to use it.
- Simple tools win; behaviour change drives adoption.
- Standardise first, scale later - clarity enables real amplification.
Key Technologies used
- Custom SaajhaForSaajhedaars Mobile App (used for monthly assessments and structured parent calling)
- Exotel Integrations (used for virtual calling to scale personalised touchpoints)
- WhatsApp via Turn Platform (used for bulk content delivery, nudges, and parent onboarding)
- Microsite Worksheets (used for FLN learning worksheets with trackable engagement)
- Google Looker Studio (used for dashboards and real-time analytics/monitoring)
- Google Workspace (used for internal collaboration and distributed team coordination)
- ChatGPT-powered AI Helpdesk (used for automated parent query support and multilingual responses)
Quick Facts
Organisation Name
Saajha
Organisation Website
Visit Site
Founding Year
2014
Number of Beneficiaries served
2,40,000+ parents
Geography Served
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh (NOIDA)
Focus Area
Programmatic Impact, Capacity Development
Functions Impacted
Program Delivery & Beneficiary Services; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL); Training & Capacity Building; Technology & Data Management
SDG Addressed
Full Case Study
Challenges
Scaling Without Losing Personalisation
Saajha’s early model relied on school-based parental committees and relationship managers. However:
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Tracking how learning resources were used at home was difficult
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Teams spent significant time on manual calls and scattered reporting
-
Expansion beyond limited geography required exponential human resources
Most importantly, without reliable evidence of learning outcomes, scaling further risked diluting effectiveness.
The organisation needed a way to reach thousands of families sustainably, monitor progress remotely, and personalise support - without increasing staff footprint.
Solution
A Phased Digital Transformation Strategy
Saajha adopted a sequenced approach focused on reach, engagement, measurement, and scale.
- Introduced a mobile calling app with Exotel integration
- Began WhatsApp-based communication to maintain continuity during COVID-19 disruptions
- Launched Turn WhatsApp bot for automated nudges, worksheets, onboarding, and messaging
- Shifted from Google Forms to interactive microsite-based worksheets
- Built custom dashboards in Google Looker Studio
- Enabled real-time monitoring of student progress and parent engagement
- Institutionalised data-based decision making, including an internal testing model (“Process Improvement Sandbox”)
- Introduced a ChatGPT-powered helpdesk to respond to parent queries in local languages
- Began developing dynamic personalised worksheet generation aligned to Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN)
- Hybrid delivery approach:
- Platform Commons as tech partner
- Internal team owning adoption, content, parent engagement, and iteration
This ensured technology enabled the mission, not the other way around.
Outcomes & Impact
Scale, Evidence, and Parent Confidence The Impact
-
Scale and Reach
Children supported grew from 3,000 → 2,40,000 within three years.
Daily WhatsApp-based content ensures continuity for FLN.
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Improved Learning Outcomes
50%+ children improved at least one FLN level in 3 months.
Personalised worksheets and consistent nudges improved engagement quality.
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Accelerated and Accurate Data
Real-time dashboards reduced reporting cycles and improved accuracy.
Teams across states collaborate seamlessly using digital tools.
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Operational Efficiency
Automated workflows reduced manual calling and outreach
Structured data flows improved programme monitoring.
AI Helpdesk enabled rapid scaling without proportional staffing.
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Stronger Positioning With Funders
Digital maturity allowed Saajha to move from activity-based reporting to data-backed, outcome-oriented conversations - enhancing credibility and unlocking support for scale.
Potential for Wider Adoption
| Sector | Potential |
|---|---|
| Public school systems | High - FLN alignment and accessibility make it suitable for government scale |
| NGOs working with parents/community mobilisers | High - WhatsApp-first model reduces digital barriers |
| Federated and multi-state programs | Medium-High - data, content, and automation enable replication |
| CSR, EdTech and blended learning programs | Medium - adaptable for hybrid classroom-home ecosystems |
Additional Details
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