Authors
- Gopika Mahapatra, Senior Associate, Insights & Academy
- Siddharth Chatterjee, Senior Associate, Insights & Academy
- Mpiwa Gwindi, Junior Associate, Insights & Academy
- Sangeetha Watson, Assistant Director, Insights
Porticus is a philanthropic organisation that aims to create a just and sustainable future where human dignity flourishes. Rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and guided by subsidiarity, solidarity, and sustainability, Porticus designs and funds programmes that advance inclusive, high-quality education.
Porticus’ education initiatives in Asia are shaped by three core values which support a context-sensitive, inclusive, and long-term approach to philanthropy. It grounds its work in evidence, such as its collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on social and emotional learning (SEL), and through initiatives like Project Sampoorna in Jharkhand, India. This initiative aims to embed SEL in school systems, with a goal of reaching 1 million adolescents by 2024.
Recognising regional nuances, Porticus prioritises culturally relevant interventions. Since 2014, it has supported the BRAC Institute of Education Development (BIED) in Bangladesh, advancing play-based pre-primary education models tailored to local contexts. Porticus’ support for BRAC’s locally developed Play Labs and the adaptation for humanitarian settings reflects its commitment to scaling culturally relevant solutions rather than imposing external frameworks.
Porticus demonstrates how philanthropic organisations can transcend traditional grantmaking roles to act as catalysts, conveners, and brokers for systemic change. By actively engaging with funders, civil society organisations (CSOs), and governments, Porticus mobilises collective action to address critical social issues. This collaborative ethos is rooted in a commitment to evidence-based interventions, shared learning and flexibility, ensuring that programmes remain relevant, scalable, and impactful.
This case study is part of How Values and Beliefs Shape Education in Asia, an AVPN brief exploring how faith-aligned giving supports inclusive, values-based education across the region.
