Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

All cricket lovers have been celebrating India’s victory in the recent Videocon and Pepsi series. And there is reason to celebrate at Deepalaya too. The organization scored a hat-trick on 14th Nov 2005. Yes a hat trick indeed by bagging the TSS-AMC Grant for girl child education for the third time in succession. It was indeed a true Children’s Day celebration for all.

Mr. Robert Blake, Deputy Chief Missions, The American Embassy,
Ms. Sophia Blake, Rtn. T K Mathew, Deepalaya Children at TSS-AMC Grant Presentation Ceremony The Grant is part of the Target Sourcing Services/Associated Merchandising Corporation worldwide CSR program. The agenda is to support organizations across the world with a goal to facilitate quality educational opportunities for children and youth. Target has a long history of giving back to the community. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of their federally taxable income to the communities in which they do business. TSS/AMC believes that giving is not only a responsibility but also a privilege.
It was in the year 2003 when Deepalaya was selected for the company’s first international grant program. The support of over US$ 12,000 facilitated the enrollment of more girl children. This helped us to raise the enrollment of girls to atleast 50% of the total students enrolled at the Deepalaya Schools. That year we got in a hundred more girls, who were provided with subsidized education at a monthly fee of Rs. 50/-.
Encouraged by the response, we applied for the second year too. And we were pleasantly surprised to receive the Grant for the second time. And the third time too. Why? To quote Mr. P. Jagannath, Managing Director, “We did not have to look beyond Deepalaya yet again as we experienced their commitment to providing education, encouraging family learning opportunities, developing future work skills, making special efforts to include children encountering social barriers. This years grant of US$ 17,400 will enable Deepalaya provide quality education and enrol an additional 150 girl children.”

The cheque was presented to Deepalaya by Mr. Robert Blake, Deputy Chief Missions,The American Embassy. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Blake recalled his long association with Deepalaya and appreciated the organization’s focus on educating the underprivileged, giving them a much deserved chance. He was accompanied by his wife Ms. Sophia Blake. Mr. & Ms.Blake have been regularly hosting Deepalaya children for various programs.

Proudly accepting the presentation, Rtn. T K Mathew reiterated Deepalaya’s commitment to deliver results and stay true to its mandate for educating the poorest of the poor.

And the children celebrated their Special Day with a colorful cultural program.