Minutes of Asha Seattle meeting on 02/16/2005

 

Venue: Redmond regional library

 

Attendees: Vibhavaree, Ken, Bash, Deb, Ravi, Srijan, Kavita, Vijay, Sandhya, Humsa, Malati, Akshay, Vaibhav, Ravi Manghani, Raghav, Vani, Ashita

 

  1. Akshay talked about Jeevan Gyanodya which is a school based in Tamil Nadu for children who are hearing and speech impaired. The strength of the school is 130 and is recognized by the government. The proposal put forward was to build more classrooms and other rooms along with a hostel based on Municipal, City and Government requirements. There is a need to start funding and construction this year, otherwise they loose government recognition.

 

Concerns regarding the project:

    1. Size of classrooms and hostel seem small especially considering expansion.
    2. Can they get funding from another source?
    3. Check with donors who give regularly.
    4. Toilet and sewage facility?
    5.  More details would be good for budget-Srijan to send an example to Akshay.
    6. Send to Boston chapter.
    7. Can we fund in installments or do they need the entire funding right away?
    8. Funding from community involvement or parents or increased fees?

 

Project needs to be reviewed again once the questions are answered.

 

  1. Malati talked about SUPPORT site visit. There is a request for renewal of support. A short review:
    1. They need Rs.14 lakhs as oppose to Rs.12 lakhs last year.
    2. Approach specific donors?
    3. Get equipment donated from corporations?
    4. Advice long term to reduce budget.
    5. What part of funding will be reduced if numbers of kids are reduced?
    6. What will be cut down if only $18,000/- are provided.

 

When put to vote there were 15 yes and 2 abstained.

 

  1. Vibhavaree proposed a talk by Ravi Kumar who is an architect involved with NGO’s and Tsunami rehabilitation. Some points brought forward:
    1. Do we want a talk by Ravi?
    2. Feb. 26th is a good time to coincide with Geetanjali.
    3. Remote presentation option?
    4. Travel re-imbursement is typically $100/- to $150/-
    5. We need more information about the topic.
    6. Ideas for us for livelihood options for Tsunami victims.

 

  1. Raghav and Vani gave Tsunami update.
    1. RIM – reviewing request for funding.
    2. Anugriha
    3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Neither SEED’s nor ANET has permission.
    4. Sent money to SUYA - $8000/- to purchase books for the school.
    5. Have sent $40,000/- total.
    6. Asha Chennai has given $5,000/-

 

  1. Bash gave an update on Sumavanam:
    1. Showed pictures and artwork from Sumavanam.
    2. The biggest challenge right now is the drop out rate, especially of female students.
    3. Couple who started it used to work at NAL Bangalore – moved to rural area and started school.

 

  1. Vani talked about the Bhopal gas tragedy.
    1. Film screening with Tasveer done.
    2. Plan to screen the film again in conjunction with Seattle Amnesty.
    3. There is a plan to have a speaker on that occasion.
    4. There was a discussion about the Bhopal gas tragedy.

 

 

 

 

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