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2. 2 Our Mission To catalyze socio-economic change in India through education of underprivileged children

3. 3 Introduction Asha focuses on primary education for underprivileged children Every dollar raised by Asha goes directly to support education (“zero-overhead”) Asha for Education is a registered 501(c)3 non- profit organization Asha is completely volunteer-driven

4. 4 Asha: Some Facts Founded in UC Berkeley in 1991 60 chapters worldwide: 38 in the US, 14 in India, 8 in Europe, Singapore & Australia 1000+ active volunteers 392 projects in 22 states in India Total disbursements until now - over $5 million (> $1 million in 2003 to over 200 projects)

5. 5 Asha Projects: Basic Criteria Must improve the general welfare of the community with basic education being a major component Non-sectarian groups which do not have any political or religious agenda Do not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion or gender Small, yet deserving, projects that find it difficult to obtain funds from elsewhere

6. 6 Project Monitoring Projects provide periodic financial statements, progress reports, correspond on management issues, etc. Projects are monitored through periodic site visits either by Asha volunteers or various groups that Asha works with. Projects are monitored for Reduction in dropout rate Commitment to socio-economic change in the region Increase in number of students Improvement in facilities New challenges & opportunities that arise

7. 7 Raising Awareness... Presentations at Corporations and Universities Publicity around Fundraising Events Participation in the India Day Parade and local Event Booths Quarterly Newsletters Distribution of Fliers Word-of-mouth

8. 8 Raising Funds... Individual and corporate donations Marathon Program Concerts and Chapter Events Corporate grants Asha Stars and Support-A-Child (project supported by direct financial contribution from individuals) Sale of merchandise: T-shirts, calendars, diyas, greeting cards, etc.

9. 9 Asha Central NJ Central NJ region Started in 1998 by students from Rutgers University Growing chapter in terms of volunteers and funds raised Total of 30 active volunteers from diverse backgrounds Raised a total of $50,000 in 2003, twice the funds raised the year before

10. 10 New York City and Northern NJ region Ten Year Anniversary this summer Started in 1994 by students from Columbia, Rutgers and Yeshiva Universities Currently ~40 active volunteers: includes students & working professionals Since inception: Supported 24 projects in 11 states Consistently raised greater amounts each year since inception ($140k in 2003) Asha NYC/NJ

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12. 12 Odanadi Seva Samsthe Outskirts of Mysore, Karnataka Young girls & children rescued from prostitution HIV/AIDS is a real issue Professional counseling is required Children are taught vocational skills Attend local schools to immerse children within mainstream society

13. 13 Sarada Kalyan Bhandar Villages around Midnapore in West Bengal After hours school program for children of landless laborers Buy a Brick Program Provide primary health coverage to the villagers Vaccination and hygiene programs Self-independence promoting scheme for women Financial support Focused education of girls

14. 14 Harbingers of Hope Marathon Program Asha provides: Personalized training program Professional coach Free race registration, ticket to marathon destination and lodging at destination Runner obtains sponsors to support Asha’s projects (and trains for the marathon!) Weekend runs with coach and Asha team in both Central Park and near Rutgers

15. 15 www.ashanet.org www.ashanet.org/centralnj www.ashanet.org/nycnj