Project Mala is a charity based near Varanasi, India which was started 30 years ago and has grown from 1 small school to 6 schools, which provide education to underprivileged kids starting from nursery up to high school. These kids live in remote villages of rural India facing abject poverty and complete lack of opportunities, often having to walk up to 4 miles (6.5 kms) daily just to reach school. This area has no basic facilities, transport links, sanitation or access to healthcare. The schools provide these children a nutritional midday meal as well as regular health check-ups, school supplies, uniforms and vocational training. This has given children an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and provide a better future for themselves and their families.

My family and I have been supporting this charity for nearly a decade and I continue to be impressed by their work. On my trip to India last October, I visited the Project Mala schools near Varanasi along with my family and got to see first-hand the work they do. I was deeply moved seeing the dedication and enthusiasm of both staff and pupils - despite limited resources. This has motivated me to want to do more for the charity.

I am going to spend 10 weeks (between September and December 2019) staying alongside the children and volunteering at the schools. I will be assisting in classes, focusing specifically on STEM subjects with girls to bridge the gender attainment gap. I am also going to be helping students improve their spoken English. Another thing I plan to do is spread awareness on global environmental issues and how they can make an impact in their own communities.

I hope you would be willing to help me raise funds for this worthy cause to continue to make a difference and I thank you in advance for your support.

Thanks

Bhavi