Asha for Education

         Boston / MIT
 

http://www.ashanet.org/mit

asha-request@mit.edu
 

Asha-Boston/MIT,

P.O. Box 391802

Cambridge, MA 02139.
 
                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


March 16th, 2004.

To:       

Mr. Mahendra Singh,

c/o Mr. Sunil Kadam,

AASAWARI Youth and Integrated

Development Institute,

Adarsh Nagar,

Seminary Layout

Behind Sadip Talkies

Yavatamal 445001

Maharashtra,

INDIA.

 

 

Dear Mahendra,

 

Thank you for the detailed response to our queries.  It is very encouraging to hear your thoughts.  Your sensitivity and understanding of the problem is key to empowering the Katkari's and working on constructive activities for the society.  We, at Asha Boston, also believe that basic literacy is just

not sufficient if the child cannot relate to it directly, and get direct benefits from it.  The education system in India is setup for allowing the child to pass the current class and go to the next one, without

much thought for the long term needs of the child. 

 

But at the same time, we believe this education system needs to change.   It is society that has to help bring about this change by putting  continuous pressure and providing feedback to the education department.  As you mention, the status quo amongst the teachers will continue unless

there is sufficient opposition by the community.  There are quite a few organizations that are working with the govt. schools directly, to try to bring about some tangible change in their neighbourhood.  More of these activities do need to come about, and we are hoping that LSS may also be more actively involved in working with the govt. schools. 

 

We realize the benefit and importance of the alternative schools that LSS is running.  It is essential for the children to benefit from what these schools have to offer.  The proposal we received has been

discussed at our chapter, upon which we had some discussion with you.   We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with you. As Asha is involved in the field of education predominantly, we took the liberty to make some modifications to your proposal, and have approved it as follows.

 

 

Teachers Honorarium -- 3 teachers x 1500 per month x 12             = Rs. 54,000

Coordinator Honorarium -- 1 x 3000 x 12                                      = Rs. 36,000

Books Basic Stationary --                                                           = Rs. 10,000

Teachers Training                                                                       = Rs. 2000

Health Care                                                                                           = Rs. 2000

Sports Material                                                                          = Rs. 2000

Accountant Funds                                                                      = Rs. 2000

Contingency Funds                                                                    = Rs. 5000

Mid day Tiffin                                                                                         = Rs. 12,000

Land cultivation                                                                          = Rs. 15,000

                                                                               ----------------------

                                           Total          Rs. 140,000

                                                                                    @ $1 = Rs. 45.52   ~$3,100.00

 

 

In brief, this does not include the funds that might be geared towards other components of the work (travel, office expense).   We firmly believe in the importance of the activism work of LSS and we are trying to see whether we can get that part of the funds from another group, specifically the Association of India's Development (AID).  We will keep you updated of the progress on that front.

 

The amount of $3,100 will be paid in two installments, $1550.00 enclosed, and the remaining $1550.00 after 6 months.  Kindly send us a paper receipt  when these funds are received.  May we suggest that in 6 months you send us

- an update of your activities,

- status and functioning of the schools

- efforts towards the land cultivation project

- details on the teachers training

 

While the Alternative schools are progressing, may we reiterate our suggestion of LSS initiating a conversation with the govt. schools and education departments? If this is acceptable to you, please do keep us informed on your efforts on this  front also.

 

The Primitive Tribal Groups will be holding a meeting in Maharashtra early  next year, which may be of benefit for LSS, to meet and learn from like-minded people.  If this would be of interest, Asha Boston will be willing to fund the travel expenses. 

 

Asha Boston works with a few other tribal groups in India.  If it may be of  interest, we would like to suggest a meeting with yourself and some other individuals working for tribal empowerment.  We believe such a meeting may be of mutual benefit, learning from their experiences, and sharing your thoughts.  We, would also like to learn more about tribal development, and issues related to education in tribal areas.  Please do educate us about the same through your trials and tribulations.

 

The funds will be routed through AASAWARI Youth and Integrated Development Institute as you requested. 

 

Regards,

 

Anurag Sharma

Harish Chawla

Asha MIT/Boston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encl:     1. Check for $1550.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sunil,

 

The MIT/Boston chapter of Asha for Education has approved the proposal we received from Mr. Mahendra Singh of LSS.  We were asked to mail the funds to you, with expectations that you would provide the Rupee amount to Mr. Mahendra.  Enclosed is a check for $1550.00, which should convert to Indian Rs. 70,153.00.  Kindly send the appropriate amount along with this letter to

 

Mr. Mahendra Singh,

Lok Sangram Samiti

First Floor, Yashoda Complex,

Tupgaon Road,

Attn: Post Chowk

Taluka: Khalapur

Dist: Raigad

Maharashtra

Tel # 2192 273052

 

Further, for our records and to fulfill certain requirements, we request that you send us a receipt for these funds in writing.  At the same time, if you could kindly send us some information regarding AASAWARI we would appreciate it. 

 

 

Regards,

 

Harish Chawla

Asha MIT/Boston