The World Today (well, in 1999 …)The World Today (well, in 1999 …)

Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)http://www.unicef.org/sowc99http://www.unicef.org/sowc99

The World Today (well, in 1999) …The World Today (well, in 1999) …

Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)Source: The State Of The World’s Children (UNICEF)http://www.unicef.org/sowc99http://www.unicef.org/sowc99

Literacy in IndiaLiteracy in India

0%

50%

100%

20011901 1951

Social DisparitiesSocial Disparities

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

 Total  Rural  Urban

 Persons  Males  Females

Variation in Literacy Rates

Lite

racy

rate

( in %

)

Source: Indian 2001 Census data

Regional DisparitiesRegional Disparities

Source: Indian 2001 Census data

Variation in Literacy Rates

Lite

racy

ra

te (

in

% )

91

65

48

94

76

60

88

54

34

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Kerala All India Bihar

Persons Males Females An outline map of India

A Vicious Cycle?A Vicious Cycle?

DependenceDependence

Lack of EducationLack of

Education

PovertyPoverty

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

HOW?HOW?

“To catalyze socio-economic change in India through the education of

underprivileged children”

Mission StatementMission Statement

Asha FactsAsha 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 volunteersOver 400 active volunteers

FactsFacts

Funds RaisedFunds Raised

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

$3K $10K$30K$53K$92K$0.2M

$0.2M

$0.4M

$0.7M

$1.0M

$1.1M

0

250

500

750

1,000

$1,250K

Asha Projects:

• Urban/Rural• Street Children• Sexually exploited children• Tribal Population• Migrant Laborers

Our WorkOur Work

Asha Centers

Asha Fellowship

Legislative Awareness:

• 83rd Amendment• NCERT curriculum• FCRA Regulations

Our WorkOur Work

Our WorkOur 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 populationStreet children

ActivitiesEducationHealthcareCurriculum

Asha Boston Projects SamplerAsha Boston Projects Sampler

FeaturesUnfortunately, 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 populationChildren ofsex workers

ActivitiesAwarenessEducationSelf-employment

Asha Boston Projects SamplerAsha Boston Projects Sampler

FeaturesThese 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 populationGovernmentschools

ActivitiesTeacher trainingMaterial

Asha Boston Projects SamplerAsha Boston Projects Sampler

FeaturesThe 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 PrinciplesAsha’s Guiding Principles

Donate…• Work An Hour

• General Donations

• Sponsor marathoners

• Buy merchandise

How can YOU help?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 hopeOur hearts, their minds, one hope

Asha for Education

www.ashanet.org

www.ashanet.org/mit

mit@ashanet.org

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