Education is not merely a gift; it is a basic human right.In India today,

An estimated 50 million children have no access to primary

education

Statistics based on UNICEF data

35 million children work as laborers

Statistics based on UNICEF data

8 million Indian children are physically or mentally disabled

Statistics based on www.cry.org data

Yet there is stillhope.asha.

A non-profit organization

ASHA for Education

dedicated to catalyzing social change in India via the education of underprivileged children

ASHA for Education raises and distributes funds to

Orphanages

Primary schools

Women’s shelters

Centers for blind persons

Centers for mentally-disabled children

and much more…

ASHA has disbursed over $4 million in aid

and with 66 worldwide chapters,ASHA has financed nearly 400 projects in India.over 1000 volunteers,

ASHA aims to teach self-sustainability

We partner with other world organizations

And pre-screen each project to ensure that funds will be used appropriately.

Raise public awareness about education issues

Sponsor a Child for as little as $10 a month

Help make an impact.

Change a life...

Volunteer at Asha fundraising events

Support the following Atlanta-sponsored projects…

Project Name: Sayhog Anusandhan Trust

Location: Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra

Sponsoring Chapters: Atlanta, Berkeley

This project supports young women in slum area with academic, financial, and social resources.

Project 1: Education for Adolescent Women

These students are the first women in their neighborhood to attend college.

Location: Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu

Sponsoring Chapters: Atlanta, New Jersey

This center provides vocational training for blind women in poverty.

$2400 have been disbursed over 2 years for purchasing Braille equipment and food supplies.

Project 2: Rehabilitation Center for Blind Women

Provides education classes for children residing in slums, on pavements, docks

The "School on Wheels“ brings the classroom to the children.

Project Name: Door-step School Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra Sponsoring Chapters: Atlanta, Berkeley

Project 3: Local Education

“A body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.”

Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi

Marathon and Half Marathon Training Program

Miracle Miles 2006

Why Run a Marathon?• Physical benefits• Social activity• Increase your confidence• Accomplish a goal of a lifetime

“If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” - Emil Zatopek, 1952 Olympic Winner

Marathon Statistics

• Fastest growing form of exercise in North America• 7% - 8% increase in number of runners each year• 1976 : 25,000 finishers• 2003 : 500,000 finishers

– Less than 0.1% of the world population!

Miracle Miles 2006: Inaugural Year• Run the Atlanta Half or Full Marathon• November 23, 2006• Personal training geared to your current fitness

level– Beginner and advanced running plans– Water/Gatorade stations– Personal mentoring – Shoe clinic at Phidippides– Discount on shoes from Phidippides

Asha for Education - Mission

“To catalyze socio-economic change in India through education of underprivileged children.”

Asha for Education

• Non-profit, volunteer driven organization• Zero overhead• Open financial accounts• Contributions are tax deductible (501(c)3).• Total disbursements as of 2004 exceed

$5,300,000

Why Run for Asha?

• Run for a cause – help educate India’s underprivileged children

• Personal involvement– Raise funds through your marathon efforts– Direct them towards an Asha project of your choice

“It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act.”

- Dalai Lama

Asha’s Marathon History• 100% of past Asha trainees finished their

marathons or half-marathons• Over 450 runners since 2000

– 35% women– 70% first time runners

• Age group range of 22-62 years• Over $1 million raised since 2000

– 7 marathon programs

Asha’s Commitment• Training

– Personal training for approximately 5 months– Schedules for beginner and advanced levels– Personal mentoring– Runs around beautiful areas in Atlanta– Team Apparel (Coolmax Jersey)– Water/Gatorade stops during long runs– Fundraising ideas– Seminars

• Choosing the “right” shoe• Nutrition• Injury prevention

• Fundraising Guidance– Online donations page– Write letters (Sample letter provided)

• Friends• Family• Colleagues

– Company Matching Donations– Company Sponsorship– Local Businesses

• Park Tavern

Asha’s Commitment

• Over 5 months of regular training– Mental strength is up to you!

• Raise $500 – Goal of $1000– Raise as much as you can!– Asha Austin had 15 runners in its inaugural year

• Raised over $25,000

Your Commitment

Past Runner Testimonials“I made the decision to start training for the half marathon because I wanted to take on a physical challenge…I vividly remember the day I completed my first 5, 8, and recently 12 mile run. It was unlike any feeling I have ever experienced. These runs are not only physically rewarding but emotionally fulfilling as I am hoping to raise money for ASHA.” –Sonia, Asha New Jersey

“So, what motivated me to do it all? Children are the future of a nation. My heart sinks at the fact that even in this 21st century there are still 180 million children out of school in 6-14 years of age category in my beloved nation…Education could empower the children by giving them freedom of choice and help them become better citizens of the world.” –Sameer, Asha New Jersey

Registration• No Registration Fee

– Sign up and commit to the cause– Deadline: July 8th (Kickoff run)

• Sign up today! – JUST DO IT! – Accomplish a goal of a lifetime!– Run for a cause!– You will NOT regret it!

• Sign up online at http://www.ashanet.org/atlanta/– Download the forms and bring them to the first run

• More information about first run will be posted at our website

What do I do next?• I’m definitely interested …

– If you are ready, sign up today!

• I think I’m interested …– If you still need some time to decide, please:

• Talk to the coaches • Talk to others you know who have run a marathon

– You can also come out for a couple of runs and see if that helps you make your decision

Questions & Answers

We graciously thank our sponsors!