Annual General Body Meeting Association for India’s Development Philadelphia Chapter 12 th April 2008. Houston Hall University of Pennsylvania.

Annual General Body Meeting

Association for India’s Development

Philadelphia Chapter

12th April 2008.

Houston Hall

University of Pennsylvania

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Agenda for the GBM

• Awareness Activities of the Past Year

• Projects Funded

• Review of Past Projects

• Financials for the Year 2007

• Planning for 2008

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Awareness Activities

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Talk on Children’s Development Feb. 17, 2007, Temple University

• Invitation from Temple University clubs:

• Delta Kappa Delta Sorority

• Iota Nu Delta Fraternity

• Vijay S. gave a presentation on the projects AID supported for

child-development related issues

• The students raised $1,175 for AID-Philadelphia

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Talk by Arvind KejriwalJune 3, 2007, University of Pennsylvania

• Awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006

• Founder of Parivartan- a Delhi based Citizens Movement

• Right To Information (RTI) Crusader

• Gave examples of power of RTI:• Corruption in Public Distribution System of Delhi

• Water-privatisation

• Taught how to write an RTI application

• Efforts of AID-volunteers led to Indian Embassy to adopt RTI

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Talk by Sandeep PandeyAugust 12, 2007, University of Pennsylvania

• Co-founder of ASHA For Education

• Awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2002

• Spoke about RTI efforts of Asha-Parivaar in UP- a project co-funded by AID-Philadelphia

• AID-Philadelphia volunteers attended Democracy workshop in Princeton University (19th Aug.)

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Rhythm of IndiaSept. 29, 2007, University of Pennsylvania

• Cultural Event + Fundraiser

• Attended by ~250 people

• Information about AID and its activities

• Focus on plight of Indian Farmers and Farmer Suicides in

Vidarbha

• Funded by Graduate and Professional Student Assembly

(GAPSA) of Univ. of Pennsylvania

• Raised around $1600

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7 Groups Performed in the Rhythm of India Concert

Penn SargamPenn DhamakaPenn ThillanaPenn MastiSripriyaDrexel Bhangra

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Candle Light Vigil on Gandhi JayantiOctober 2, 2007, University of Pennsylvania

• AID-Philadelphia participated in a world-wide candle light vigil to:• Empathize with Indian farmer’s

• Highlight the grave situation of farmer suicides

• Discussed the situation and gained understanding of the causes behind the problem

• AID-Philadelphia funded Chetana Vikas

• Involved in developing and spreading sustainable agricultural practices

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“Journalism from the Trenches”- talk by Dayamani Barla

December 7, 2007, University of Pennsylvania

• Dayamani Barla:• AID- Saathi (Fellow)

• Journalist and tribal activist from Jharkhand, Bihar

• Focused on issues such as eviction of tribals because of Koel Karo dam and hazards of uranium mining in Bihar

• Runs a local tea-shop to hear the voices of the people

• Counter Media Award in Journalism

• Center for Advanced Study of India (CASI) co-sponsored the talk

• Funding from GAPSA

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Dr. Balaji SampathMarch 20, 2008, University of Pennsylvania

• Balaji is an AID Jeevansathi (Fellow)• Involved in education related activities of AID-Chennai

• Awarded the Ashoka Fellowship (2005), and won the MIT Global Indus Technovator Award (2005)

• Spoke about the Eureka Education Programs of AID-Chennai

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Ravi Kuchimanchi (AID Founder)March 22, 2008, 12th Wharton India Economic Forum

• Ravi was invited by WIEF to on the panel titled “India's Underprivileged Majority: The Real Development Story”

• Ravi spoke of the need for feedback from local communities for development intiatives

• Demonstrated the “Hay-Box”

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Tabling at Events

• AID-Philadelphia tables at local events to reach out to the community

• Penn’s Landing (August 2007)

• Philly Fest (January 2008)

• Wharton India Economic Forum (March 2008)

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Major Achievements for the Year

• Invited 5 reputed speakers

• Created awareness on issues like education, farmer’s suicides,

tribal rights, etc.

• Reviewed and Funded 3 projects since last GBM

• Refreshed the core-volunteer base in Philadelphia

• Collaborated with groups like CASI, WIEF Committee, etc.

• Availed GAPSA funding for the first time

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Projects Funded in 2007-2008

The ITC projectby

AID Orissa

LocationMohana Block, Gajapati District, Orissa

One of the most remote, inaccessible tribal areas in the state

655 sq Km476 villages

115,808 people

Only one Hospital!!

The ITC projectby

AID Orissa

Summer 2007A Cholera Epidemic strikes the region

AID Orissa went to rescue with a set of“Short-term action plans”

The ground reality and backwardness of the regioncame into limelight

The ITC projectby

AID Orissa

For overall development of the regionAID decided to take initiative

Empower the local tribal people bycreating avenues for livelihood generation

Establish an Industrial Training Center

based on the model ofAID Rural Technology Resource Center

functioning in Gosani block

The ITC projectby

AID Orissa

Synopsis of the project

Provide certified training in professions of Electrician Fitter Welder Mechanic

Beneficiaries: The local tribal people SC/ST, BPL

Set up an ITC on a 5 acre land in Mohana Block of Gajapati district with full facility of workshops, equipments and trainers.

Goals: To train 100 students in first year Increase the number to 120 in second year

Sustainability: Rs 10000/- total training fees for each student SC/ST and BPL students will be financed by bank loans and/or scholarship

The ITC projectby

AID Orissa

Impacts(to be added)

AID Philadelphia approved $ 10,000 for setting up the ITC

Chetana VikasMotivations:

Farmers and their families are in distress

Farmers suicides are increasing in number

Primary causes: - Inefficient farming practices - Political and economic changes - Pressure from loaning agencies, and other socio-economic burdens

Solutions: Implementation of self-sustainable organic farming

Low input farming techniques

Set up self-help groups to get around the problems posed by banks and co-operatives

Chetana Vikas

The NGO:

Started in 1977

A small, informal, non-political group

Works in 150 villages of Wardha district

Staff strength of 20 fully paid workers

More than 20 years of experience in issues relating - agriculture - women's empowerment - rural development

Highly qualified core group of administrators and officers

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Chetana Vikas

Goals of the project

Establish model farming by collaborating with a specific group of farmers

Access to finance by self-reliant savings and credit – establishment of 'self-help groups'

Spread awareness about good agricultural practices and techniques

Women's empowerment for agrarian crisis

Integrate these approaches within the farming system and directly link small farmers to market

Assigning Village engineers

Chetana Vikas

AID Philadelphia approved $3,000 for this project

Impacts:

Members of a SHG

2.5 acres of land dedicated for model farming

Self reliance achieved for a typical farming family through the farming practiced on the dryland plot

Effective water management

Active self-help gropus (SHGs) with active participation from women.

Village Engineer ofPathari village

SnehalayaNGO details:

Established : 1989 Location : Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra Website : http://www.snehalaya.org/

Mission : Work for (a) Victims of commercial sexual exploitation in red light

areas (b) Under-privileged children and youths in slums

SnehalayaNGO’s objectives:

1. Provide social and family reintegration and overall development of children

2. Create awareness about AIDS (HIV) in the red light areas

3. Rescue victims from brothels and provide rehabilitation for them

4. Establish rehabilitation center for the children and the women affected by HIV

5. Work for the health care and education of children in slums

6. Support the economically backward students for higher education

SnehalayaProject: Educational support for rescued victims and economically backward

students

Goals: To provide vocational training and higher education to 25 students

Budget:• Total amount required: Rs. 3,39,850/- for a period of 2-3 years

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SnehalayaApproval:

• AID Philadelphia has approved - Rs. 1,32,350/- ($ 3300.00) for the year 2008 and - Rs. 37,500/- ($ 940.00) for the year 2009 (contingent upon progress)

• Remaining amount will be provided by AID Buffalo in 2 installments

Proposed follow-up actions:

• Monitor the educational progress of the funded students• Actively involve in the activities of the project• Provide advice to students, as external mentors

Impacts:

• The formal and vocational education will enable rescued victims and under-privileged students to stand on their own feet and uplift their social status• The beneficiaries can also join the organization and work to strengthen the NGO’s activities in achieving its objectives

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Review of Past Projects

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Right to Information Act India (2005)

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RTI: Agents of Change in Uttar Pradesh

• AID Philadelphia joined hands with other AID chapters to support 20 RTI activists in various districts in UP.

• Total Budget: $14,000. AID Philadelphia Support: $6000• These activists, part of Asha Ashram, took up the task of

• RTI Awareness Generation – Mobile RTI camps• Organizing RTI Camps in villages and outside Public Departments• Ensuring that a Public Information Officer for each Public Dept has been assigned

and his name is know to everybody• Follow up and approach the local BDO or Collector for appeals/action

• Amazing Success Stories• Thousands of RTI applications have been filed and hundreds of officials have

been penalized.• Key benefits include: Proper functioning of Primary Schools, Mid-day Meals

& Anganwadis, Below Poverty Line Ration Cards, Social Audits for NREGA, Allocation of Job cards, Widow pensions; discovery of corruption in various departments

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RTI Support: Next Steps

• Expand our support to more activists in 2008• Support 30 activists

• Increase Reach to 30 districts in UP and 15 districts in Bihar

• Total Budget: $30,000

• AID Philadelphia is considering renewing support to the tune of $6-9K

• Develop RTI Kiosks in various places.• Equip the place with a computer, printer etc

• Provide application services for a small fee

• Store information in a common database all across UP and India

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Mahila Shanti Sena• Objective

• Tap the innate power of women• Conduct Training camps to organize and empower women to stand up

against exploitation and to contest for positions of power (panchayats and other local bodies)

• Training on income generation activities• Improve self confidence

• AID along with McMaster University (Canada) supported the expansion of this effort in Orissa. AID Funding: $5000

• AID supported various training sessions such as, Training of Trainers Camp, Training of Women’s Peace Workers and inter-group visits.

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AID Rural Technology Resource Center (ARTRC)• A range of projects by AID Orissa geared towards Income Generation and

Livelihood training. AID Philly Funding: $3500

• A core of 15 staff + 50 student volunteers from JITM

• AIM: To create a self sustaining livelihood center

• Activities• Livelihood training: Pottery, Tailoring, Bamboo & Cane Work• Education: Night schools, Libraries• Environment: Biodiesel, LED• Ferro cement brick making • Social audit for NREGA

• Awared Govt contracts to construct:• District Training Center• Eco-tourism center (near water fall)

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Financials for the Year 2007

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Financial Summary

~$16300 deductions 2007: $3000 Chetna Vikas Project, $10000 Industrial Training Center in Orissa; 2008: $3300 Snehalaya

Going forward plan projects based on ~$26,000

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Funds raised in 2007

4%9% 11%

14%

62%

Temple University Talk

Rhythm of India Event

Donations

Calendar Sale

One For India Campaign

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Break-up of Donations

• 13 donations make up about 80% of total donation amount

• 1 person contributed to over 50% of total donation amount

• Approx. 30 different donors in 2007 (Sometimes donations are aggregated in one check, but this is still a very small number). We should increase this.

In 2006, marathon involved many people and helped raise a lot of funds. In 2007, the Rhythm of India concert had great attendance and those

people bought tickets (which is somewhat like donating)

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The Year Ahead

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Can we accelerate development?

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• Beggars Salesmen''All we are doing is telling beggars that, well, since you go house to

house begging, would you like to take some merchandise with you, some cookies, some candy, something?'' he asked a crowd that hooted with delight at this clever notion.

• Haybox idea of Ravi

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Kalpana

An AID Philadelphia initiative

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• Contest - Invite everyone to submit ideas

• Simple, practical solutions

• Consider best for implementation

• List all on website

• Inspire people to think about problems at the bottom of the ladder

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• Teaming up with clubs and schools

• Completion by the end of this year

• Sponsor for the contest

Thank you!

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Eureka ChildAn AID INDIA Education Initiative

A project to improve learning quality of

10 million children in Tamilnadu

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Access to Schooling: Good

• India out-of-school children = 4.2 %.

• Tamilnadu out-of-school children = 1.2 %.

Learning Levels of Children: Poor

• India 5th Std: Only 58% children can read a simple story.

• India 5th Std: Only 42% can do a simple division problem.

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TamilnaduWorst Performing State

ASER results show: • TN worst performing state in

reading.

• Among bottom three states in math.

Out of 1 million children in 5th Std…

• 650,000 cannot read a simple story.

• 560,000 cannot subtract.

5th Std Children Who Can Read Stories

58%35%

82%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

All India Average Tamilnadu Himachal Pradesh

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Problem Summary

• Schools in Place• Children Coming to Schools• Teachers in Place• But Learning Not Happening

Urgently Required:Ways to quickly improve

Learning Quality in Schools

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Improving Learning Quality Requires…

Community Learning Initiatives –

Libraries, Learning Festivals

Community Engagement (“Education

Watch”) to support schools and to

ensure they function well.

Group and Self Learning Activities

Remedial Activities

Learning Enrichment

Skill Evaluation

Remedial Classes for children who are

lagging behind

Training Government school teachers on

child centric group activity methods

Focus on Learning Outcomes

Effective Resource Materials

Communities Involved in

Children’s Learning

Better Teaching Methods

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Pilot Programs Implemented by AID INDIA

Reading Program7,300 schools

in 5 districts

Math Program 100 schools

Pre-primary Program 100 centers

Community Libraries 2,000 villages

Science Program900 schools

in 3 districts

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Reading PilotCampaign Scaled up Quickly and Effectively

• Six-month pilot from October 2006 to March 2007.

• 450,000 children in 7,300 schools in 5 districts.

• 225 AID INDIA staff hired and trained within a month.

• 8,000 teachers trained and provided reading kits.

• Every school visited twice a month and implementation monitored.

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Reading Pilot: How it works

1. Reading EvaluationCategorized children’s reading skills into 5 levels: story, sentence, word, letter, beginner.

2. Attractive Reading MaterialsInspired

children to read.

3. Level-Specific Group ActivitiesAdvanced children – from letter to word to

sentences to stories – step by step.

4. Ensured Children Could Read Fluently.

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Reading Pilot: ImpactImprovement in Sentence Reading in 6 months

Children Who Can Read Tamil

85%

54%52%53%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Nov 05 Mar 06 Oct 06 Mar 07

AID INDIA started reading campaign

31% jump in 6 months!

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From pilots to State wide Systemic solution

The Question…How to reach and impact 10 million children in a sustained manner?

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Two Issues• Scale

• 30 Districts• 7.5 Million Children in primary and pre-primary

• Multiple Subject Areas• Basic Programs: Reading, Math, Pre-primary, Science Experiments• Advanced Programs: English, Life Skills, Advanced Math and Science, Social Science

30 DistrictsSustainYear 7-10

10 Districts30 DistrictsYear 4-7

Action Research10 DistrictsYear 1-3

Advanced ProgramsBasic Programs

3-Phase 10-Year Solution

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Project Plan for the Basic ProgramsPhased Scaling to 30 Districts of Reading, Math, Pre-primary and Science

Year 2 and 3

10 districts13,000 schools

Direct Impact3.3 million children

After 3 years

All 30 districts- State-wide Scale-up

by Government

Direct Impact10 million children

Year 1

10 districts7,000 schools

Direct Impact1.6 million children

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Proposed Program for Phase 1

Science Experiments for 6th-8th Std Children to ensure all children learn simple experiments

Young Scientist Network to nurture children talented in science.

4000

Govt Schools

1 million children

Ensuring Children Learn Science Experiments

Comprehensive pre-primary education for 3-5 age group childrenTo ensure children start learning well right from the beginning.

6,000 Govt

pre-primary centers

300,000 children

Ensuring Children Learn Pre-primary Skills

Remedial Math for 3rd - 5th Std ChildrenTo help children who are lagging behind.

Early Math for 1st - 2nd Std ChildrenTo ensure children do not lag behind.

13,000

Govt schools

2 million children

Ensuring Children Learn Arithmetic

Community Learning Initiatives Libraries, Village Remedial Classes

Community Education Watch

To support & ensure schools

function well.

5,000 villages

250,000 children

Community Learning Centers

Remedial reading for 3rd-5th Std ChildrenTo help children who are lagging behind.

Early Reading for 1st - 2nd Std Children To ensure children do not lag behind.

13,000

Govt schools

2 million children

Ensuring Children Learn to Read

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Expected Impact Direct Impact in 10 Districts

85% can do at least 100 science experiments.

Hardly any children know

Learn Science Experiments

1 Million Children

85% can read.Only 30% can readLearn to Read2 Million Children

85% attain language, visual, counting, motor skills

Only 15% have pre-primary skills

Attain basic

pre-primary skills

300,000

Children

85% can do arithmetic operations.Only 45% can subtractLearn to do Arithmetic2 Million Children

In 3 Years…TodayWhatWho

Learning Gains in 3.3 Million Children

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Leveraging the Impact

Across Tamilnadu: Use project results to get State Govt to scale-up to the entire state.

Across India: Use project to influence other states, particularly…• Bihar

• Andhra Pradesh

• Orissa

• Uttar Pradesh

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Average Costs

• Annual cost per school = $ 150

• Annual cost per child = $ 1

• 7000 schools in Year 1 = $ 1,050,000

• 13000 schools in Year 2 = $ 1,950,000

• 13000 schools in Year 3 = $ 1,950,000

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Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

• CIFF did a thorough review of our work for close to a year.

• Looked into programs, materials, M&E, costs, systems and people and ability to scale up and deliver results.

• Rated us as one of the best education groups in the world.

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Matching Funds from CIFF

• CIFF has approved $ 800,000 as matching funds for the project for the first year.

• CIFF will match $3 for every $1 we raise.

• We need to raise $ 260,000 to get the matching $ 800,000.

• CIFF will appoint external agency to evaluate the results.

• Based on results, CIFF will approve additional funds for the second year.

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Immediate Challenge for AID

• Raise $260,000 in the next 3 months!!

• How do we do it?• Reach out to existing donor base

• Reach out to other similar minded organizations such as Asha, CRY, Vibha etc

• Reach out to other children oriented foundations (there is a lag, but may be useful for next year)

• Reach out to Indian Regional Associations.

• Organize one or a series of fundraising events

• Conduct a targeted mailing campaign

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10 million children

learn to read, do arithmetic and science.

10 million children

like Ashwini grow up with confidence.

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