The World Today (well, in 1999 …) Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)

The World Today (well, in 1999) … Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)

Literacy in India

Social Disparities Variation in Literacy Rates Literacy rate ( in % ) Source: Indian 2001 Census data

Regional Disparities Source: Indian 2001 Census data Variation in Literacy Rates Literacy rate ( in % ) An outline map of India

A Vicious Cycle? Dependence Lack of Education Lack of Education Poverty

Can we do something… …to make a DIFFERENCE ? Can we do something… …to make a DIFFERENCE ? HOW?

“To catalyze socio-economic change in India through the education of underprivileged children” Mission Statement

Asha Facts Formed in 1991, Berkeley, CA Asha = ‘hope’ Today, 66 chapters: 45 in US, 14 in India, 7 in Europe, Singapore, Australia Several fundraisers: Work An Hour, Marathon, Concerts Over 300 projects in India spanning 22 states, $4 million in funding disbursed since founding Decentralized, volunteer based structure

At many universities In most large cities Satellite Chapters paired with mentor chapters Over 400 active volunteers Facts

Funds Raised

Asha Projects: Urban/Rural Street Children Sexually exploited children Tribal Population Migrant Laborers Our Work

Asha Centers Asha Fellowship Legislative Awareness: 83rd Amendment NCERT curriculum FCRA Regulations Our Work

Technology Initiatives Wireless Local Loop Use technology to connect rural India using corDECT which provides high-quality voice and data connectivity.

VOICE, Mumbai Target population Street children Activities Education Healthcare Curriculum Asha Boston Projects Sampler Features Unfortunately, these children need to work during the day and can’t come to school. So VOICE takes the school to them! Some classes are held on railway platforms.

Natpurwa, UP Target population Children of sex workers Activities Awareness Education Self-employment Asha Boston Projects Sampler Features These are some of the most vulnerable children in the country. The 2 project coordinators are both residents of the village themselves. True example of the thrust for change coming from inside the community.

Vivekananda Foundation, Karnataka Target population Government schools Activities Teacher training Material Asha Boston Projects Sampler Features The organization works with government schools to improve the quality of education. Able to bring change to more children’s lives, since the organization doesn’t have to spend on costs such as salaries, infrastructure.

100% Volunteer-based Minimal Hierarchy Non-political, non-religious Minimal overhead Credibility is the focus Asha’s Guiding Principles

Donate… Work An Hour General Donations Sponsor marathoners Buy merchandise How can YOU help? Volunteer… Organization: Help us with events, coordination Fundraising: Contact individuals, corporations, anyone! Projects: Be a steward, get involved Publicity: Websites, presentation, media Many other avenues, whatever you’re good at!!

Less of this … MORE of this … Our hearts, their minds, one hope

Asha for Education All donations to Asha for Education are tax deductible under IRS code 501 (c ) 3.