Asha For Education is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 that aims to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children in India. It has over 66 chapters worldwide and over 1000 active volunteers. The organization has supported over 410 projects so far and has disbursed over $10 million. The Madison chapter specifically has supported 12 projects and disbursed around $50,000. Current ongoing projects provide education, vocational training, and community development support across India. Upcoming goals include further fundraising events and expanding current programs.

1. ASHA FOR EDUCATION Spring 2009 Kickoff

2. Hope to underprivileged children The Asha Idea

3. History In the summer of 1991, at University of California Berkeley three students VJP Srivatsahoy, Sandeep Pandey and Deepak Gupta decided to setup an action group to concentrate on providing basic education to children in India Asha means Hope in many Indian languages

4. Asha Today 66 chapters worldwide and over 1000 active volunteers More than 410 projects supported so far Over 10 million dollars disbursed till now The Madison Chapter was formed by the merger of Tarang with Asha in 1994. We have supported 12 projects so far and disbursed nearly $50000.

5. Project Workflow

6. What you can do?

9. Projects Ongoing

10. Gnanodaya Hope for children of Leprosy Affected People Severe discrimination throws these children out of mainstream and affords them few educational opportunities In collaboration with Asha Austin, we disbursed $10000 to St. John’s Leprosy Patients Association for operating expenses for the school. The School provides free education, lunch and books to 203 students, runs till X standard Chengalpat, TN

11. Prajnalaya Academic and Vocational training for the poor and needy Provides formal education and vocational training to over 180 students Also teaches them organic farming and restores native culture Collaborations with chapters in Austin, Berkeley, Dallas and Atlanta Jorhat, Assam

12. Sangamam Regenerating the lives of the disadvantaged Thiruvallur is one of the poorest villages in Tamil Nadu We have disbursed $20000 to aid Asha Chennai’s efforts Over 8 schools were founded and the project focusses on improving government schools and emphasizes activity based learning Thiruvallur, TN

13. Udhyan Shalini Fellowship Regenerating the lives of the disadvantaged This fellowship helps disadvantaged girls who need monetary help and guidance We provide monetary support for 10 girls through Udhyan Care New Delhi

14. Proposed Projects

15. Namma Bhoomi Empowerment of rural children and youth in Karnataka with a special emphasis on the most marginalized Objectives : Give working children a chance to continue their education Address effects of rural to urban migration (on child and human rights; child labour, alcoholism, poverty, child marriages) through integrating enhanced awareness of rights, political entitlements and community strengths with Increased livelihood capacities Provide professional education that comprises both vocational and academic components to enable them to be economically stable, innovative, enterprising and productive Proposal under review

16. Gnana Deepam Objectives : To identify poor mentally challenged children and develop them to carry out their basic personal needs. To train in special vocational skills so that they contribute to the family who consider them a burden. The curriculum includes training in toileting, grooming, eating (ADL), vocational skills like weaving, tailoring, block printing, arts & crafts work, greeting cards etc. Status : We are awaiting for a proposal from the organization

17. Payir A community based organization with an objective of holistic and inclusive rural development. Thenur, TN Lack of primary health care facilities and sanitation Very high school drop out rates Lack of around-the-year employment opportunities Plans for Education, Agriculture, Community development, Healthcare and working with government

18. Eegan Project aims to help poor children realize their dreams by offering educational scholarships Support children of cottage industries or low income laborers with no financial support for higher education The program works with the schools directly to identify potential students for scholarship and supports them through the program for the duration of their study. In 2008 they have funded 8 students amounting to $5000 in scholarships for their education. An Eegan Scholar

19. The Year Ahead Goals and Agenda

20. Goals

21. Events India Quiz for kids Painting for Asha Crazylegs 5K run Mentor a child program Asha Mela Arts showcase with IGSA Sports Fest – Volleyball, Table Tennis and Badminton Potpourri for UW Students

22. Thank you!