Through friendly competition and generous hearts, the tournament raised $2,000 for our Educate 2 Success (E2S) initiative, funds that will directly support educational resources for children in underprivileged communities.

Excellence On and Off the Court

The tournament showcased amazing talent, with K4K leaders Saisha Varaiya and Khrish Shah advancing to the final round. Share & Care President Saumil Parikh and partner Ravi Munver ultimately claimed the championship title. But excellence went far beyond the tennis matches themselves. Beyond this friendly competition, the event fostered meaningful connections as participants and spectators alike gathered between matches, creating an atmosphere of community and shared purpose.

The Power of Kids4Kids

The Kids4Kids initiative truly stands as a cornerstone program of the Share & Care Foundation, one we’re always excited to share with our community. 

Through various fundraising events – from sports tournaments to charitable initiatives – K4K volunteers develop essential leadership skills while making tangible differences in others’ lives. 

Their efforts directly support our Educate 2 Success Program, providing vital resources including scholarships, tutoring, and even educational materials to students in rural India.

A Big Thank You to Our Dedicated Supporters

Events like this one succeed through collective effort – we really couldn’t do it without our supporters, a community that continues to give. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed – from players and spectators to donors and sponsors. Your support creates a ripple effect of seriously positive change, transforming individual lives and entire communities through education.

Join Us in Changing Even More Lives

While we celebrate this success and others this year so far, our mission continues. The need for educational support remains ever-important, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal of empowering more children through education.

Your involvement makes a difference. Whether through donations, sponsorships, and even event participation, you help creates opportunities for children to build brighter futures here and abroad.

Join us in this vital work. Together, we can continue transforming lives through education.

The post Learn How a Community Came Together For Our Kids4Kids Tennis Fundraiser appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

The K4K interns, traveling at their own expense, brought knowledge of essential applications like Google Suite and Canva and also a passion for creating lasting impact. 

This initiative, part of our Educate 2 Success (E2S) program, is more than just a teaching experience – it’s a testament to the power of youth-led change and the impact of digital literacy in today’s world. What makes this program truly special is its continuity and growth. In fact, some students who participated in previous years have gone on to college, actively using the skills they learned through K4K. And our interns this year hope to continue inspiring that momentum.

Voices of Impact: Testimonials from K4K Interns and LOLT Students

The experiences shared by both the K4K interns and LOLT students paint an exciting and hopeful picture of mutual growth, learning, and inspiration. You can learn more from these participants with the testimonials below. 

“Prior to the pandemic, students from a previous committee planned and took a trip to Light of Life Trust in India to teach students there firsthand and see the impact of their fundraising. Until last summer, the pandemic stopped the committee from revisiting. However, I restarted the program last year with a group of 8 volunteers educating 40 students on how to use computers and teaching them different forms of art. This summer, two separate groups participated in the program, educating around 50 students at LOLT, or Light of Life Trust in Worli, India. K4K’s fundraising efforts are allocated towards educating the underprivileged children of India, including the students at Light of Life Trust.

This summer, Anya and I volunteered at LOLT for the first week of the program. We taught the students how to use different computer applications. In addition, we quizzed them every day on what they learned (the students’ favorite part) and played fun games throughout the week.The experience was unforgettable and seeing the students so excited to learn new lessons every day was heartwarming. I met some returning students from last year’s program, and was excited to hear that some students had gone to college and were using the applications we showed them last year at their colleges. Teaching and talking to the students gave me incredible insight into their lives. It really showed me the need for proper technological education in India, especially as we enter a technological age.” – Rhea Shah, K4K President

“I went to LOLT for the first time to teach the kids this summer and showing them how to use the computer applications and activities was a special experience and truly humbling. All the kids were fun to work with, and I was able to see another side of the world which I don’t get to see in my day to day life. I’m so happy I decided to volunteer for the week and get a chance to build connections with all the kids. I am looking forward to going again and having other opportunities like this through SCF.” – Anya Shah, Project Fundraising Coordinator

“Teaching the students at the Lite of Light in India was such an enriching experience. Watching each of them learn new skills, like creating their own resumes and navigating apps like Canva, was truly inspiring. Their improvement in reading skills was particularly impressive. Seeing the curiosity and excitement in their eyes made it even more special as they engaged with what we were teaching. Some students were especially intrigued with learning AI on various apps like Canva and PowerPoint. The collaborative spirit among them was heartwarming as they supported each other along the way. It was a joy to witness such passion for learning and growth.” – Shanaya Parikh, Secretary of SCFK4K

The impact wasn’t lost on the LOLT students either. 

“I enjoyed learning all of the applications such as Google Sheets and Google Documents. I learned two new games as well – hangman and making origami fortune tellers.” – Vikrant, an LOLT student

“I found it nice when you came. I enjoyed learning new things. I enjoyed the games.” – Sanjana, an LOLT student

Continuing the Journey of Empowerment

The success of this summer’s K4K internship program at LOLT is just the beginning. With 5,000 already raised towards a goal of 20,000 this year, Share & Care Foundation is poised to expand its impact. But we need your help to reach our target and continue providing underprivileged children in India with the tools and opportunities they need for a brighter future.

By becoming a K4K member or donating to the cause, you’re not just supporting a program – you’re investing in the dreams and potential of countless young minds. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to bridging the digital divide and creating a more equitable world.

Join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can empower the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Your support today can change a life forever.

The post Empowering Dreams: K4K Interns Transform Lives Through Technology in Mumbai appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Watch the videos below for a small glimpse into some of the projects your support makes possible. 

Women Empowerment: Giving Women the Skills and Tools to Become Entrepreneurs

The Samridhi Saksham project empowers over 500 women from 30 rural villages by providing the training, support, and materials needed to launch their own sewing and embroidery businesses. Watch the video below to meet a few of the entrepreneurs and to see how the project trains them to create beautiful, handmade embroidery. 

Educate 2 Success: Building Digital Literacy in Rural Schools

Share & Care has sponsored the creation of digital labs throughout several states in rural India through partnership with the Y4D Foundation, giving under-resourced students access to new technologies and helping them become digitally literate. In the video below, learn how these labs equip students to thrive in our increasingly digital world. 

Educate 2 Graduate: Helping Young Women Achieve Their Dreams

Share & Care partners with the Lila Poonawalla Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting brilliant but financially challenged young women who aspire to succeed in their post-graduate studies and beyond. Watch the video below to meet some of the program’s beneficiaries and learn more about how this foundation helps these young women develop educationally, professionally, and personally. 

Village Upliftment: Improving Quality of Life For Entire Villages

Lokmitras, or “friends of the people,” work to uplift entire villages by organizing community projects and offering support to individual villagers. In this video, hear from Anil, a Lokmitra in the Waghjipur village, and Pravinsingh Bhalu Singh, a local farmer, about how they have worked together to facilitate a water storage project with the potential to benefit everyone in the area. 

English Translation

• Hello, my name is Anil, and I work as a LokMitra in the village of Waghjipur, located in Kapdwanj district. I would like to discuss how to store rainwater into the ground to increase the water level. I have a farmer friend named Pravinsingh Bhalu Singh, who has conducted experiments at his house. I would like to know his response.
• Hello, Anilbhai, our village friend. He approached me and mentioned that Pravinbhai has a water store project. I asked him what the benefits would be. He explained that we should collect and utilize the rainwater that falls by storing it in the ground. He suggested digging or boring a hole for this purpose. I inquired if we could use the existing borehole, He said yes we can but he informed me that the costs of using pipes and other materials have increased. I replied saying that it’s not a problem, and if it’s beneficial, we should proceed. We took some measurements, and since my house is closer, we decided to use 4-5 pipes. We connected them to use the existing borehole, which was already dug up to a certain depth. Anilbhai accompanied me, and said i will assist you in the process. We dug a trench and laid the pipes, ensuring that the roof water flows directly into the borehole. Additionally, I installed a water tank on the roof. If the water level becomes too high, it will now flow directly into the drain. Initially, I had stopped using this borehole, but now I have started using it again, and the water supply is much higher than that of the previous borehole. After about 15 minutes, the water flow decreases briefly but then starts again. The previous borehole used to provide less water, but this new one delivers a sufficient amount in approximately 10 to 11 minutes. After it reaches full capacity, I turn it off, and if I need water again, I can simply restart it. Therefore, I have benefited from this improvement. If you share this with others, please let them know about the advantages. Within 10 to 15 minutes, I have access to an abundant water supply. If all the villagers follow the same approach, everyone will benefit.

Healthcare 2 Unreached: Providing Medical Care in Rural Villages

Share & Care helps provide healthcare to underserved rural areas of the state of Manipur in India through mobile medical clinics, healthcare for mothers and children, and medical education within the community.

The post Reports From India: See Our Partner NGOs in Action appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Please watch the videos below to see our partner NGO’s in action.

Village Upliftment: Lokmitras Ensure Children in Village Are Cared For

Lokmitras often look out for village children like Anil and Vishnu, who are forced by circumstance to largely care for themselves and depend on the generosity of others for meals and income.

Women Empowerment: Project Launches to Empower Women in Kashmir

The “Saamartya – Power of Girls” project, supported by Share & Care, was launched in Kashmir to empower girls as community leaders. The project works to fight gender inequality and reaffirm the belief that girls can do anything.

Educate 2 Success: Supporting Highschool Students In Rural India

Share & Care empowers students in four state rural districts (Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, Orissa & Rajasthan) by ensuring they have the supplies and support necessary to complete their education.

Healthcare 2 Unreached: Providing Medical Care in Rural Villages

Share & Care helps provide healthcare to underserved rural areas of the state of Manipur in India through mobile medical clinics, healthcare for mothers and children, and medical education within the community.

Nirmal Village Program: Lokmitras Reach Out to Communities

Lokmitras (“friends of the people”) offer relief, education, and mentorship in their villages in Gujarat. With the backing of Share & Care, they provide much-needed supplies and support.

Educate 2 Graduate: Making College Education a Reality

For some students like Manimegalai, in TamilNadu, the path to higher education is out of reach without the financial support of Share & Care. Through scholarship funding, she and students like her have a pathway to success.

The post Glimpses of Our Work in India appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Every year we set goals to better serve those in need, and 2020 was no different. We started 2020 with a plan to help 94,920 people through our lifesaving signature programs. We knew it was a big challenge, but we were up for the task.

But then, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, and we had to shift many of our plans to focus on addressing the most urgent needs facing our beneficiaries in the U.S. and India. Although 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, we are proud of what we accomplished.

In 2020 our grants of 1.5 million dollars in cash and kind helped approximately 110,000 people in our Disaster Relief, Women Empowerment, Education, Healthcare, and Village Upliftment programs.

38th Annual Gala: Over Half a Million in Funds Raised

The theme of our 38th Annual Gala — “Rising Together” — recognized the changes and challenges presented by the pandemic and honored the bonds of humanity and hope that connect communities around the world. Due to COVID-19 this was our first-ever virtual gala in which all could participate.

The evening included a short film outlining our COVID-19 disaster relief efforts and our ongoing Signature Programs. There was an outpouring of support including warm wishes from Padma Shri Ashaji Parekh and from Congressman Frank Pallone, who recalled a trip to India and thanked Share & Care for the organization’s extensive COVID-19 disaster relief efforts.

“COVID has been a big issue in India. Lots of people have died, especially poor people, because all of them cannot afford to be in the hospital. I think Share & Care has picked up this issue and I am very happy that they are doing such good work for India at this time.” — Padma Shri Ashaji Parekh

“I’ve been associated with Share & Care over the years and like the fact that it also encourages a strong partnership in its mission to bring together India and the United States. One of the unique and particularly admirable aspects of Share & Care Foundation is the grassroots effort it supports in promoting development in India.” — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

Our first-ever virtual gala, curated by global performer Parthiv Gohil (left), also featured entertainment from Manasi Parekh-Gohil, Sudesh Bhosle, Bhoomi Trivedi, and Jahnvi Shrimankar.

Sari Collection Drive Benefits More than 12,000 Families Per Year

In early 2020, we began collecting saris and matching blouses to create 10 sari banks in Gujarat for underprivileged women. Operating like libraries, these banks allow women to borrow garments at no cost for special occasions, then return the items after dry cleaning. In total, we received more than 4,800 items valued at over $320,900.

As humans, the way we look and the clothes we wear deeply influence our self-confidence. We are honored to provide this dignity for our beneficiaries in marginalized communities. Our special thanks to all the donors for this project.

COVID-19 Disaster Relief: Turning Compassion Into Action

When the pandemic took hold, our Disaster Relief Committee jumped to action. By July 30, 2020, we had already allocated $300,000 in disaster relief funding and partnered with 16 NGOs to reach thousands of people in the U.S and India — including more than 7,500 struggling families. We distributed grocery kits to families in need, served hot meals to families and daily wage earners, distributed healthcare items such as soap and masks, and served thousands of meals to local healthcare heroes. In December 2020, we also worked with Livingston Lions Club to provide more than 5,000 food boxes for local New Jersey citizens affected by food insecurity and economic instability. In 2021, we are remaining committed to providing relief and rehabilitation to those affected by the pandemic.

Creating Opportunities Through Women Empowerment

We exceeded a pledge, made during our 37th Annual Gala in 2019, to empower 20,200 women in 2020. By November, even during difficult times, we had empowered 24,192 women through our programs which provide safety and self-defense training, gender equality education, livelihood skills, character building, and leadership workshops for marginalized women. A donation of $500 to our Women Empowerment program empowers five marginalized female students with safe lodging, education, and training for personal growth.

Village Upliftment Proves that Real Change Comes From Within

Our Village Upliftment program is empowering about 50,000 people by placing trained Lok Mitras (“friends of the people”) in 12 villages throughout India. Living alongside the people they serve, Lok Mitras provide moral support while also applying their training to create sustainable, positive change within their villages.

In response to COVID-19, they have helped to educate villagers about the virus, organized efforts to implement social distancing, set up sanitation stations, and handed out “Grocery Kits of Gratitude” to more than 1,000 families when food became scarce. A donation of $5,000 empowers one village and up to 5,000 individual villagers.

Healthcare 2 Unreached Expands Access for Remote and Underserved Communities

Share & Care continues the fight toward reversing the healthcare challenges facing today’s marginalized poor.

Key achievements in 2020 include: delivering life-saving nutrients and raising awareness to benefit 5,000 women and children in Rajasthan; addressing a shortage of health professionals and poor local governance in Gujarat; bringing a comprehensive community health program to 25 villages in Maharashtra; and helping 100 women in Tamil Nadu through a program addressing the socio-demographic factors affecting pregnancy. Lastly, in five Manipur villages, we provided ongoing essential health services to children and women. A donation of $100 to our H2U program empowers one mother and her child with pre- and post-natal care.

Women “adopted” through our H2U Pregnancy and Maternal Care project receive medical and nutritional support.

With Educate 2 Success, Learning Is Not on Lockdown

As part of our 2020 goals, we aimed to reach 4,050 students across nine village schools in Gujarat through a program designed to create an educational pathway to current and future job markets for secondary and high school students. As the coronavirus took hold, we adjusted our support, enabling our partners to identify and act on solutions to fit with the world’s challenges. To accommodate social distancing and other safety guidelines, teachers shifted to a virtual learning model, incorporating conference calls with students and home “visits” via telephone or video. A donation of $130 empowers one at-risk child under age 13 with a secondary education.

In some regions, E2S sessions were conducted effectively in their respective villages while practicing all safety norms like social distancing, wearing masks, and using sanitizer.

Young Professional Committee

The Young Professional Committee (YPC) is a group with a mission to volunteer and fundraise for the causes Share & Care supports while fostering a community of young professionals to connect.

Kids4Kids

Kids4Kids (K4K) is a committee hosted for students by students (ages 13-18), with a vision to help underprivileged children in India receive the education they deserve. Before the pandemic started, each member recruited three new members, which increased the total funds raised. These funds provided an additional 23 students in India with tuition and school supplies and raised the total number of children educated to 255. They also raised $2,900 to benefit COVID-19 relief, and pivoted their events to be social-distance friendly, hosting activities such as a virtual yoga class and a walking challenge to raise funds for those in need.

Educate 2 Graduate Continues Blazing New Beginnings for Impoverished Families

Our Educate to Graduate program fosters secure futures for brilliant students from low-income families. Seventy-three students were enrolled in the 2019-2020 school year. Although there were some delays in college opening due to COVID-19, the admission process began smoothly with several colleges now operating on a digital platform.

We are putting increased emphasis on supplementary skill development to improve job prospects upon graduation. Of the 1,614 E2G beneficiaries so far, more than 850 graduates are already employed in well-paying jobs. A donation of $1,000 empowers one bright, low-income student with a college scholarship.

Your donation makes a brighter future possible for families who come from generational cycles of poverty. They can do it, and we can help!

There Are Far, Far Better Things Ahead Than Any We Leave Behind

2020 was tough, but Share & Care made a way. We served:

• The widow with no means or education to provide for her family.
• The young girl living with sexual abuse as part of a traditional and still-tolerated patriarchal structure.
• The teen hungry for knowledge but forced into manual labor because his family knows no other path.
• The newborn at high risk of dying before her fifth birthday because of who she is and where she was born.
• Entire villages living with cultural norms that promote inequality.
• Entire families at risk of disability or death from treatable diseases due to poverty, malnutrition, and poor sanitation.
• Migrant laborers who need economic relief and rehabilitation due to COVID-19.

Our wide-ranging programs continue to thrive thanks to the support of our generous Share & Care community. If you have been inspired by our efforts and would like to create positive, lasting change for marginalized people in the U.S. and India, we encourage you to make a contribution today. Every gift is appreciated, and every dollar makes a difference.

SEND A GIFT

The post Changes Amid Challenges: ‘Share & Care 2020 Year in Review’ Featured in News India Times appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

E2G began as a loan program in 2007, and has evolved into a scholarship program designed to give financial support to students who have shown their desire and ability to earn a college degree, but are unable to afford the tuition and living expenses.

E2G has so far graduated 1,614 scholars, more than half of which (850) are gainfully employed and earning an average salary of $6,500. For the 2019-2020 school year, 73 students were enrolled, with 65 more in the current school year. COVID-19 has interfered with school openings, among other things, but we responded with additional skill development training to help ensure successful graduates.

The E2G program is conducted in several regions of India. The following tells of the admission process from the perspective of the NGO Kalanjiyam in Tamil Nadu, but it also applies to programs carried out elsewhere, including Higher Education Support Trust out of Bharuch, Gujarat.

Kancheepuram District Today

Country-wide, higher education is the single most important ingredient in fostering confident and enlightened adults able to achieve financial independence for themselves and their families.

To that end, we are receiving around 60 applications per year from hopeful students living in villages in Kancheepuram district, one of 38 in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Here, village populations range from around 350 to 1,500. The main source of income is agricultural labor, which is only available around 15 days each month on average, and earns local laborers Rs 60 to Rs 150 per day (roughly 81 cents to just over US$2.00 per day). Additionally, around 90% of the population of the district’s rural villages still use the open fields for toileting. The few homes with indoor facilities often don’t use them due to water supplies and lack of space, using these “rooms” for storage.

Having worked with this population for many years, our partner Kalanjiyam reports a 25% to 34% dropout rate occurring around grades 6th to 8th, with another 55% to 60% dropping out around grades 9th and 10th. Broken out by gender, young women have much higher dropout rates than males. Accordingly, literacy rates for the district’s male rural population is 84.18% vs. 68.96% for women.

Toward the goal of providing financial support while earning their college degrees, plus career guidance to obtain careers in high-paying IT and medical fields, we partnered with Kalanjiyam based on their proven expertise in sustainable change through community development:

• Development of a participatory model for community development that brings local leaders together to achieve village-wide improvements.
• Training interested individuals to assist in village projects and develop their own skills and leadership abilities, and ultimately serve as local role models.
• Targeting the poorest communities to become self-sufficient through education, vocational training, and women empowerment.
• Working directly with district and village schools to address the root cause of dropouts, including transportation issues.
• Improving hygiene and sanitation conditions in schools, including low female attendance due to various cultural and economic factors. Without proper facilities and education regarding menstrual cycles, girls are much more likely to become a dropout statistic.
• Working with parents to reinforce the value of an education for the family as well as individuals. To this end, Kalanjiyam has achieved 100% primary school enrollment and reduced dropout rates overall for middle and high school students.

In all, they have engaged with more than 1,000 rural and urban students to continue their education, often to graduation or college.

As part of this engagement, they also seek to provide various types of scholarships — as available — to lower-income students who have shown the will and desire to achieve an education that can pull themselves and their families out of poverty now, and for generations to come.

With goals commensurate to ours, Share & Care is able to take Kalanjiyam’s successful, knowledge-based program to the next level.

How It Works

We began our alliance with Kalanjiyam in 2016 and have supported 50 students, with nearly half (24) already graduated.

1. The Application

Students submit their application that includes details about their education so far and their family situation. Eligibility is based on:

• Overall financial situation among earning family members.
• Family history of college attendance, i.e., establishing a first generation college student.
• Community standing, such as Scheduled and Tribal Castes.
• Student’s interest.
• Parent’s emotional support of student’s goals.
• Family makeup, including single parent families.
• Physical and mental disabilities.

2. Application Follow Up

Based on the above criteria, applicants receive a home visit to learn more about their living situation and to interact with their family members.

The applicant’s previous schools are also visited, and teachers and other staff are interviewed for this feedback regarding the student.

Next, a personal, one-on-one interview is conducted with the applicant, followed by additional discussions with the family regarding the child’s choice of school and their intended studies.

3. Approved Candidates

Once selected, the scholar receives up to 80% of their college tuition fees, plus associated (fixed amount) financial support for living expenses.

4. Current Students

Once in school, students also receive continual tracking, monitoring, and mentorship. During monthly assessments, students can discuss their academic performance and how they’re handling college life in general. Mentors work with each individual to help guide them through issues of productivity, low self-esteem, and myriad other barriers to their overall success.

This part of the program is especially important as rural children, even the most intelligent and driven, have little opportunity to develop well-rounded personalities. Without available role models, they often need assistance in developing leadership and future planning skills, as well as how to hone their own skills and talents, both personal and professional.

Parents and teachers are also consulted on a regular basis. Parents are kept up-to-date on any issues regarding poor performance, and teachers help determine if additional support for the student is needed through mentoring or counseling.

5. Graduates

Support doesn’t end at graduation. Graduates receive additional assistance with finding a job (which begins prior to graduation), including using local contacts and other employment services.

For those who wish to continue their education, assistance is provided regarding degree options and finding additional financial support.

Success Stories

We are excited to be able to share a couple of success stories. There have been so many throughout the years we’ve supported E2G. First, we have Saranya.

Saranya

Originally from Tirukazhukundram (also spelled Thirukkazhukkundram) in the Kancheepuram district, Saranya was the youngest of three daughters. Her oldest sister was able to attend college, received her degree, and is now married. The middle sister earned a BE in mechanical engineering. Even though their father is a farmer — and unlike the majority of his peers — this was all made possible due to his attitude toward education for his daughters, which he fiercely supported.

Given her older sister’s education successes, Saranya was counting on reaching the same if not higher levels of achievement. Then, four years ago, her family had a severe financial crisis when it became clear that the family’s support in paying for her older sister’s wedding and other housing expenses was more than they could afford.

Now trapped by overwhelming debt, Saranya was now destined to find a job immediately and abandon her dreams of a college education.

Ah, but it doesn’t end there. Saranya was able to turn her situation around when she applied to the E2G program. Once approved, she received 40,000 rupees (US$542.57) per year for her four-year nursing program at Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Nursing, Chennai. Her dream of serving others through nursing was now certain, and her spirit and drive restored.

Currently in her final year, Saranya has already secured a position at Gleneagles Global Health City hospital in Chennai, where she will begin following her final exams. Through continual contact with her Kalanjiyam mentors, she has repeatedly expressed her wholehearted thanks and appreciation for what the E2G program has allowed her to accomplish, and that through her career choice she has the opportunity to pay that forward.

Good luck Saranya! We hope to hear from you soon as you continue your life’s journey.

Bhautik

Bhautik had always wanted to go to college, and had decided on an engineering degree when he applied to Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology. But it wasn’t until after he had been accepted that it  became clear his family could not afford to send him there.

Bhautik’s father is a diamond worker in Surat (Gujarat) and while he always kept his family safe and supplied their basic necessities, his yearly earnings of 85,000 rupees (US$1,152.96) was barely more than a third of the annual tuition his son needed.

Bhautik reached out to the E2G program through Higher Education Support Trust, and was later accepted into the program. Today, Bhautik has a degree in mechanical engineering and with assistance for job placement, he is starting as a product engineer at Sprinklr India Private Limited in the coming year.

The irony is that while Bhautik’s family was too poor to put their son through college, Bhautik will be earning 29,75,000 rupees annually (US$40,353.73), an astounding 35 times more than his father. For Bhautik, he now is able to honor his father’s years of work to secure his son’s future by providing for him in his later years.

For Share & Care, when we see our graduates earn 30 to 40 times that of their parents, we know that entire families (and communities) are being liberated from the cycle of poverty.

Chitra

Chitra is all about breaking stereotypes. Not only has she chosen mechanical engineering as her profession, she hopes to help encourage other young girls to choose their path based on their interests, and not on cultural expectations.

“I am all about breaking stereotypes, who said
mechanical engineering is only for boys?”
—CHITRA

This is all in spite of the fact that Chitra comes from poor beginnings, including an alcoholic father who rarely worked. But her drive prevailed, she studied and worked hard and was awarded 1,000 rupees (US$13.56) due to her good marks in class X board exams — 423 out of 500.

The award came from Kalanjiyam, who was able to follow this up with support through the E2G program, and Chitra is today in her third year pursuing her BE in mechanical engineering at the Vi Institute of Technology in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.

We are proud of her not only for her academic achievements, but for being a true role model for all girls, particularly those whose lives began in situations similar to hers.

Congratulations Chitra, we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

We need to and will continue this valuable and proven program that is changing the lives of families every day. Education is at the heart of our mission and we hope you can help support these deserving scholars, their families, and their generations to come.

MAKE A DONATION

The post Educate to Graduate Continues Blazing New Beginnings for Impoverished Families appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Kids4Kids, a group composed of ambitious and philanthropic teenagers, aims to raise funds and participate in events that improve education for marginalized kids in India. The children they’re helping are beneficiaries of E2S, which provides educational resources, counseling, and career guidance for at-risk students.

During their trip overseas, the nine teens (Krish Sheth, Arnav Choudry, Parth Mehta, Akshay Mehta, Vidit Shah, Arya Shah, Rishin Shah, Neil Parikh, and Yash Mehta) taught children in a municipal school and volunteered in an after-school center designed to keep kids off the streets.

It was a rewarding and enlightening trip, Arnav reflects. “The best part was the reciprocation; it wasn’t simply us going and teaching, it was a mutual experience. We shared our knowledge of English and technology and they taught us Hindi as well as local games, such as Langdi and Kho Kho.”

Below, read more about what the group had to say about the experience — in their own words.

Reflections from a Trip Across the Atlantic

“Traveling and experiencing an environment that is way different than the one in America gives us a valuable perspective of the big world we live in. Sharing our knowledge about English and computers will help the children in certain aspects of life that are very important. While we teach those skills to them, we obtain certain factors of life, such as companionship, respect, trust, joy, and Hindi from them!” — Akshay Mehta, Aarya Shah, and Neil Parikh

“Seeing these kids so eager to learn and ready to build friendships was absolutely amazing. The memories I have made here will change me for the better.” — Yash Mehta

“We chose to travel to India to volunteer because we saw how other people were struggling to get an education. We believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity, and so we came to India to provide them with the education that they lack.” — Krish Sheth, Parth Mehta, and Rishin Shah

We’re proud of our students for their commitment to helping children across the world. In India, 40% of students drop out of school before eighth grade, which is why programs like Educate 2 Success are so important. By receiving support to stay in school, students from marginalized communities have the opportunity to escape the cycles of poverty that have oppressed their families for generations.

Would you like to join Kids4Kids in making a difference for needy and at-risk students in India?

DONATE FOR EDUCATION

The post Share & Care Kids4Kids Members Visit Students in India appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

When Suraj Dhanaji Patil was a young boy, his father passed away — and Suraj’s mother, an uneducated woman, took up domestic work to provide for herself and her two sons. However, her earnings were meager, and Suraj’s older brother was forced to drop out of school after Std. VIII and take up odd jobs to help his mother.

But Suraj, who had always dreamed of making it big one day, was a bright and promising student. He wanted to complete his education.

It was at this time that social workers from Light of Life Trust (a partner NGO for our Educate 2 Success Signature Program), came across Suraj. They immediately enrolled him in Project Anando, a program that provides educational resources and counseling for at-risk kids.

Suraj proved to be an outstanding student and actively participated in all of the program activities throughout secondary school. With support from Share & Care and LOLT — in the form of education materials, supplementary coaching classes, and career guidance — Suraj passed his SSC exam.

He then went on to pursue a diploma in engineering, but the mounting pressure of academics caused him to drop out of the course. This was a challenging phase for Suraj, who became disappointed in himself. His interest in education decreased, as did his self-confidence.

But once again, with intervention from Educate 2 Success, he was able to bounce back — with even greater energy.

To keep Suraj’s spirits high, he was enrolled in a specialized training program, which he completed successfully. After this, Suraj took up a job at a call center and was motivated to pursue his higher education. He passed Std. XII with flying colors, and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Not holding himself back after this, Suraj then pursued his post-graduate education and received a Master of Commerce degree. At this time, he also joined LOLT as an English teacher.

Today, Suraj works as an executive officer with Axis Bank, Khopoli Branch. Despite the ups and downs in his path to success, Suraj was finally able to achieve his goals and establish a career in the field of his choice.

He is now able to support his family financially as well as emotionally, and has become a shining example for many other students in the Educate 2 Success program.

I WANT TO HELP

The post Despite Ups and Downs, This Determined Student Achieved His Dreams appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

What is a “grassroots” organization?

Grassroots organizations work with a bottom-up approach, engaging people on a local level in order to ultimately effect change on a national (or international) level.

For example, gender inequality is an immensely complex issue that’s deeply rooted in traditions and institutions. Combating it requires collective efforts within every level of society. Through our Women Empowerment Signature Program, we’ve teamed up with multiple NGOs that are helping rural women overcome barriers to equality within their own societies and cultures. Some of these organizations utilize self-help groups and peer mentoring to educate communities about gender issues, while others focus on livelihood or personal finance training.

While the approaches may vary between villages, the goal is to employ locally tailored solutions that create ripples of change throughout larger regions.

What is a “holistic” approach?

Working with a holistic approach means to take all aspects of an issue — i.e., emotional, economic, societal, and environmental factors — into account. In short, it means to look at the big picture.

Through our Educate 2 Success Signature Program, we work holistically to provide at-risk students with the tools and support they need to flourish. For instance, E2S beneficiaries receive much more than school supplies and classes. They also receive personal counseling, nutritious food, weekend confidence-building workshops, and peer activities.

While it is important for these children to do well in school, we know that guidance and support are the real keys to unlocking their full potential.

When considering how to help any marginalized person or group of people, we aim to truly empower — to guide them toward self-sufficiency so that they may continue helping themselves and, eventually, uplift others around them.

How you can help:

Our holistic, grassroots approach has provided thousands of individuals in rural India with education, gender equality, livelihood opportunities, lifesaving healthcare, and much more.

To contribute to our mission to create a happier world — one person at a time — please use the link below to make a donation today.

CREATE A HAPPIER WORLD

The post It Takes a Village: Creating a Happier World, One Community at a Time appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Did you know that more than 40% of children in India drop out of school before reaching eighth grade? That’s two out of every five students. Many of these millions of children live below the poverty line and drop out due to circumstances beyond their control — such as discrimination, gender inequality, or lack of family support.

Share & Care Kids4Kids, an initiative hosted for students by students, has a vision to help thousands of these children get the education we take for granted here in America.

Meet the Kids

The program is composed of students 13 to 18 years old who want to participate in fun events while helping those who are less fortunate. With the motto “One Child for One Child,” we aim to create a community of children who care, and encourage all kids in this age group to help us reach our goal. Below are the names, positions, and ages of the students currently serving in the Kids2Kids leadership committee.

Chair: Yash Mehta (14)
Vice Chair: Anushka Shah (14)
Secretaries: Kunal Mehta (14) and Aarya Shah (14)
Media & Marketing: Shaurya Shah (14)
Social Media: Mysha Javeri (13)
Newsletter Secretary: Sareena Parikh (14)
Volunteer Coordinator: Yamini Dalal (14)
Finance Office: Krish Sheth (14)

Kids4Kids supports Share & Care’s Educate 2 Success Signature Program, which uplifts underprivileged rural and tribal children who’ve dropped out of school by providing them with support and resources to complete their education. Ultimately, these resources can help needy children break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.

How You Can Help

1. REGISTER: Kids4Kids registration is $130 per person and open to participants ages 13-18. By filling out the registration form here, you’ll join a community of other young philanthropists who share your passion for helping others. You will also be providing underprivileged children in India a chance to go to high school and receive the education they deserve.
2. DONATE: Individuals of all ages can donate to support our cause by clicking the link below. Just $130 provides one student with: books, a school bag, uniforms, stationery, science tools, personal and family counseling, math and English classes, and empowerment workshops.

DONATE TO SUPPORT EDUCATION

The post Share & Care Kids4Kids: Creating a Community of Children Who Care appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.