For a mother who has spent her entire life loving and raising her child, being beaten and mercilessly thrown out onto the streets by her own son is too heartbreaking to overcome. But this is a common story among the elderly residents of the Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram. “I’ve seen mothers in old and torn clothes, their bodies smelling and their hands and feet rotting and covered in maggots,” shares Dr. G.P. Bhagat, founder of the ashram. These abandoned elderly men and women lay starving on the streets hoping for someone to rescue them from their suffering. But most people walk past them without a second glance. “Like this”, Dr. Bhagat explains, “many elders die on the roads.”Since 2003, SHEOWS (Saint Hardyal Educational and Orphans Welfare Society) has rescued over 10,000 elderly people from the streets and given them a home with care and support. The elderly staying at the ashram have all been abandoned by their families and have nowhere else to live. Your support can give them comfort after their abandonment. Donate now.Donate easily through UPI, all debit/credit cards and net banking. Charitable donations to this fundraising campaign are tax exempted under 80G of the Income Tax Act (India). Safe and loving homeFor 20 years, SHEOWS has been providing free shelter, nutritious food three times a day, clothing, medical care, recreation activities and emotional support to abused and disabled elderly people rescued from the streets of Delhi. The Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram has a dedicated rescue team that saves the elderly from the streets and gives them immediate medical care upon their arrival at the home. To tend to the multiple health complications of the seniors, the home has a medical facility with doctors and nurses, a physiotherapy unit, a pathology lab, a digital X-ray monitoring machine and a pharmacy to provide 24-hour care to older adults anytime they require assistance, even during emergencies. Dr. Bhagat prioritizes the health of the seniors and ensures that they receive three balanced meals a day based on their precise health requirements. Need for the fundraiserThe humanitarian mission of SHEOWS is making an impact in the area, as more and more people are being rescued and brought to Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram. To meet the financial costs of running the home, SHEOWS needs support to continue providing the residents with all the facilities that they need. This includes constant care and round-the-clock medical attention, nutritious food and maintaining a hygienic environment to keep the seniors in comfort and good health. Dr. Bhagat explains that as the number of residents is increasing, SHEOWS needs support for food and medicines. “I request you to help these elderly parents lead a peaceful life.”Donate now to help Dr. Bhagat continue caring for the 500 destitute elderly and giving them shelter, food, medical care and the will to carry on living despite their tragic abandonment by their families. Your support will enable SHEOWS to keep serving abandoned senior citizens and help them recover from the trauma of abandonment and life on the streets. “I have been serving these elderly as if they were my own parents”, shares Dr. Bhagat. “I want only one thing - their tears should vanish and they should have a smile on their faces.” To help Dr. Bhagat achieve this dream, your support is critical. Donate now to help SHEOWS care for more abandoned elderly. Donate to this fundraiser by Give, India’s largest online donation platform, to support SHEOWS in their mission to rescue the abandoned elderly from the streets and give them shelter, food, medical care, recreational activities and emotional support.

Help Dr. Bhagat care for 500+ elderly parents rescued from abuse and homelessness

“The abusers insert a candle or fingers in the vagina of children torture them. If the children don’t relent even then, the abusers put chilli powder so that children will say “yes” because of the burning of the skin… There are teeth marks on their bodies, and their vaginal parts are burnt. When children stay in these conditions, it is painful even to hear,” says Lalitha SA of the Society for Participatory Integrated Development (SPID), while talking about many heart-rending stories of trafficked children in red-light areas. In over three decades, the team of SPID led by Lalitha, has saved over 3000 children from the red-light areas in Delhi, such as GB Road, and many from clutches of sex trafficking. While Lalitha has also helped many women escape the clutches of being forced into sex work, the SPID is focused on rescuing children and giving them a better life.Sadly, many more children need to be rescued and need a loving home. SPID needs your support to carry on the mission, to move out of the small shelters that are subject to arbitrary rental increases or landlords’ whims, to permanent locations where she can rescue more children and give them all the love they deserve. Your support will give these children the care and upbringing they need. Donate easily through UPI, all debit/credit cards and net banking. Charitable donations to this fundraising campaign are tax exempted under 80G of the Income Tax Act (India).“I have limited funds and very limited space, and if I had the funds, I would be able to rescue many more children and provide them with more comfort. With folded hands, I plead with you that you help us with funds in large numbers and support us in providing us children with a decent life. Become a part of the mission,” pleads Lalitha. Lalitha plays a vital role in the survival and safety of vulnerable children in the red-light areas. As SPID is almost entirely dependent on donations from the public, we can support and strengthen SPID’s mission to save children. Donate to this fundraiser for permanent premises through Give, India’s largest and most trusted online donation platform. Help Lalitha give hundreds of children rescued from brothels a life away from violence and abuse. Donate to this fundraiser by Give, India’s largest and most trusted online donation platform, to help Lalitha give hundreds of children rescued from brothels a life away from violence and abuse.NGO's 80G number: AADAS3217RF20212NGO's 12A number: AADAS3217RE20214

Help Lalitha to protect vulnerable children from trafficking by moving them to a safe and loving home

In the dark and dingy alleys of red light areas, injustice, pain and suffering run rampant. And the worst affected are the children who grow up in red-light areas and are subjected to constant abuse and violence. “The sight of a 12-year-old girl being gang-raped by a group of men near a house l haunts me to this date. I was filled with anguish and resolved to do something,” says Girish Kulkarni who has made it his life’s mission to rescue children from red light areas and give them a safe and secure childhood. In the last 3 decades Girish has saved over 1100 girls from a life of abuse in red-light areas, giving them a loving home, education and medical care. He has further supported over 20,000 children with a better life.Sadly, 250 of the children rescued from abuse and exploitation are HIV positive. The high cost of medication has left Girish struggling for funds. Your support can help him provide these children with the care and upbringing they need. Donate now.Donate easily through UPI, all debit/credit cards and net banking. Charitable donations to this fundraising campaign are tax exempted under 80G of the Income Tax Act (India), &amp; 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (USA). A movement to protect vulnerable children“Growing up in Ahilyanagar, the experiences I had as a child witnessing the horrors of sex trade defined the path of my life. I had even seen my friend’s 15-year-old sister and 70-year-old grandmother being forced to do sex work for the price of a cup of tea”, recalls Girish. “I started by merely feeding and teaching children of sex workers initially with the intention of giving them some respite from the horrors of life of abuse in red-light areas. Gradually more and more mothers started coming to me and asked me to take their children away, even if it was just for a couple of hours,” he further adds.The work that Girish started in his youth gradually grew to become a movement, with many more joining his cause. His NGO Snehalaya to date has transformed the lives of millions. Girish’s work is crucial for the survival and safety of vulnerable children of sex workers. Snehalaya is almost entirely dependent on donations from the public and your support can strengthen his mission to save children most in need. Donate generously.The horrors of life in red light areas“The cruelty and abuse that children as young as 6 or 7 years of age face is something that I can’t explain in words. Young daughters of sex workers are made to watch their mothers being raped, are brutally assaulted and forced into sex work. No child deserves to grow like this, Girish says in anguish.Sad reality of life for children growing up in red light areas is that they are deprived of even the most basic needs like proper food, safety and education. Moreover, a majority of children rescued by Girish are diagnosed HIV positive. The task of securing medication, providing them quality education and much-needed nutrition is one that requires constant support from donors. Moreover, the increase in healthcare cost has left Girish struggling to keep his home for children going. But your support can enable him to give his children a loving environment and save many more who still remain trapped behind closed doors.Donate to this fundraiser by Give, India’s largest and most trusted online donation platform, to help Snehalaya give hundreds of children rescued from red-light areas a life away from violence and abuse.

Help Girish give 250 HIV+ children, rescued from abuse in red-light areas a new life

SAC Foundational Learning program enables school-going children from underserved backgrounds strengthen concepts in Literacy and Numeracy through daily after-school sessions using a robust, activity based curriculum, delivered by well-trained, educated volunteers.  The SAC Board Ready Program helps students prepare and clear their SSC and HSC boards through guided support classes held in safe spaces delivered by qualified educators.

Education

Through our Anviksha Early Ed Program, we collaborate with the BMC to provide quality early education to preprimary sections in 50 classrooms across 12 BMC schools in Mumbai.  Our in-house curriculum is aligned with the NEP with intensive training for teachers

This is a sample description for education. For the purpose of testing I will use the word EducationEducationEducationEducation.

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Healthcare

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Disaster Relief

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Children

Spark-A-Change Foundation [SAC], is a Mumbai based non-profit organisation registered in 2015 as a Public Charitable Trust under the Bombay Trust Act,1950.Our vision is to see every child empowered with equal opportunities to create a better future.We currently impact over 3200 children through in-school and after-school programs aimed at providing access to quality learning that enables them to thrive and learn with joy and understanding; to create better futures for themselves and be positive future citizens of the world.Our programs in brief<ol><li>ANVIKSHA EARLY ED PROGRAM : In collaboration with BMC to run 50 preprimary classrooms across 12 BMC schools - impacting 2400 children aged 3-6 yrs. Focus on activity based curriculum aligned with NEP delivered by well-trained teachers</li><li>FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM : aims to strengthen concepts in English and Maths for school going students of Grades 1-7. The program provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to engage with the children through carefully curated modules catering to all age groups and skill sets. Developmental Programs around social emotional well-being, art, sports, applied theatre, critical thinking are conducted to provide a holistic learning experience. Stationery, study materials, workbooks etc are provided free of cost to students attending the program</li><li>BOARD READY PROGRAM : provides guidance and tutorial support for all subjects to students of Grades 8-12, delivered by qualified paid tutors / volunteers, in a stress-free, encouraging atmosphere. Many students are now pursuing higher education from reputed colleges. Spoken English, SEL, Career Guidance, Digital &amp; Financial Literacy programs are also conducted to equip them for gainful employment</li><li>YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM : aims to provide financial and mentorship support to students aspiring for graduation / professional courses / competitive exams. Financial support is provided to deserving students for academic coaching, study materials, course fees, etc to ensure continued education</li></ol>

Donations through Give Foundation, registered under section 80G of India's Income Tax Act, 1961 are tax-deductible.

Donations through Give Foundation, Inc. a registered US 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, are tax-deductible.

Donations through GIVE, a registered charity in UK, are covered under Gift Aid

Nirmala Venkatesan

Spark-A-Change Foundation

This nonprofit is registered as a charitable trust under section 12A of India's Income Tax Act, 1961.

This nonprofit is registered under section 80G of India's Income Tax Act, 1961. This means you can deduct 50% of the donation you made through your tax return.

This nonprofit is registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010. This means it can accept donations from foreign nationals.

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The major learning gaps built in through the formative years of the children from vernacular and English medium schools surface when they get to grade 9 and 10. These children are faced with the challenge of basic comprehension of the subjects they are meant to learn in so as to be SSC board-ready. Those who cannot cope with the syllabus are either detained in grade 9 or voluntarily drop out of the school.Those who manage to get through grade 10, find the learning difficult at the colleges with their fundamental basics of languages and mathematics being weak. Their struggle hampers their learning and moral, reflecting on their job prospectus.Poor nutrition also plays a major role in hampering learning abilities. Some children come to study with just a cup of tea and a slice of bread as a part of their breakfast. Grade 9 and 10 children also do not fall under the mid-meal scheme and attend school without their lunchboxes. Studies show that a poorly fed body diminishes the concentration levels of the brain. Thus making focusing on studies difficult.This could eventually lead to a large pool of able unemployable youth. 
 Spark-A-Change realized that the children needed intensive coaching that would support the SSC Board curriculum and that every subject would have to be taught with the aim of making the children understand what they were reading. Community and regular tutors were brought in with subsidized fees to teach the children. The SAC volunteers kept a thorough check on how every child was faring.As the children have progressed and reached grade 12, SAC now has tied up with professional tutoring classes who have taken on the initiative to bring the children to par at subsidized fees.To support their nutrition needs, SAC provides a mid-day snack under its project #KitchenPlan (Idli-Chutney, Pulao, Puri-Bhaji, Upma, Poha) 
 Spark-A-Change Foundation started with intensive coaching for grade 10 midway in the academic year 2016-2017. The coaching helped the 6 children enrolled with us better their understanding of the subjects and fare much better than they were otherwise were. All 6 students passed and went on to study further. They currently have given their grade 12 board exam and are awaiting their results.In the year 2017-2018, SAC began the tutoring the 22 children in grade 10 from the onset of their vacations. The combined efforts of the 3 paid tutors and the volunteers showed clearly in the results of the 22 children who passed with flying colours.In the year 2018-2019, SAC brought intensive coaching further down to the 30 students of grade 9 with a belief that the earlier the learning lags are broached the better their future shall be.

ScoresStrengthSuccess

According to UNICEF reports, closure of schools due to pandemic has impacted education of 32 crore children in India. The already prevalent learning lag issue in our education system now looms as a crisis of unimaginable magnitude. It is imperative for the learning gaps to be addressed and bridged, both within and outside of school, to ensure children have a fair stake at a decent future. India has the advantage of being the country with the largest youth population, it is incumbent to educate and skill them to ensure economic progress for the country as a whole 
 The SAC vision has always been to provide equal opportunities to every child, irrespective of socio-economic background, to enable them identify and maximise their potential, to create a better future for themselves. SAC curricular programs are built to strengthen foundational concepts in English and Maths for students in Grades 1-7. Programs around social emotional well-being, art, sports, critical thinking are conducted to provide variety of developmental experiences to every student, in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Stationery, study materials, workbooks etc are provided free of cost to students attending the programThe children at learning centers are mentored by educated volunteers trained to deliver our curriculum. Constant interaction with the parents and community ensures engagement of all stakeholders to the development of the child. 
 We currently positively impact over 400 students of grades 1-7 through our learning center programs. Students have shown marked improvement in willingness to learn, self-confidence, attendance, ability to converse and comprehend English. Many have excelled in art and found their passion for sports, cooking etc through exposures provided within SAC. Stationery, study materials, workbook support ensure reduced financial burden on parents leading to increased engagement, trust and participation with us to ensure overall development of studentsWe plan to increase reach to over 650 students this year with new learning centers in Mumbai. Support us in our endeavor to provide quality education to every child

SAC Foundational Learning Program - support education of children at our learning centers

This March hit us with an unexpected pandemic situation. Having lost out on their daily work-wages and regular jobs due to the lockdown, many Spark-A-Change Foundation (SAC) beneficiary families were in dire straits.  We believe it was our moral duty to stand by them in this moment of crisis. 
 SAC has supported over 420 families by providing ration relief and essential kits since March 2020 over fortnightly and monthly distributions. Each kit can support a family of 4 members. THE PROJECT DETAILS:Procurement: SAC procures the ration and hygiene essentials from the wholesale market at Vashi. kits are made at the vendors end and delivered to main distributing points at Andheri and Juhu.Distribution: A team of designated SAC volunteers, parent-volunteers and beneficiaries help oversee the distribution process at the respective distribution points.  
 THE AREAS IMPACTED BY SAC:SAC is based in the western suburbs of Mumbai, Maharashtra.This project impacts slum pockets in Juhu and Andheri namely Nehru Nagar, Samta Nagar, Juned Nagar, Kapaswadi, Adarsh Nagar, Anand Nagar, Kadam Nagar, Andheri RTO Lane and MHADA Colony.ESSENTIAL KITS distributed till date:4850 RATION KITS1850 HYGIENE KITS FAMILIES IMPACTED till date:425

Covid19 Essential Kits (Ration+Hygiene)

The pandemic has resulted in loss of livelihood for many of our beneficiary parents with children's education being the hardest casualty. Many have fallen through the education grid due to inability to pay school fees, procure stationery and notebooks.Most schools haven't provided textbooks to students since the pandemic. Using online textbooks over mobile phones is an ineffective learning method and also extremely detrimental to eyesight. 
 At SAC, we provide all educational essentials to every beneficiary child to continue access to learning. A monthly Stationery Kit of notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers and sharpeners for educational support is provided each child. The Kits are distributed each month to regular students to build a sense of responsibility and accountability among them. 
 Reduced financial burden on parents will motivate them to continue education for children.Improvement in attendance and participation from students is noticed once access to necessary essentials is provided.Over 800 students will benefit from this project.We have been providing stationery kits since May-20 and hope to continue till end of this academic year.Given the lack of access to suitable devices conducive to online learning, having a physical textbook to mark and highlight notes is a more convenient way for our beneficiary students to learn.