India study abroad fundraising

Walton College India Study Abroad Annual Fundraiser People’s Organiza0on for Rural Development with Child Rights and You & Sumangli Ashram

It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action.

But if you do nothing, there will be no result.! ―Mahatma Ghandi

August 25, 2014

Dear Faculty and Staff of the Walton College:

Every year you all contribute generously to support Sumangli Ashram, an orphanage in Karnataka , India that cares for desHtute and orphan girls. The fundraising is led by our Walton College students, both undergraduate and graduate, who go on the India Study Abroad trip, and last year, thanks to your tremendous support, we collected enough money to sponsor three days of meals and a refrigerator for the Sumangli Ashram.

This year, along with the Sumangli Ashram, the Walton India Study Abroad students have been working with two organizaHons: Child Rights and You (CRY) through their PORD (People’s OrganizaHon for Rural Development) Project. CRY/PORD adopt an approach of empowerment, and focus on creaHng awareness amongst the poor and historically downtrodden villagers, giving them the necessary tools with which to demand their basic human rights. Currently sixty-­‐five villages come under the purview of the PORD Project, all in different adopHon phases of PORD’s work.

We again reach out to request your generosity in backing these three wonderful organizaHons. We thank you in advance for all your goodwill and support.

Sincerely,

Vikas Anand Alan Ellstrand

PORD and CRY’s alliance is dramatically changing lives in southern India!

It was astonishing for students to learn that even the right to a name, or a birth certificate cannot be taken for granted. A right to obtain a basic education (especially for girls), or even to elementary first aid is often not available to children. Our students went to different villages --- some which had recently been adopted by PORD and where education, health and even basic drinking water were big challenges for the villagers. In some areas where PORD had been active for several years, the difference was noticeable. While problems still persisted, children had better access to education, nutrition, and health facilities.!

–Vikas Anand!

PORD: People’s Organization for Rural Development (PORD) was registered in 1992, and is a child-centric organization with specific focus on issues of girl children. "

CRY (Child Rights and You) is a financial support group that helps fund individual efforts that prove to be particularly effective and well-organized. !

PORD came into partnership with CRY in 2007.

PORD is currently working in 2 Blocks in India, namely Madanapalle and Thamballapalle. This covers 25 slums (11436 families) & 65 villages (4480 families). 23460 children in the age-group of 0-18 are covered under different interventions.

The skits on child marriages, trafficking and social evils, enacted by children have made me happy. I was surprised by the programmes done by children; if their message is put into practice, one could see great change happening.!

–Vikas Anand

Children perfrom skits speaking out about the issues: child marriage, male-child favortism, child trafficking and more. !

Our students went to different villages --- some which had recently been adopted by PORD and where education, health and even basic drinking water were big challenges for the villagers (making several of our students look guiltily at their own bottled waters). In some areas where PORD had been active for several years, the difference was noticeable. While problems still persisted, children had better access to education, nutrition, and health facilities. More important, they were conscious of their rights and enacted skits protesting child marriage and human trafficking (Which were issues that had been common in the past).

All Walton students came away changed in many ways.!

–Vikas Anand

PORD/CRY and Walton College News Coverage in India!

Andhra Jyothi (Chittoor) – Sunday - 25-05-2014! !

Countryside life has improved!

Observation visit to Thamballapalle by American students! !

Along with Prof. Vikas of Arkansas University of the United States of America, 20 American students visited Thamballapalle Block under the auspices of PORD organization. They visited remote villages in the Block such as Rekulakunta Thanda, Gundlapalle, Eguva Thanda, Kannemadugu and Ittinenivaripalle along with representatives from Child Rights and You, Bangalore – John, Savio Charles, Suneel and the Director of PORD Lalithamma. They studied the social and economic problems, customary practices and the way of life of people in the villages. They also learnt about social service programmes implemented by PORD in these remote villages. Speaking to media persons, Prof. Vikas said that it is good to see the development that took place in Thamballapalle Block, which was very backward in all sectors 10 years ago, and in the villages which were once in very bad position with only thatched huts. He said that the efforts of PORD in bringing this awareness in these villages which resulted in better social infrastructure facilities in households and in all children continuing their studies are appreciable. He said that still there are some under-developed families and if the newly formed Government and Voluntary Organizations could put efforts, good results can be achieved with such families too. The team appreciated the cultural performances by children. Others who participated in this visit were – Sridhar - PORD Project Coordinator, Narasimhulu, Ramana, Gangulappa, Kanthamma, Nagaveni, Reddemma, Swarnakumari, Radhamma, Prabhavathi, Rafi and Altaf.!

Eenadu (Chittoor) – Sunday – 25-05-2014! !

Bad Culture should change: Prof. Vikas Anand! !

The culture and traditions of India are honourable, interesting and ideal; there is need to bring change in the areas of social evils, trafficking of girl children and child labour – opined Prof. Vikas Anand from the University of Arkansas, USA. On Saturday, along with a team of 20 University students, he visited Eguva Thanda, Rekulakunta Thanda, Kannemadugu, Gundlapalle and Ittinenivaripalle villages in Thamballapalle Mandal. The students observed various developmental and awareness-creation programmes implemented by PORD organization on poverty eradication, child rights and social evils. The skits enacted by PORD children at Ittinenivaripalle on the issues of trafficking, child marriages, superstitions, abuse, etc. were thought-provoking. The students observed the life-style of Tribals in Ittinenivaripalle and various programmes implemented for farmers and women in other villages. The team also observed the areas of change in people’s lives and compared their current status with their past situation. The students felt that people should aspire for more holistic change and achieve holistic development. They also expressed that all should work to the fullest extent possible towards protection of natural resources. The group witnessed the performances by PORD cultural team and appreciated them.!

Student Feedback from PORD/CRY village visits!

I found my experience with PORD to be incredibly enlightening and inspiring. I could really see change in action; it was very clear to me that this organization is having a sizable impact on the communities that it touches. I have great

Visiting the villages was a very moving experience, as some of these villagers live lives that most Americans cannot imagine. It was amazing to see

how the work of PORD improves the lives of the

We had the opportunity to ask the children what villagers, especially the quality and accessibility they wanted to do when they grew up. One girl of the children’s education. The village visits gave responded that she wanted to be a high ranking me a new outlook on how fortunate I am to live in officer in the police force. The girl had such a sense the U.S. and to have so many opportunities provided of pride about what she wanted to do. Our to me like an education.! representative from the PORD program mentioned hope that PORD will have a lasting –Meredith Cozby that the position she was seeking was one that was impact on India. highly competitive, dominated by males and was –Andrew Murry also a position of power. Knowing that PORD was giving this girl the confidence to seek out such a male oriented, competitive career, was not only One of the Indian villages we visited was suffering from The village visit presented the reality of the rewarding to hear, but I was able to see PORD’s struggles villagers face daily to meet basic poor agriculture due to a lack of rain. Because of this, impact in person. they shared that they had no food or water and were necessities. I was amazed to see the difference -Darren Quinn starving. Looking around and seeing the smiling faces of education can make to improve the quality the village children, but knowing they had empty of life, especially in remote areas. stomachs was the worst feeling. The stark contrast –Hope Washispack between our lives was all too evident. I wanted so badly to return to the van, get out some rupees, and give I had no idea how big the problem actually was and at the core how people are them to the eldest villagers. However, I realize that denied personhood. For instance, you hear about child marriages and PORD is set up to help these villages for the long term trafficking, but never think about a root cause of the inability to address the and aids them in being self-sufficient. Seeing this issues being the absence of a birth certificate. Due to PORD’s efforts the poverty firsthand really inspired me to try to do whatever villagers know the importance of a birth certificate and the children in each I can to help these people get on their feet.! sponsored village have one. PORD is helping these people gain their –Meagan Halligan personhood and independence by ensuring the government programs

and facilities that are available to everyone are known and utilized. This is a slow path towards change, but the impacts are far reaching.!

–Sara Leritte A critical element to our visit was seeing how PORD and CRY are not pursuing a “quick-fix” or applying an impersonal band-aid; instead, they’re in for the long-term, which means bearing the burden of change alongside those they are serving. The

most impactful aspect to what PORD and CRY are doing is teaching others the crucial tool in breaking any negative cycle, whether poverty, social oppression, or likewise, and that is self-actualization.

–Jillian Thompson

The PORD representatives that I was privileged to meet during our travels to the remote villages was very passionate about improving lives, one village at a time. After the village visits, I could clearly see that the each of the three villages were in different stages of their development. Thanks to the help of PORD, these remote Indian villages are getting assistance and aid in order to get toilets, water and education that is severely needed in order to survive and continue in the development of the country. !

–Sherri Copeland

Sumangli Ashram!

Mrs. Susheelamma started Sumangalis Seva Ashrama in 1975 when she and her daughters were deserted by her husband and family. With only a few rupees in hand, she set out to shelter and empower women and children who have nowhere to turn. The ashram’s vision is a society where the elderly may live in comfort and dignity, where children receive loving care and guidance, teaching them to be responsible, self-reliant adults, where women are empowered and all have the right to a healthy life.

Sumangli Seva Ashrama today: • Houses over a hundred orphaned, deserted, or neglected children • Provides children with shelter, nutrition, education, and medical attention • Is a sanctuary for women and the elderly, providing them with vocational training and medical attention • Provides workshops in women’s empowerment, health education, and vocational training

Goals for the future: • Establish a high school and vocational institute • Build a residence for the elderly equipped with medical facilities • Build short-term residence for women to find refuge, seek counseling, and receive vocational training

Walton College representatives present refrigerator to ashram– made possible by last year’s donations.

After being given a warm welcome of traditional song and dance from girls at the ashram, WCOB students and Fern Jones thank the girls by freestyling to “Happy Feet.”

The Sumangli Ashram, based on the outskirts of Bangalore in Karnataka State, takes a more direct approach to helping the girl child. Run by a woman who herself was abandoned and left destitute by her husband and family, she committed herself to making a difference to others. The girl child is less welcome in many parts of India. When families have limited means, education and health nutrition are prioritized for the male child. Many girl children are abandoned at birth or spend the day at the edge of granite quarries in Karnataka (a state in India) while their parents spend the whole day in the sun chipping away at the quarry to earn a dollar or two a day. This Ashram adopts these unwanted or abandoned girls, raises them with love and provides them a minimum of high school education so that the girls can take care of themselves. The Walton College has worked with this institution for years and is warmly welcomed when we visit. The girls over there fondly ask about students from previous trips and make it a point to call the hogs when we visit. We have been slowly contributing funds that are placed in fixed deposits, such that the interest earned from them pays for the food given to the girls. !

–Vikas Anand

Student Feedback from Sumangli Ashram visit!

Visiting Sumangali Ashram was a high point of my experience in India. Due to the fact that many in India are left without homes or in poor living conditions, opportunities are scarce for those who are constantly pursuing the means for survival to advance beyond their current state. The girls at the Ashram are not only able to experience a stable living environment that provides shelter - they are provided with an opportunity to grow and develop into a contributing member of Indian society.!

–Sawyer Dunnigan

I’m so thankful for my time at the ashram. Having seen the destitute situations throughout such a large percentage of the rest of the country made the ashram’s efforts all the more impactful on me. Susheelamma has created a home for everyone from young girls to elderly women that otherwise would have minimal access to the amenities provided on a daily basis. Meals, education, love, and family are provided for those who would

otherwise have few or none of these.

–Liz Parker

It was wonderful to see a place where young women are able to grow and learn in a stable and strong community.

–Joseph Post

Seeing the girls of Sumangli Ashram was an extremely moving experience in more ways than one. It was humbling to come to grips with some of the situations the girls had come from. The amazing and inspiring part of those stories was the extent to which the ashram had become a home where previously none existed. The women working at the ashram and the donors who support it financially create opportunities for girls who truly would not have them otherwise. The effects of investing in these girls ripples throughout their lives’, giving them the tools to be upstanding and valuable members of society. It also encourages altruistic behavior of the sort they themselves benefitted from when they were young later in life. The ashram creates it’s own ecosystem of kindness and good behavior by realistically assessing the needs of those it serves, and meeting those needs with fervor and positivity.!

–Jon Nichols

Visiting the orphanage was a great experience for me because Sumangali Ashram had such an amazing story, and I could see that her efforts were making a real impact for the girls that were staying there. My favorite

part of our time there was seeing the girls dance because they had such joy on their faces, which I loved to see.

–Michaela Bauer

Going to Sumangali Ashram was an amazing experience for me. I saw how girls my own age are living after being tossed into the streets by their own family. Just seeing how happy these girls are living with just the things provided for them in the orphanage made me appreciate everything I own very deeply.!

–Namu Anand

How you can support!

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Dr. Vikas Anand:! !

Department of Management!

Office: WJWH 519!

(479) 575-6232!

VAnand@walton.uark.edu! " " *Cash and Check donations are both accepted. !

-If supporting through Check donation, please make payable to Vikas Anand.! ! *Unless you have stated otherwise, the donation will be split 60/40 between PORD/CRY (60) and Sumangli Ashram (40).!

Note: PORD/CRY donations are tax deductible—donations to Sumangli Ashram are not.!

Tax receipts are provided upon request (see Dr. Anand).!

*For more information on CRY and their work with PORD, check out their website, here!!