Chapter meeting on 03/24/07 at 4.30pm. 

Present: Jalpa, Ravi, Sridhar, Amrish, Sowmya, Chidambaram, Kavitha, 
Hansa. 


The following was the agenda: 


1. Discussion on renewal of Anu & Krishna fellowship 
2. a new proposal on Mobile Science Lab & Library 
3. Status review of some items - WAH, Asha-16, fund raiser offers 


1.Anu and Krishna fellowship renewal: 
Sridhar provided overview of the activities of Anu and Krishna at 
Thulir (www.thulir.org) for the fellowship period (04/06-03/07) and 
future plans for the period 04/07-03/08. Thulir is an Education 
Resource Center run by Anu and Krishna in Sittilingi (a tribal 
village) in Tamilnadu supporting nearly 55 children. This information 
is also available on the chapter projects website and the blogs of 
Thulir (http://newsfromthulir.blogspot.come/). Following the overview, 
there was a discussion on the current and future activities. Anu and 
Krishna would like to focus on language and math skills. They also 
would like to introduce visuals. They would like to work on setting up 
a technology center for providing vocational training. Sowmya wondered 
if there are any plans to expand the center or there is any need to 
accommodate more children. Chidambaram suggested if there is need to 
convert this into a project for continued support. In response to 
this, Sridhar mentioned that he would try to elicit the opinion of Anu 
and Krishna. After this Sridhar proposed the budget of $4400 for both 
Anu and Krishna. The chapter agreed unanimously to fund Anu and 
Krishna fellowship at $4400 for the 04/06-03/07 period. 


2.Mobile Science Lab and Library: 
Ravi introduced a new proposal on setting up a mobile science lab and 
library in Mahabubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh to help improve 
quality of education in high schools. The proposal was received from 
an NRI association (www.palamoor.org) from the district. Ravi provided 
highlights of the proposal. This project is an effort similar to the 
Science of Wheels project that the chapter supports. The initial cost 
of the proposal is about Rs. 480000. There was discussion following 
the proposal. The chapter showed initial interest and decided to take 
it up for further scrutiny. The chapter requested more information on 
the collaborating NGOs and their past experience, details of the 
budget, operational expenses, etc. The chapter also suggested that the 
NGO on the ground interact with SOW staff. It was also suggested that 
someone from the NRI forum be invited in the next meeting to talk to 
the chapter. The discussion will continue on the project. 


3.Team Asha marathon: Sridhar mentioned that it is time for the 
chapter to participate in the marathon planning. The chapter needs to 
look for the marathon coordinator. 


4.WAH proposal: SOW and KNUC projects were submitted for WAH 2007. 
However, SOW was withdrawn, and KNUC project steward has not received 
any communication on it. The chapter also needs to find a volunteer to 
represent the chapter in WAH. 


5.Asha-16: The registration for Asha-16 conference in May has started. 
Asha CNJ is hosting it and CNJ needs support and help from Pricenton 
chapter. Discussion on the need for accommodation came up but more 
information will be available later. 


Ravi.