As the 2010 comes to an end, we at the Asha-Boston/MIT chapter wanted to reach out to you and provide some quick insight into our work & the impact it has made in several people's lives – none of which would be possible without your support! Here are a few examples of the amazing work that has been done through your support and the relentless efforts of our volunteers.
Deenabandhu Girls Home: An environmentally friendly home, with a generous grant from Alstom foundation was inaugurated in April. It houses 30 girls, and plans to grow to 50 girls. These girls have no parents to care for them, and many were found destitute on the streets with a bleak future ahead of them. At the Deenabandhu home they are able put their harsh years behind them and embrace a life of affection and caring in a home filled with laughter and light, and have the opportunity to lead a successful and fulfilling life.
Defining Success: Success can be scoring 98%. It can also be something very different. This year, Seed Narpanigal, who has several students who come to the center without even knowing the alphabet fully (even when they are enrolled in primary or middle school), shared with us their success this year: all class X students are continuing on to class XI, all class XII students are continuing on to college, dropouts happen in class IX and retaining every one of them is a success. Students who come to the center ashamed to show their class books and marks get the confidence to speak, to learn, and to stay on in school.
Defining Success: Success can be scoring 98%. It can also be something very different. This year, Seed Narpanigal, who has several students who come to the center without even knowing the alphabet fully (even when they are enrolled in primary or middle school), shared with us their success this year: all class X students are continuing on to class XI, all class XII students are continuing on to college, dropouts happen in class IX and retaining every one of them is a success. Students who come to the center ashamed to show their class books and marks get the confidence to speak, to learn, and to stay on in school.
Growing strong: Asha-Boston supported three residential schools run by Navsarjan, a grassroots organization dedicated to upliftment of the Dalit people. With help of Asha-Boston, Navsarjan is expected to triple enrollment of girl students from 2007-2008 to 2010-2011. At these residential schools, teachers and staff do "more with less": multi-functional rooms are used classrooms during the day and as lodging during the night. A student's typical day includes activities such as prayer, sports, exercise, in addition to education. In 2010-2011, Navsarjan enrolled girl students earlier than other students to ensure a higher percentage of female students.
Your support: As you know, Asha is truly a grass-roots organization; from fund-raising to project management through thousands of well-wishers, donors and volunteers. A lot has been done in the last few years with this support but a lot still needs to be done. This is only possible through a continued support and commitment from your end. If you wish to make a charitable contribution and know more about Asha please visit:
Please note: Your donation is fully tax-deductible.
Volunteers: Last but certainly not the least, kudos to all the volunteers who have done an amazing job running this institution ensuring minimal overhead so that every dollar you donate can create the maximum possible impact. Special thanks to the Marathon runners this year who have raised a record amount - highest in the last 7 years. Thank you all for your support and best wishes for the new year!
Asha For Education
PS: Please pass this along to your friends/families who are interested in participating or donating for a great
Posts
