This gift will provide a kit of basic tailoring tools and cloth for one woman in a tailoring training center, enabling her to begin learning and practicing her new trade immediately. Contributing to sustainable economic development initiatives is a critical component of the Dalit Freedom Network’s (DFN) mission to partner with the Dalits in their quest for religious freedom, social justice, and human dignity by...

This gift makes it possible for a Dalit in a self-help group sponsored by the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) to receive a small loan to start a business. Loan recipients develop a reliable source of income and gain self-respect and dignity by repaying the amount. Plus, as the loan is paid back with a fair interest rate, another group member may receive funding. When Sabita’s...

Your donation will educate one child for 1 year in night school. The Barefoot College began Night Schools for the children of the working poor in 1975 to provide an education that draws on the knowledge of the community. Literate young men and women in the community are selected and trained for 6 months to become Barefoot Teachers. By providing the learning environment of the...

The Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) works towards equal education and employment opportunities for all Dalits by offering a subsidized, quality English-medium education for Dalit children through 67 Dalit Education Centers throughout North & South India. By the end of 2007, 12 new schools will open and our goal is to operate 100 schools by 2009. Often, the shortage of desks forces younger students to sit...

This gift will cover the cost of vaccinations for one Dalit child. Not only is this a practical and much needed gift, it is a small investment with a big return: a healthy childhood. Healthy children are more likely to stay in school and succeed. In addition, you’re supporting the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) Healthcare Program, which is the first comprehensive healthcare program for Dalits....

This gift will cover the cost for one Dalit women to attend a Women’s Empowerment Conference in India. Just beyond their village’s border—where many women have never ventured—the leaders of the Conference are prepared to teach Dalit women valuable truths about their worth as humans beings and skills for a dignified life despite caste oppression. This gift enables one woman to attend. Acting as host,...

In Jakarta's poorest neighborhoods, Mercy Corps promotes the practice and benefits of breastfeeding. We create training programs for health providers and maternity clinics. And we foster neighborhood-level support groups for pregnant and nursing mothers, promote events that raise awareness about the advantages of breastfeeding, and lobby local and national policymakers.

Girl Stars is a multi-media campaign communicating to girls age 10-16 about the importance of going to school and staying in school. Girl Stars creates ‘icons’ out of everyday young women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds who have changed their lives by completing their education. Girl Stars stories aim to inspire millions of girls from under privileged backgrounds age 10-16 years to complete their education...

But the story isn't finished. Dalit Freedom Network trained the father to drive a bicycle-rickshaw, leading to increased income so the mother could stay home and the daughter could attend school. As this story illustrates, the gifts that make up the Dalit Economic Fund are wisely used to contribute to the economic independence and stability of Dalit families in India. DFN's Self-Help groups provide money-management...

This gift will pay for all costs at the Living India Orphanage for three children for one month. At Living India, children have a place to live, food to eat, loving caretakers to watch them, and an opportunity to play and enjoy their childhood despite past tragedies. With your $100 donation, you will ensure that Living India can provide for three children for one month,...

Your gift will support efforts in Maharashtra, India's second most populous state, to create solutions that can be scaled up for use in many parts of the country. A local organization, the Bhavishya Trust, has been created to undertake this important task. A powerful group of Indian organizations has joined the initiative, including civil society groups, businesses key government agencies. Together, they removing deeply rooted...

From Going to School in a Tent to Going to School in the Dark, GTS continues with mini books in regional languages to reach millions of children across Inida. GTS media works to increase enrollment & awareness; improve quality of education; celebrate diversity & inspire change.

Your gift will help improve local human rights laws in 238 villages of rural Orissa, one of the least developed states in India. This project strengthens the voice of women, young people and grassroots groups in community-level planning. It also trains and supports local leaders so they can help their communities by improving the delivery of essential services. Your most generous gift of $106 will...

In the story above, a Dalit boy believed the messages of his culture and accepted that his life was worthless. But after a short time in a DFN Dalit Education Center, another boy, Babu, is able to proudly wear his uniform and say, "When I grow up, I want to be a police officer!" Through this gift you offer hope for a future to a...

Your gift of $360 will provide a Dalit child with a quality education for an entire year. In addition, each student is provided with room and board, uniforms, books, personal items and health care.

This gift will provide a Dalit child with the opportunity to receive a quality education. These children will be the first members of their family to attend secondary school;the first who can read and write more than their own names. Your generous gift of $30 will provide room and board and tuition for a Dalit child for one month.

IMED, an Opportunity International partner, is a microfinance organization based in Chennai. When the tsunami struck, the IMED staff was quick to respond, surveying the damage in stricken areas, participating in relief activities and gauging the future needs of tsunami victims. Opportunity is now embarking on an aggressive expansion plan in India. By the end of 2006, IMED’s microfinance activity will be transferred to a...

You gift of swimming lessons for a Dalit child in rural India, can mean the difference between life and death. $25 pays for a week of swimming lessons, bathing suit, towel, and kick-board for one child.

This gift places an essential tool kit into the hands of a Community Healthcare Worker in a Dalit village. For example, a stethoscope, scale and delivery kit are basic tools that make a big difference. The Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) is building a comprehensive healthcare system for Dalits. This is a critical component of the strategy to transform Dalit villages into a place free of...

By sponsoring a Dalit child, you are effectively giving him or her a life-changing opportunity – a future with real prospects away from poverty and oppression. Sponsoring a child is just the beginning of an amazing adventure. You can offer a wonderful childhood and change that’s child’s life forever.