things we take for granted a solid roof over us when we sleep a hearty breakfast, a decent lunch...
TRANSCRIPT
Things We Take For Granted
A solid roof over us when we sleep
A hearty breakfast, a decent lunch and sumptuous
dinner with coffee breaks in between
Freedom to lead the lives we want to lead
Somebody to turn to when in need
Optimism and hope about our future
Asha for EducationAsha for EducationA non-profit voluntary organization
dedicated to socio-economic change in India mainly using the medium of
education
The Constitution of India – Reality check
Constitution guaranteed universal elementary education 52 years ago
Education declared a Fundamental Right last year
But…– 35% of all Indians are illiterate– 40% of children who enroll drop out– Over 65 million children in the age group 6-14 are
out of school
Lack of educationWhere does it take a
person?
Exploitation
Child labor
Lack of opportunities
Lower standard of living
Lack of confidence
Population explosion
The Vicious Cycle
Lack ofEducation
Poverty
Child Labor
Asha For Education
“Asha” stands for the hope that we aim to provide the underprivileged children in INDIA
Founded in 1991 at Berkeley – By three students who felt that they
could make a difference
Belief: Education is the most effective way to– Break the vicious cycle– Bring about long-term socio-economic
change
Action group with volunteers who have realized that NOW is the time for action
What is Asha?
Grown by leaps and bounds
• Chapters located in universities, metros in the US• Chapters in UK, Australia, Switzerland• Active volunteer base in India - Lucknow, Ballia, Varanasi, Kanpur, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pilani, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chitradurga.
Asha-Seattle
Started in 1994 by a group of students and professionals
30-35 active volunteers Over 30 partner groups in India
– Partner Groups – grass-roots, non-government organizations
Objectives
Form very close partnerships with groups Provide assistance to these groups
– financial, networking, material, technological
Seek out groups in rural and economically underprivileged urban areas
Learn and disseminate information
Working Principles
100% of donations collected reach India All administrative expenses borne by
volunteers Flat organizational structure Decentralized chapter decision making
with respect to day to day operations Coordination among chapters on
common decisions via voting
Who are our Project Partners?
Non- discriminatory Apolitical and secular Improve the general welfare of the
community Close participation within their
communities Start-up projects are encouraged
Our work towards Socio-economic change
Innovative Schooling– Schools that encourage the spirit of enquiry in a child and help them
make their choices based on nurturing the child’s interest and learning
Children with Special Needs– We support schools for special children with cerebral palsy, visual
impairment, hearing impairment, slower learning capabilities and with special physical or learning needs. We also work with children in difficult circumstances such as drugs and prostitution
Working With the Government– Work with partners to reform the type of education that is provided by
government schools
Non Formal Education– Schools created for children who are unable to attend an entire day of
school
Our work towards Socio-economic change …
Formal Schools – Schools that provide full time schools for children with the syllabus
prescribed by the government
Resource Centers– Educational resource centers which aim to improve the quality of
schooling provided by different schools and offer training and resources towards this
Fellowships– Supports a fellowship program that supports individuals of the highest
quality and unquestionable dedication who have organization building capabilities
Vocational Training– Vocational training programs cover a broad range of subjects from
Computer training, tailoring, bee-keeping, agriculture (growing of certain plants), screen printing, carpentry, making greeting cards etc .
Our work towards Socio-economic change …
Community Awareness Programs– Programs that provide education that is aimed at raising awareness on
various issues and creating an informed society
Child homes – supports the running costs of several homes for children (orphanages)
Support A Child Programs– Sponsor the costs for health, living and educational costs for individual
children
Community Based Interventions– Initiatives that can have better overall impact on the community
Finance NumbersAmount Sent 1996-2001
$18,443.00 $20,470.00$38,359.00
$149,125.00
$204,635.94
$254,537.00
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
How You can Get Involved
YOU and Asha
Learn More About Issues
Raise Awareness
Volunteer
Raise Funds
You can make a difference Volunteer Donate
– Stopping funding will close the schools we work with
Support a school (partial or full) Support a child Safeway cards
Volunteer Opportunities
Work closely with partner groups Provide technological support Collect and research material Participate in disseminating information Participate in organizing fund raising events Market products made by schools and
communities Market products such as grocery gift cards to
raise funds Help build a steady donor base for Asha
Raising Awareness about our cause
Talks
Organizing events
Newsletters
Distribution of fliers at events
Word-of-mouth
Raising Funds Individual and corporate tax-exempt
donations
Events
Asha Stars
Sale of merchandise – Safeway cards, T-shirts, Asha diyas, greeting cards etc.
Lots of fun Events!!
Choti-si-Asha Asha Fest Asha Picnic Asha Hike Golf tournament Chai at Ragamala/local events Concerts - AllgoRhythms
Get Involved with Asha
General Meeting(Twice a month)
http://www.ashanet.org/seattle/min/meetings.html
Excellent way of getting to know the organization
Things We Take For Granted
A solid roof over us when we sleep
A hearty breakfast, a decent lunch and sumptuous
dinner with coffee breaks in between
Freedom to lead the lives we want to lead
Somebody to turn to when in need
Optimism and “Hope” about our future
“A Hundred Years from now, it will not matter what my bank account
was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of
car I drove.But the world may be different
because I was important in the life of a CHILD”
- Kathy Davis
YOU and I can make a difference.
The Hope
Asha for Education UW-Chapter
http://www.ashanet.org/seattle/Send email: [email protected]
[email protected]@u.washington.edu
All donations to Asha for Education are tax deductible under IRS code 501 (c) 3.
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