The projects supported by Work an Hour are as unique as the event itself. From children of sex workers in Kolkata and Mysore to visually impaired students in Gujarat and street children in Mumbai, these projects have the ability to make a dramatic improvement in the lives of the underprivileged children.

The focus of WAH 2003 is children at risk (street children, and children of sex workers and convicts) and disabled children. After careful review and voting by Asha chapters around the world, four projects have been chosen this year for WAH 2003.

Odanadi Seva Samasthe (OSS)

Based in Mysore (Karnataka), OSS runs a relentless campaign to expose and curb the flesh trade. The organization is a leading and powerful voice advocating the cause of women sex workers in India.  They have rescued many girls, most of them minors, from the clutches of flesh traffickers in various parts of Karnataka. As many as 350 women have been rehabilitated into society with an alternative livelihood. Their immediate goal is to build a new rehabilitation center to accommodate the minor girls rescued from the flesh trade. Every child deserves a free, secure and healthy environment.

National Association for Blind (NAB)


NAB, based in Valsad (Gujarat), aims to integrate the visually impaired into the community. They provide their students with education, training in Braille and computers, vocational training and medical assistance, and also them find jobs. Presently, NAB is in dire need of a girls’ hostel. Your contribution will go a long way in creating more opportunities for visually impaired girls.

Street to School

Tomorrow's Foundation, based in Kalighat (West Bengal), works with local street children and children of commercial sex workers. In addition to formal schooling, the Foundation seeks to provide a caring and supportive environment for these children. They plan to build a Half-Way Home as a temporary shelter for these vulnerable children. The home will provide them with education, cultural and vocational training, recreation and health care in a healthy environment.

Voluntary Organization In Community Enterprise (VOICE)

Based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), VOICE has been working towards the overall development of street children. Funds generated through WAH 2003 will be used to construct a residential center for female street children. This will be a place that will provide an academically stimulating environment in which to thrive, while giving the girls the benefits of education and vocational training.

From the end of the Work an Hour 2003 drive (September 5th), 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 2004. Please visit this page for updates on all projects.