Imagine a school where every child has access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation—a fundamental right that's about to become reality for thousands of students across India, thanks to a remarkable new partnership.

Varthana Finance, a Bengaluru-based non-banking lender dedicated to making education more accessible, has secured a $6 million loan from WaterEquity that will transform the learning environment in underserved schools throughout the country. This isn't just about infrastructure; it's about dignity, health, and creating spaces where children can truly thrive.

The funds will support the installation of clean drinking water systems, modern sanitation facilities, and comprehensive hygiene infrastructure in low-cost private schools, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities where such amenities have been sorely lacking. For many students, these improvements will be life-changing.

What makes this partnership especially exciting is its pioneering nature. WaterEquity, a US-based asset manager co-founded by actor and humanitarian Matt Damon and Gary White of Water.org, has invested in 23 countries and raised more than $470 million since 2016. However, this marks their first-ever global investment in the school finance segment—a testament to the innovative approach Varthana is taking to holistic education.

Steve Hardgrave, Wholetime Director and Executive Vice Chairman at Varthana, beautifully captured the mission's heart: "Access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to creating a healthy and conducive learning environment. By integrating WASH improvements into our school financing model, we are ensuring that quality education goes hand in hand with the well-being of students."

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond convenience. Access to proper sanitation facilities has been shown to dramatically improve school attendance, particularly among girls who often face unique challenges. When students don't have to worry about their basic needs, they can focus on what matters most—learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.

Amit Agarwal, Head of South and Central Asia for Financial Institutions at WaterEquity, emphasized this crucial point: "Children spend a significant portion of their day at school, and access to safe, dignified WASH facilities is essential to improving attendance and learning outcomes—particularly for girls."

Since its founding in 2013, Varthana has been on a mission to expand access to affordable education in India. Operating across 16 states and union territories through 40 branches and 150 spokes, the company has already made significant strides in supporting affordable private schools and providing education loans to students pursuing higher and vocational education. This new partnership takes their commitment to student welfare to an entirely new level.

The initiative aligns perfectly with India's progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal focused on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It's a shining example of how innovative financing and purpose-driven partnerships can create meaningful change.

As this program rolls out, thousands of students will walk into schools with clean water flowing from taps and proper facilities that respect their dignity. It's a reminder that progress happens when passionate organizations come together with a shared vision—and that every child deserves an environment where they can learn, grow, and dream without limits.