Hello everyone! I am Pratiksha Pai, and this year I am excited to run the Seattle Marathon on December 1, 2024, in support of Asha for Education and their work with the Vikasana project (see below). Vikasana aims to address child labor issues in Karnataka, India. Through this run, my goal is to raise $500 to support the Vikasana Bridge School initiative, which rehabilitates children of migratory laborers and provides them with access to education.
Why Asha ?
Asha for Education is a volunteer-driven nonprofit providing education to underprivileged children in India. With 25+ years of impact and near-zero overhead, Asha ensures donations go directly to the cause. It has consistently earned top ratings from Charity Navigator, making every dollar count towards changing children’s lives.
About Vikasana
Vikasana is a grassroots organization working in 165 villages in Karnataka, focusing on educating and rehabilitating children of migratory laborers and child laborers. Adults are often forced to migrate in search of employment to earn their bread, and their children migrate with them, leading to school dropouts. These children are then compelled to work alongside their parents in coffee plantations, brick-making, or as agricultural/domestic workers to help support their families.
Through its Bridge School initiative, Vikasana offers non-formal education that prepares children to re-enter mainstream schooling, giving them the foundation for a better future. With support from Asha-Seattle and Asha-UFlorida, Vikasana is also starting a pilot program in agro/farming to achieve self-sustenance within 5-6 years, while imparting farming techniques to landowning migratory laborers to support their livelihoods.
How can I help ?
Your contribution will make a direct impact on these children’s lives. A contribution of ~$50 will provide educational materials and 1 uniform set for 5 children.
You can donate online by clicking the “Donate” button on this page. Every dollar counts and makes a significant difference in helping these children escape the cycle of child labor and poverty. Together, we can give them hope and a brighter future.
Thank you for your support!
| $1 covers the nutritional needs (3 meals, including a snack) of a child for a day ($150 feeds 5 children for a month) |
| $10 can provide all the education materials and 1 uniform set for 1 child for an entire year. ($50 provides educational materials & 1 uniform set for 5 children for a year) |
| $450 covers the entire contribution of Asha* for 1 child annually ($225 covers Asha’s support for 1 child for 6 months) |