Asha for Education

Sheffield, UK

frequently asked questions!

What is Asha for Education?
Asha is a non-profit organization with the primary goal of providing basic education to children in India. Asha was started in the summer of 1991, when a few students at Berkeley got together to do their part in bringing hope and opportunity to poor and underprivileged children.


How does Asha achieve its goals?
We at Asha believe that an educated population is both a critical requisite and an effective catalyst for socio-economic changes in India. We work through non-governmental organizations working in rural areas of the country. We raise funds for these groups, conduct site visits and monitor their progress. We also try to raise awareness in our local community about child illiteracy issues and other social issues in India.


How does Asha select projects?
1. We usually hear about projects through mail or word-of-mouth. Asha works with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have no political or religious affiliations. We screen the projects rigorously through correspondence and site visits.
2. After a project is approved for support, we raise funds for their requirements.
3. After sending the funds, we regularly monitor the progress through periodic written reports and annual site visits


How big is Asha?
Since its inception, people from different parts of the US have joined this endeavor. At present, there are over 70 ASHA chapters in various cities and universities, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, MIT, London, New York City/New Jersey, Silicon Valley, Stanford and Washington DC. In 1992 Asha was registered as a Trust at New Delhi by the founder of Asha, Dr. Sandeep Pandey, who went back to India after completing his PhD from Berkeley and is now involved in full-time social work.


What are our costs?
Asha for Education is run entirely by volunteers. Thus, we do not deduct any administrative expenses from general donations, and 100% of the money donated to Asha goes for funding projects in India.


Who does Asha - Sheffield consists of?
We are a group of students & professionals from the Sheffield and surrounding areas.


How does Asha - Sheffield as a chapter, operate within the larger framework of the worldwide organization?
Though chapters of Asha are part of the worldwide organization (with the Berkeley chapter being the 'main' chapter of Asha), they function as independent entities. Thus, Asha - Sheffield carries out its own fundraising and funds projects selected by its own members. We do work closely with other chapters and sometimes jointly fund projects.


What are some of the activities of Asha - Sheffield?
We raise funds through direct donations, cultural programs/tournaments and fundraisers. We evaluate and fund projects in India, arrange for site visits and publicize them among our donors.


How do I join Asha?
Asha is an open group, with no bureaucracy or hierarchy. We encourage members to take initiative and volunteer for what they enjoy doing. You can 'join' Asha simply by attending our meetings!


Is there a membership fee?
There is no membership fee required for joining Asha. However, members do contribute, on a purely voluntary basis, funds for administrative expenses.


Where are the meetings held?
Asha meetings are open to all. Please contact us or visit www.ashanet.org/sheffield for information on when and where our meetings are held. Please also join the mailing list for announcements on when and where the meetings are held.


Can I participate even if I don't have much free time?
Yes. Depending on the amount of time commitment you can make, you can volunteer for one-time or periodic activities. You can also help raise funds by doing publicity during social/cultural functions.


How can I help raise funds?
1. Make a donation to Asha project funds.
2. Help us publicize Asha at local events or by making a presentation in your university / company.
3. Buy Asha merchandise or raise funds online! Visit http://www.ashanet.org/shop.html
4. Join the Asha-Stars program where contributors adopt a project: they research it, evaluate it, support it and monitor it.


more information

Asha Sheffield
www.ashanet.org/sheffield

Email:
sheffield@ashanet.org

Asha Main
www.ashanet.org

Asha for Education | U.K. Registration: 1088168