The projects chosen for Work an Hour support are unique as the event itself. From poor farmers in Andhra Pradesh to teenage girls in Rajasthan, these projects have the ability to make a dramatic improvement in the lives of the underprivileged children.

Projects for WAH support are chosen with great care. The Asha Projects Working Group, and eventually all Asha chapters, put candidates through several rounds of discussion and debate to see if they are appropriate for WAH support. Specific Asha volunteers act as stewards for each of the candidate projects and interact directly with the people running the project to get answers for questions that come up during these discussions. Finally, all Asha chapters vote to decide which projects are supported. This year, we hope to fund the top 4 projects.

From the time Work an Hour 2002 closes down (September 5), the WAH team will be working closely with the project stewards in the U.S. and our partner groups in India to ensure that the funds are properly transferred. In most cases, the funds are sent in two installments. The second installment is sent after the review of a half-yearly report submitted by the project. A final report will then be submitted in May 2003. Please visit this page for updates on all projects.

Adhikar

Based in Nawrangpur District, Orissa, this project involves running 15 non-formal education centres for tribal and scheduled caste children. This will benefit 420 children from 6 years to late teens.

Gyanganga


The NSS unit at BITS, Pilani aims to improve the educational standards at 3 villages - Jherli, Raila and Garinda. The work involves renovation of the school buildings, improving water and lavatory facilities and improving the teaching quality. In addition Gyanganga has taken a holistic view to education and is partnering with organizations to raise awareness and provide means for harnessing water and energy - key resources for generating livelihood in a farm based community.

Timbaktu - Seeds Of Hope

Timbaktu collective is working to preserve the natural resources and agro-bio diversity of villages in the Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. They will educate small and marginal farmers on conserving traditional seeds and sustainable agriculture.

Urmul Jyoti Sansathan


UJS runs 6 month long residential camps for young girls who have had no prior education. They are taught basic education, personal health and hygiene and awareness of women's rights. At the end of this camp most of the girls successfully take the 5th grade examinations and enrol into government schools.