Attendees:
Rajiv, Amit,Kumar,Anusuya,Swati, JayaShree, Srishti, Manasa, Bash, Arvind, Sunil, Supriya. New: Sunil.Anusuya!!

The various topics were discussed:
1. BTS: Kumar gave an overview of the BTS project specially for the benefit of the new people as we were to vote on it later. Also he described a few highlights of the very positive site visit we had there. The site visit was done by Dr Sukela Harza and her son Anirban.The village is in a very remote location, with only kutcha construction and no electricity. The fund is for 3 classrooms and some re-occurring expenses. The total non-recurring is approx-$6,542 and the re-curring is for $6,580. In the discussion a few points came out- the distance between Champa Mahila and this project is 6 hours(but only 30 km- with the present means of travel).Rajiv brought about a point that we should ask them whether they are working towards govt
affiliation- there was a discussion on the pros and cons of that. The project was also interested in some training programs such as bee keeping. Kumar will follow up on the as we support a project which has a bee training center in Varanasi. Also other institutes such as ballia- which grow aromatic herbal plants.
All present voted for funding the Project. It was decided that we would give the non-recurring and one year re-curring. For the next year it will depend on the financial situation. As this project came from Berkley they would be OK with that.

2. WAH list: Swati went over the shortlist WAH list. She would be posting a description on each of those in the list.

3.New Asha Co-coordinator: Jayashree proposed Swati to be the new Asha co-coordinator. The plan is that both Jayashhree and Swati will be working together as co-ordinators till Swati is totally comfortable with all the aspects. All present in the meeting Voted for it.

4.Jyoti Nilayam Problem: Arvind gave a brief update on Jyoti Nilayam. It was started by 2 Europeans and was doing very well for kindergarten children. Education as well as food . All the site visits were very positive.Jyoti Nilyam does not have FCRA clearance- so asha funds it through this other organization called Vassod with Mr. Prasad as the contact. The Europeans have left currently and the headmistress is on maternity leave. It was recently noticed that the school condition is not good. Mr Prasad is controlling the managing of the school as he has the funds in his control. A site visit was also not very positive. Asha has held the fund for now - but Arvind is trying to looks for a solution and ideas on how to tackle such a situation. We discussed that he should communicate with the Europeans people and they need to find a strong local co-ordinator for the institute if they would be traveling frequently.Arvind is going to set a conference call with them and will post when/ where on asha core.


5. Reading room: The idea was proposed by Jayashree.We want to have a session in every meeting where some socio-economic topic is read by one of the volunteers. This meeting Jayashree read excerpts of a report which discuses reasons why children do not attend school. Some of the main points
were- caste discriminations. Teachers being from upper caste discriminate/ demotivate dalit students. In many places there is a post meal beating of dalit students. In course of the discussion in came up that many people are opposing the 83rd amendment - fundamental right of education as they are saying the education is not of good quality and this right will not help. This 'thinking of theirs' does no stop them from sending their own kids to school! Also jayashree mentioned that the govt of Karnataka are planning to allow adoption of govt schools. However the NGOs want to ensure the community is involved in this.

6.Project Co-ordination: The constant problem with projects seems to be that people take it on , but do not follow up it up. There is lack of updates/ communication with the project. It was decided to look into and discuss all the steps .Also there are projects where change of co-ordinator is needed. Champa Mahila and REDAG. Kumar decided to take Champla Mahila and Srishti REDAG. 1. Project guidelines: Kumar is going to spend some time on it and write it up for next time
2) Approval process
3) Project co-ordinator task list: Amit would work on this and get back.
4) Post project Guidelines