Testimonial of the Representative & Project Manager - India

Charles Kulandai, Representative & Project Manager - Kovalam, South India

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long time ago.” - Warren Buffett.

It is true in the journey of Cuomo Foundation in India. It all started twenty years back with a great mission of empowering the poor children through Education. Until today thousands of children have benefitted through collective education. The Foundation also has provided sponsorships to the hundreds of individuals to pursue their higher studies.

We feel really proud today when we look back at the achievements of Foundation that we have transformed their family life in terms of self empowerment. Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to transform the world and the Foundation executes that ideology.

I am fortunate to serve in this reputed philanthropic organization since 2006, first under the capable leadership and guidance of Mr Alfredo Cuomo, then of Mrs Elena Cuomo.

“The highest education is that which does not merely give information but makes our life in harmony with all existence ” – Rabindranath Tagore.

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Today, the Foundation has stepped in to educate the children not only via regular studies but also try to instil in the hearts of children to give importance to save nature (Ecology). As a follow up of this, we have built a green school in Mambakkam which will be a model school for all the other schools in Tamil Nadu. The world today needs a better place to live in as we face irregularities of seasons especially in India.

This year needs to be carved in the life stone of Cuomo Foundation. The diocese of Chingleput in gratitude to all the works rendered by the Foundation has changed the name of the school as “Alfredo Cuomo Higher Secondary School”.

My well thought out aspiration would be Cuomo Foundation should spread its wings in the coming years throughout Tamil Nadu especially by providing climate education and not only to teach the children climate challenges but to combat against the ecological imbalances on our mother earth.

Charles Kulandai

Representative & Project Manager - India

BREAKDOWN BY AREA OF ACTION GLOBAL OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE 2018

Education & Research € 782,612.60 46 % Art & Culture € 329,338.66 20 %

Socio-economic Develop- ment € 570,940.85 34 %