Helping Children Thrive This Holiday Season
The United Nations regards education as a “passport to human development.” It is a proven path to end poverty where it exists and prevent it for future generations. Unfortunately, underprivileged children often do not have access to or the resources for a proper education.
According to a Pew Research study, in India, 1.162 billion people are low-income – living on $2 -$10 per day. The COVID pandemic has increased the number of people living in poverty, and this is especially true in the Tansa Valley. Often, parents who struggle to make a living can’t afford to consider the long-term benefits that education brings. Many families put their children to work or have them help with household chores and raising their younger siblings, especially girls. Children who leave school at an early age are also vulnerable to early marriage, thwarting their opportunities for further education and continuing the cycle of poverty.
PRASAD is working to change this in the Tansa Valley by encouraging low-income families to keep their children in school and providing them with support to do so. Each year, PRASAD Chikitsa hosts a school materials distribution program to support schoolchildren with pencils, notebooks, pens, water bottles, geometry boxes, and umbrellas.
This year, PRASAD Chikitsa distributed 200 notebooks to tribal students at the government-aided Zilla Parishad school in Nandani.
The local teacher, Mr. Kalingda, said, “Our school is situated in a remote tribal area, and the children come from a poor socioeconomic background, so these materials are much-needed. I am thankful for this initiative and hope PRASAD Chikitsa will continue supporting our students.”
PRASAD’s holistic approach considers the various hardships children face and offers wide-ranging and sustainable solutions to make life-changing impacts with healthcare, hygiene kits, nutritional support, school supplies, and shoes.
YOU can help a child today by donating directly to PRASAD. Here are a few examples of how your gift will make a difference:
- Happy Feet: $5 provides a child with a pair of shoes.
- Hygiene Kits: $5 provides a child with a toothbrush, towel, bath soap, handkerchiefs, shampoo, and a comb.
- School Supplies: $10 provides notebooks, a water bottle, a pen, pencils, and a school bag.
- Combo Package: $20 provides shoes + hygiene kit + school supplies.
Thank you for making a radical difference by helping children thrive this holiday season!
Warm regards,
Dr. M. Cecilia Escarra
Executive Director
