BRIEF NEWS FROM 2001

Urgent Need: Sponsors for "Day Scholars"!

At the time of this posting (November 29, 2001) there is an urgent need for "Day Sponsors." Ten US dollars per month will provide tuition, books, a school uniform, and a meal for non-boarding students, depending on facilities available at each school. At present there are seventy (70) requests for "Day Scholar" sponsorships in the Asian Aid USA office that are in need of fulfillment. Can you help?

The number and types of sponsorships needed for children in India cannot be predicted, changes from day to day, and is also beyond the control of Asian Aid USA. It is requested, therefore, that sponsors permit their funds to be applied where they are most needed, if there is not a current, known need for the sponsor's first preference. Please indicate your flexibility on this issue when you contact Asian Aid USA to process your child sponsorship.

Thank you for your continued and generous financial support in educating the increasing number of needy children that we, together, can serve.
November 2001

Asian Aid USA Directors Visit Schools in India.

For ten days in late November, Linda and John, the two persons responsible for establishing Asian Aid USA in early 2001, visited several of the schools and orphanages in India where the children you sponsor are in attendance.

More than one hundred pounds (45 kilograms) of items were packed and taken along for sponsored children and adults. Items received from many American adults, children and a corporate donor included: Dozens of sarees contributed by one donor and her Indian friends; 30 sweaters and jackets for children living in the colder, mountainous areas of northern India; 60 sign-language coloring books for students in the Asian Aid school for the deaf; more than 50 other books plus several illustrated song books; over 100 sets of other light-weight school supplies, and 100 small toys for children.

A New Orphanage Just Opened

Substantial funding for establishing a new Asian Aid orphanage has recently been provided. This facility, known as Sunrise Home, is located at Bobbili, in the extreme north-east of Andhra Pradesh state, and was also on the visitation itinerary. It is just one of the latest institutions established with funds from Asian Aid donors, and within the first few weeks of operation it already cares for nearly 20 orphans.

Overall, Asian Aid Australia and USA provide funding for more than 5,500 children in 12 orphanages and more than 100 schools in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The needs are great and your sponsorships and other contributions will help the many Asian Aid projects already in place, and allow us to add new ones as sufficient funds become available.
November 2001

Still Needed: Sponsors for Boys!

Many willing sponsors are requesting that their funds be used to sponsor girls. But this has led to a problem: There are currently many more boys who are applying for sponsorships than girls. The staff of Asian Aid USA, therefore, requests that sponsors consider this situation, and indicate that sponsorship funds be applied to boys OR girls, wherever funds are most needed. Your continued, generous financial support for the many needy children is greatly appreciated.
October/November 2001

Rapid Growth ... High Administration Costs

In the first six months of the existance of Asian Aid USA more than 300 children are receiving sponsorships from generous donors across the United States and Canada. This rapid growth continues and has resulted in very high operating costs. A full-time person has had to be employed to keep up with the amount of administrative work. In addition, at least five others are involved—some paid part-time, some volunteers.

Because of the high cost of operation, it has become necessary to request funds on a continual basis for operating expenses. Your liberal contribution towards operating and administrative costs will allow Asian Aid USA to continue to grow and assist more needy children. If you are willing to help with operating expenses, please indicate so on the downloadable Information Form, or contact the Asian Aid office. Thank you for this much-needed assistance.

Administrative costs in India are very low. Currently, US$1.50 per child per month is used for this purpose.
October 2001

Special Needs—from Summer 2001 print Newsletter

At present we are requesting funds on behalf of Jayanthi Raymond. Jayanthi grew up in Asian Aid's Sunshine Orphanage and, as such, has a special place in our hearts.

Asian Aid paid for Jayanthi to attend nursing school for her diploma and she is currently working on her Bachelor's degree in nursing at Annai J.K.K Sampoorani College of Nursing in Tamil Nadu State, India.

Asian Aid USA normally does not fund a student's advanced degree but in this case, we feel an exception is warranted. She needs $1,500 to complete her degree. If you are interested in contributing towards Jayanthi's education, please contact our office. Any excess donations received will be reserved for future special needs projects.
September 2001

Asian Aid Assists in New Area of Karnataka

Asian Aid USA is assisting in the education of students in the Indian State of Karnataka. Eighteen elementary and secondary level students from one ethnic group are now attending school, several of whom are sponsored by Asian Aid.

These students and their families are descendents of slaves brought to India centuries ago by the Portuguese. Each family group was originally provided with a small piece of land which cannot be expanded, on which they grow food and crops for their subsistence. For many, in isolated, forested areas, those subsistence crops are often destroyed by wild animals and insects. Water must be carried long distances in plastic containers for their fields and personal use. For these families and their children, survival is difficult at best. Asian Aid USA is grateful for donors in North America to assist in supporting and educating these children and others so that they can live more productive lives.
September 2001