| August 1 – October 15, 2013 |
Dear Asha Patrons, In April 2012, the Supreme Court of India upheld a government decision to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act in all schools except unaided minority institutions. One of the key features of this ambitious plan is to maintain a healthy pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in schools. For every 30 students, there should be at least one teacher. Almost 57.2 per cent of India’s schools have a poor PTR. The situation is going to get worse with the RTE seeking to ensure education for all. It is expected to reach out to an estimated 8.1 million out-of-school children in the 6-14 age group. The shortage will be more acute as new government schools come up to accommodate the student surge. On the occasion of Indian Teacher’s Day today, we share with you some Work-An-Hour projects that focus on improving the quality of teacher training. Shikshamitra: Shikshamitra based in Kolkata, West Bengal offers teacher-training on languages, math, environmental education, arts and crafts etc. During the last few years the project has trained teachers from various schools, including teachers from projects supported by Asha for Education. The WAH Team wishes to rise up to $15,000 for this Project that would go towards supporting the training of 50 Teachers. Hippocampus Learning Center: Hippocampus was established in 2004 with the vision to “inspire children to want to read more”. The Learning Center was established in June 2010 with 7 pilot projects to promote reading, Hippocampus has expanded to promoting learning, through the establishment of Education centers in villages. In doing so, the organization empowers women to teach at these centers and provides women with livelihoods, self-confidence and pride. Diksha KHEL Project: The Diksha Foundation was set up by a group of trained professionals who felt the urgent need to provide for the underprivileged section of the society. Diksha focuses on the theme of education and innovates by adding technology to its class rooms. KHEL is pioneering concept that makes learning creative and fun by adding modern technologies like Computers, Tablets to existing curriculum. Project Prerna: “Project Prerna” is ETASHA’s vocational and employability skills training program serving youth from impoverished colonies in New Delhi, India. It is conducted at ETASHA’s own flagship Career Development Center (CDC) at Madanpur Khadar in New Delhi. The program teaches relevant employability skills and training to the youth to ultimately get them sustainable and respectable employment in the private sector. “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those art of living well.” – Aristotle Help us give the under-privileged children in India a better future. Donatenow during our “Work an Hour” campaign. On an average one hour of your salary is all it takes to keep a child in school! These are just a few of the WAH Projects. Please learn more by visiting our website: www.workanhour.org |
Asha for Education, WAH 2013 Campaign, PO Box 407 Church Street Station New York, NY 10008
    
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