Give them the gift of Education!

Teachers play a major role in shaping the lives of children, therefore, having well qualified and responsible teachers is an important aspect of quality education, the theme for WAH 2009. Below are three of the projects showcased in WAH 2009, which focus on employing committed and well trained teachers, as a means of maintaining the quality of education. Project Build - Pasumai Trust, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu In Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, are located brick kilns, where hundreds of families work during the months of January through June each year and then travel back to their villages to work in agricultural fields during monsoon seasons. Such migration pattern challenges continuity of education for the children of brick kiln workers. Due to poverty and absence of schools, children are often forced to work in the brick kilns. Project Build realizes the fact that education is imperative in eliminating child labor. The project not only has centers to provide informal education to the kids of brick kiln workers, but is also working with government schools to enroll these kids in two different schools, one near the brick kilns and one in their native village. For this, the project plans to hire 4 new teachers at various government schools. To learn more click here. Shikshana Gangotri, Kolar, Karnataka Every morning, somewhere in Kolar District in rural Karnataka, a mother wakes up and gets her seven year-old daughter ready for her school. She knows that the education imparted in the school with trained teachers, gives hope that her daughter can someday grow up to live a life of comfort and respect. Another mother, with a 4 year old son drops him off at the "anganwadi", and goes to work, earnings from which are critical for the family's existence. At the end of a labor intensive day, she heads to the Adult Literacy Program Center to make herself literate and understand the health programs available there to live a better life. Shikshana Gangotri supports 33 such schools, 25 "anganwadis" and numerous Adult Literacy Centers, providing much needed help and hope for the families of 3000+ students in various aspects. To learn more click here. Gramin Siksha Kendra, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan For most Indian parents, choosing a school is one of the two choices i) a government school that does not work or ii) a private school that is not affordable. By establishing model schools (Uday Pathshala) in Sawai Madhopur district, close to the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Gramin Shiksha Kendra supports the alternative model of community owned schools. A community that feels ownership of a school will be concerned about the quality of education imparted and eventually demand the same from the existing government school system. Extra-curricular activities and activities performed in small groups are encouraged from primary school level and help in providing a comprehensive approach to child development and learning in these Uday Pathshalas. To learn more click here. Being located in the rural and poverty-stricken regions of India, all of the above projects face a common challenge of keeping up the enrollment and the retention rates of students. The teachers and the staff members at the above projects play an active role in motivating the residents to send their kids to school. The hour you donate today will pay for the salaries and training of such dedicated group of teachers. The WAH 2009 campaign is in its 3'rd week and so far, has been able to collect $13,861 from generous donors like you. Make a contribution to WAH and help these projects continue the excellent service they are providing. 15 Projects. 7000 children. Goal: $200,000. Raised so far: $14,000. Prepare. Educate. Empower. Work an Hour. ************************************************************************************************************************ Want to know more about WAH 2009? Watch this video on YouTube Check us out on Facebook Check us out on Orkut Follow us on Twitter *************************************************************************************************************************

Contact Information: E-mail: wah@ashanet.org | Website: www.workanhour.org Mail Checks to : 'Asha for Education', Gators for Asha, 300-9, J Wayne Reitz Union, PO Box 118505, Gainesville, FL 32611-8505. Please include 'WAH 2009 donation' on the memo

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Could $20/gallon gas be good?

One author predicts that gas will go to $20 a gallon, and says that would be a good thing.

Check out India's first nuke submarine INS Arihant launched

India on Sunday launched the first nuclear-powered submarine built on its soil, joining just five other countries that can design and construct such vessels, the prime minister's office announced.

The Indian navy flooded a dry dock housing the 367-foot-long submarine to send it out for trials at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. India doesn't seek to threaten anyone, Mr. Singh said at the ceremony in the southern port city of Vishakhapatnam. "Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon us to take all measures necessary to safeguard our country and to keep pace with technological advancements world-wide," he said.

CNN Newsroom : One hour to make a difference

At the ‘Olcott School’ in Chennai, India, disadvantaged children are given a chance at an education. They also find a refuge from a difficult life, and chance to believe they are worthy. This belief is instilled each morning, as the Principal leads the full school in a song about equality.

This is partly made possible through the support of a unique fundraising effort called Work An Hour. Each summer, this online fundraising campaign by Asha For Education, asks participants to donate an hour’s worth of their salary.

This helps the ’Olcott School’ afford the qualified instructors it needs. For the children, this provides more than just the uniform and other supplies that many of the struggling families cannot afford. It also offers them a sense a pride in themselves and their education.

Read more:
http://newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/11/one-hour-to-make-a-difference/

Work An Hour 2009 - Update from First Week

Work An Hour 2009 Week One Updates Welcome to the first update on Work An Hour (WAH) 2009. Where we are... Time flies! A week has passed by since the campaign started. Till date, WAH has raised more than $10,000 and it's all because of donors like you. It's a solid start but there is a lot more to do and we need your support all the way. Know us more... For the last 12 years, WAH has been successful in raising funds for variety of projects, spread all over India, with a single purpose - to share the gift of education with under-privileged children. WAH 2009 is no different and over the next few weeks we will give an overview of 15 unique projects that stand to benefit from this campaign. This week, we will showcase 3 such projects: Arogya Seva, Thane, Maharashtra - Arogya Seva has long term goals of making the lives of tribal communities self sufficient and connecting them to the main stream world. Started in 2006, the project has been successful in providing education to children of all ages. In addition, it has played a major role in the overall development of the community by setting up solar lamps, organizing free health camps and providing free guidance in agriculture. True to it's name, Arogya Seva works to promote healthy mind in a healthy body. Proceeds from WAH 2009 will be spent on mid-day meal programs supporting 130 kids for one full year. Also, through WAH 2009, hostel at Mokhada will be renovated (accommodating 30 students) thereby helping students continue their high school education. To learn more click here. Ashraya, Kollam, Kerala - Ashraya works at providing Formal and Special Education to mentally and physically challenged girl children from distressed socio-economic backgrounds. Started in 2000, the project works for the overall development of the children. Apart from the formal education, students are also encouraged to explore their creativity with activities such as dance, music, yoga, painting. For the students, Ashraya is not just a school but a home. Proceeds from WAH 2009 will be used to build a physiotherapy unit to ease the mobility of physically challenged children, helping them in their efforts in education. To learn more click here. Olcott Memorial, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - Olcott Memorial School was founded in 1894 with a vision of bringing about social change through the education of the underprivileged. The school has a long and rich heritage and was also showcased on CNN's "Impact Your World". It provides quality education to numerous students most of whom come from families with average income way below the national average. Education is free along with food and basic healthcare. Proceeds from WAH 2009 will be used towards improving drinking water supply, electricity supply, toiletries etc, creating a better environment for education. To learn more click here. An hour's worth of your support will go a long way in empowering these communities. Please join us in our movement. Thank you! Prepare. Educate. Empower. Work an Hour. ************************************************************************************************* Want to know more about WAH 2009? Watch this video on YouTube Check us out on Facebook Check us out on Orkut Follow us on Twitter *************************************************************************************************

Contact Information: E-mail: wah@ashanet.org | Website: www.workanhour.org Mail Checks to : 'Asha for Education', Gators for Asha, 300-9, J Wayne Reitz Union, PO Box 118505, Gainesville, FL 32611-8505. Please include 'WAH 2009 donation' on the memo If you cannot see this click here : http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001VGk0DbmM9rfFas5sCSrHYl53tJjF9Hvhtg6rO80CJJrO_WRmlbnZnnijeHU2F5nz0Z-ty5mQg4_lThGDkgf7BZFTNuGxcEqi5TE4ybbLQ5o%3D

Facebook page for WAH 2009

Asha for Education WORK AN HOUR 2009 on Facebook

Asha for Education Accounces - Work An Hour 2009

Asha for Education Announces Work An Hour 2009 Welcome to Work An Hour (WAH) 2009. A year has passed since WAH 2008 and it is that time of the year when we encourage our donors to contribute an hour of their time's worth to Asha. WAH was recently featured on CNN's "Impact Your World"; see for yourself how your donations go a long way with Asha. In the past, your generosity has transformed the lives of thousands of children. This year over 7000 children from 15 different projects will benefit from your efforts and we hope for your active support. Last year we witnessed India's continuous march towards development. In order to reap the full benefits of the country's progress, it is imperative to include every section of the society. Aristotle once said, "All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of nations depends on the education of youth". India can realize it's true potential and fulfill the dreams of millions; it starts with educating every child, one child at a time. We want to catalyze socio-economic change in India through education of underprivileged children. We, at Asha for Education, are committed to ensure that 100% of your donations serves the purpose. Please join us in our efforts! Prepare. Educate. Empower. Work an Hour.

Contact Information: E-mail: wah@ashanet.org | Website: www.workanhour.org Mail Checks to : 'Asha for Education', Gators for Asha, 300-9, J Wayne Reitz Union, PO Box 118505, Gainesville, FL 32611-8505. Please include 'WAH 2009 donation' on the memo