SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN IN PALANGKA RAYA (Kalimantan) (April 2005)
From International Development and Relief Program (IRDN), Indonesia

From the meetings that we had with groups of local women, the problem of not having sufficient funds to send their children to school emerged as a major topic. I hope this will be resolved bit by bit as our new president has promised to focus his attention to address this national issue. Scholarships for children in the Rungan Sari area would be a good gesture to integrate and educate the local Dayak children. Our field coordinator already has a list of ten children who need scholarships.

NOTE: Donations for scholarships to this school, Sekolah Bina Cita Utama, may be sent to SDI for transfer. For more information go to the IRDN webpage or download the Project Profile pdf.

SRADHA ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN, YOUTH, AND CHILDREN (India) (April 2005)
From N.V. Ramamoorthy, President

Women: We have organized nine support societies (SHGs) for women, with around 15 members each, to take advantage of the government’s scheme of assistance. We have also brought in Indian Bank, Thally to help with loans at low interest at twice the amount of savings by the SHGs for micro enterprises. The SHGs enable members to voice additional problems in areas such as family health, alcoholism, educational assistance for children, etc.

Youth: Assistance is provided for games, magazines, cultural activities, etc. We have teamed up with Indian Bank, Thally to provide loan assistance to youth for pursuing higher studies in professional courses.

Children: SRADHA provides a clean environment with electrification in three villages which allows children to study at night. Teachers are provided to help their studies and keep order. The performance of the children has greatly improved. Only in Bellur Village are the children given supplementary nutrition in the evening. Due to lack of funds, children of other villages do not get this food.

We provide one set of school uniforms (required in India) free to each child once a year. Due to lack of funds we have discontinued the children’s’ trip once a year to a place of historical importance. This has to be revived as soon as possible.

NOTE: Donations for SRADHA have been requested of Susila Dharma National organizations. Individual donations for SRADHA may be sent to SDI for transfer. For more information on Susila Dharma India projects, go to the SD India page.