1. Asha is Hope Asha for Education Colorado Chapter presents
Namaste. Good Evening
We hope you have been enjoying the show so far.
We’d like to take few minutes to tell you what Asha is all about

2. 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
A mode of transportation to go from A to B
Somebody to turn to when in need
Inthis world, we take lot of things for granted like -
Roof over our head...
Food when we want…
Transportation…
Family to…
Optimisma nd Hope about the future!
But ladies and Gentlemen,
Optimism and “Hope” about our future

3. “Asha” is the hope that we aim to provide to this “Child”
But this child doesn’t have time to think about the future...
“Asha” is the hope that we aim to provide to this “Child”
This child doesn’t have time to think about all that ---
He work 12 hours a day…helps his parents to make both ends meet…
Ladies and gentlemen, Asha is the hope we aim to provide to this Child…
and millions of other children of India...

4. Improvement in Literacy
1991
1901
1951
Near 100% literacy
Since independence in 1947, India has made significant developments in agriculture, industrial production and information technology...
We have come a long way in terms of education as well
Several of our states have been successful in achieving near 100% literacy
Himachal
Mizoram
Kerala

5. Disparity in literacy rates
Census 2001
- 65% Overall
- 55% Women
- 75% Men
However, there is still, a long way to go.
The literacy is only 65% overall - 55% among women and 75% among men
In other words …there are 350m people who cant read and write...
India faces a dual economy --
there are pockets of progress and vast expanses of underdevelopment
Access to basic education is far from universal
Tribal and rural communities lag significantly behind the mainstream

6. The Vicious Cycle Lack of Education Poverty Child Labor
The poor and underprivileged sections of the societies are struck for hundreds of years in the vicious circle…
The circle of poverty…child labor... and lack of education ...
This vicious cycle, is impossible to break, without universal access to education
The Vicious Cycle

7. How? Can we do something… …to make a difference?
"Can we do something?” Most of us realize the problem. We also realize that we have a role to play
We ask ourselves "Can we do something?" "HOW CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

8. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does
- Margaret Mead
In 1991, a group of students at UC Berkeley asked these very same questions
Asha for Education is what resulted from their efforts.
B e r k e l e y , 1991

9. Asha is Hope MISSION STATEMENT
To catalyze socio-economic change in India by focusing on basic education for underprivileged children
MISSION STATEMENT
The word "Asha" means hope in many Indian languages
The name represents the hope that brings our volunteers together and the hope that we seek to bring into the lives of India's children
…. a hope for a brighter future
At present there are 35 Asha chapters all over the world
Asha acts as a lens, focusing the efforts of people across the world --
Our mission is to catalyze socio-economic change in India by focusing on basic education for underprivileged children

10. Guiding Principles Volunteer-based Minimal hierarchy
Non-political, non-religious
Asha is a volunteer based organization, with a FLAT structure
We do not affiliate with any political party or religious group
All funds go directly to children's education projects; and administrative expenses are borne by volunteers
Zero overhead

11. An Action Group Activities Educate Ourselves Raise Awareness
Support Projects
Asha is an action group. We
… educate ourselves about development issues
… raise awareness among the general public
… support projects to make a DIRECT impact
… and raise funds for the cause
There are number of social - Non Government Organizations working in India …and they need help.
Raise Funds

12. Life History of a Project
Suggestions
Site Visits
Funds
Proposal
Site Visit
Asha's focus is on primary education, and we lay special emphasis on girls' education
We carefully select and evaluate the project proposals we receive
The decision to support a project is made after significant research, careful evaluation and a preliminary visit to the project
We monitor our projects through periodic reports and site visits
Reports
Asha Volunteers

13. Our Projects Ballia, Uttar Pradesh CAST, Tamil Nadu Jhansi, U.P.
SEED, Tamil Nadu
In 2000 alone, Asha supported more than 200 education projects in India
Asha raised over $1m in funds to support these projects.

14. Raising Funds Individual Donations Asha Merchandise Events
Asha raises funds for projects like these are raised through
donations from individuals
through sale of Asha merchandise
and from events such as Geetanjali

15. Beyond Monetary Support
Appropriate curriculum
Innovative teaching techniques
Linking NGOs
While funds are important, Asha's vision goes far beyond monetary support
Asha chapters in India have been playing a crucial role in grassroots activities
… developing relevant curriculum
… bringing innovative teaching techniques into the classroom
… starting and continuing a dialog among non-governmental organizations around the country
Beyond Monetary Support

16. Asha - Colorado
Basic objective is to raise awareness among the local community about the need for promoting basic education in India and support education related projects
Current and Future Projects -
VRDC - Pune, Maharashtra
DSSCOD - Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu
Sadbhav Mission, New Delhi
ARZ - Baina Beach, Goa
Founded in 1995
Professionals and students in the Denver-Boulder-Ft. Collins area
The Objective - Raise Aware ness among the local community and Support Education related projects
Our Present and Future Projects

17. Arz - Goa $2,500 from Geetanajali
Center for Adolescent Girls Vulnerable to Prostitution
Literacy Activities
Tailoring Skills
Increasing Awareness
Self-reliance and Confidence
Arz - A grass-root organization working in rehabilitation of the victims of prostitution and their families…
Center for Adolescent Girls
Literacy Classes
Tailoring Skills to make them self-reliant
Increasing awareness about HIV and Health related matters

18. You can make a difference...
Become Asha Volunteer
Support Asha Activities
Make a tax-exempt donation to “Asha for Education”
To sustain actitivities such as these, a committed volunteer base is essential. We invite YOU to get involved.
And most of all, take a personal interest in a project by visiting it or by becoming an Asha Star
Buy Asha Merchandise
Take a personal interest…

19. Asha Stars Long-term Involvement First-hand Understanding$
per year
Personal Commitment
First-hand Understanding
The ASHA Stars program is a way to get involved with projects at an intimate level
It is a program where YOU, along with a group of like-minded individuals, take responsibility for a specific project
Asha Stars pledge to contribute their time and funds for a single project for a period of 5-10 years
Asha Stars get first-hand understanding of issues related to development, and see the impact of their contribution over time
With a secure source of long-term support, the project is able to strike roots and bring about lasting change

20. The Hope more of this than this When we dream alone,
it is only a dream.
When we dream together,
it is no longer a dream;
It is the beginning of a Reality.
WE, at Asha, are dedicated to making a change -
… that we shall provide EVERY child with a chance to go to school
So….

21. Join Us In Bringing A Smile On Every Child’s Face…
Asha - Colorado
Please feel free to visit the Asha booth and find more information ….
Please join us in ….
Join Us In Bringing A Smile On Every Child’s Face…
One Child at a time...
Asha - Colorado