We have our current students in the Gabelalapeta and Shanthi Nagar slums covered. They are our kids and no one is going to leave school or not eat. Donation or not. That is the way with your own children. Whether you can afford them or not, once you have them, you're on the hook, just like we are.
It is sad, however, that, because they become ours, we must restrict the number of children coming into our nursery school. Without further donations we can afford only so much. Your donation could make the difference for one or more of these children. What will they count for in India's future?
What does it cost? The month of July 2009, with all schools in full session, cost us just under $6000 U.S. That is teacher and staff pay, food, food prep, medicines and uniforms for the children. For 400 children that is $15 per child per month. A little more of that allocates to the older children for whom we provide more teaching and materials resources. This 6000 also includes our Valerian graduates' scholarships. The biggest part of our expenses, however, is food. If you come and watch how much our children eat, you will understand this better.
Some slum families do contribute toward their children's education as they are able. None cover more than a quarter of their child's expenses, however.
Setting up for a new school or new slum brings additional costs. The slum leaders will usually give us land for a school. We first build temporary buildings for a few thousand dollars. Later we add more permanent buildings which still are inexpensive.
Your donation counts. At this time we are maxed out with about 400 children. We cannot increase that number and still fund those we have as well as our graduates at Valerian school. As we gain additional funds we can admit more to nursery school and educate them on through. Yet more funds and we will also be looking for another slum (don't worry, there are plenty. We won't have to go far). To start in a new slum we must have sufficient funds to carry through. Having to turn a child away after we have known and helped them is something we cannot do.
You can send checks or written correspondence to:
Opportunity Foundation, Inc.
2201 Monte Vista
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Tel: (208) 765 6379
Opportunity Foundation, Inc. is a U.S. 501(c)3 dedicated to the support of the Opportunity Foundations in Thailand and India. All credit/debit card donations processed here go to India. If donating via check please indicate you are donating to the Indian organization.
Mission Builders International is a U.S. 501(c)3 organization.
Tax receipts emailed to online donors. Others please provide your address.
