Houston:
The Houston arm of an Indian NGO has raised a whopping $1.2 million for improving literacy rates in India.
Pratham Houston held its 2012 Gala over the weekend and raised $1.2 million for quality education for every child that would help them escape the grim cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Over 800 supporters from different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, gathered to show their support to Pratham by raising nearly $ 400,000 during live auctions.
The gala began with the traditional lighting of the lamps by mother of Ajay Banga, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mastercard Worldwide.
The keynote address at the event was delivered by Ajay Banga, who stressed that education at the right way can uplift millions of people in India.
Pratham Houston President Swatantra Jain was overjoyed with the record breaking unprecedented amount of $1.2 million raised from the event.
"This means that over 60000 children in India can get educated for an entire year, can be rescued from a vulnerable lifestyle, can possibly attend a vocational training institute and have a shot at a brighter future", Mr Jain said.
The volunteer-driven Pratham programmes are low in cost and high in impact. The Read India programme cultivates a love of reading and has become a nationwide movement reaching 34 million children across 19 states. Pratham has trained 4,48,000 volunteers and 6,05,000 teachers.
Pratham, a recent recipient of the prestigious award from GE Foundation, the charitable arm of the US conglomerate General Electric was feted for its innovative approach to education; the award comes with 1.6 million, to provide quality education and vocational skills to unemployed rural women.
Pratham Houston held its 2012 Gala over the weekend and raised $1.2 million for quality education for every child that would help them escape the grim cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Over 800 supporters from different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, gathered to show their support to Pratham by raising nearly $ 400,000 during live auctions.
The gala began with the traditional lighting of the lamps by mother of Ajay Banga, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mastercard Worldwide.
The keynote address at the event was delivered by Ajay Banga, who stressed that education at the right way can uplift millions of people in India.
Pratham Houston President Swatantra Jain was overjoyed with the record breaking unprecedented amount of $1.2 million raised from the event.
"This means that over 60000 children in India can get educated for an entire year, can be rescued from a vulnerable lifestyle, can possibly attend a vocational training institute and have a shot at a brighter future", Mr Jain said.
The volunteer-driven Pratham programmes are low in cost and high in impact. The Read India programme cultivates a love of reading and has become a nationwide movement reaching 34 million children across 19 states. Pratham has trained 4,48,000 volunteers and 6,05,000 teachers.
Pratham, a recent recipient of the prestigious award from GE Foundation, the charitable arm of the US conglomerate General Electric was feted for its innovative approach to education; the award comes with 1.6 million, to provide quality education and vocational skills to unemployed rural women.
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