www.koshishindia.org

23 December 2008 - We went to Koshish on Saturday, and delivered the workbooks we bought.  I also measured for bookshelves to have installed in their "office."  The younger girls from church delivered Christmas goody bags and sang carols.  I'm adding to the list below:  early learning materials, like puzzles that teach simple English words: Fruits, Vegetables, Colors, Animals, Shapes, etc.

20 September 2008 - Found some better prices on workbooks... we're down to 59 rupees which for 100 books is about $131.  I'm going to call the publishers directly to see if we can do even better, or better yet maybe get donations.

15 September 2008 - I have been pricing English teaching workbooks for the school, and so far I've gotten them down to 88 rupees each (which at today's exchange rate is $1.91).  So if we get 100 books, that's still $191.  I'm still on the lookout, and will hopefully find some cheaper.  If anyone wants to donate $$ to the cause, send a check and a note to my mom, and an email to me.  I've also contacted several publishing companies in the US to see if they would be willing to donate.  Special thanks to School Zone Publishing who committed to send a variety of workbooks for the school.  Unfortunately, they are unable to send them in quantities required by the school, but hopefully it will benefit the teachers and provide them with useful ideas for teaching the skills the children need. 

On August 23rd, 2008, we made another trip to Koshish.  (Photos) This time to deliver the books that were so generously donated by YOU!  Thank you so much.  Since the last time I went, the school has had the electricity turned off (and during the hottest time of the year).  It still isn't on, but we are hoping to help them rectify the situation.  The youngest kids classroom has no windows (how would you like to be a 3 year old sitting in a hot, dark classroom all day?).  Since we've donated so many books, my next project will be to have a book shelf made for the school.  (Donations welcomed)  I've had several people ask if their wards could use this school as a project, and of course, the answer is a resounding YES!  These children need all the help they can get to lift them from the lives of poverty they lead.  Winter will be here before you know it, and while it doesn't snow here, and cold is definitely a relative term, it does get very cold when you don't have 4 walls and a roof over your head.  Consider collecting sweaters, or long sleeve t-shirts, hats, gloves, or blankets.  The ages of the children range from 3 - 15.  In my guesstimation, most of the children are in the 6-10 year old size range, although there are several who look like they are 2 and several who are normal teenager sizes.  There are 182 total students. 

Here is the list of things the school is in need of:

• School supplies: pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, etc.

• Paper, all kinds: for drawing, coloring, writing

• Early learning materials:  things that teach simple English words: Fruits, Vegetables, Colors, Animals, Shapes, etc.

• Puzzles

• Maps

• Globe

• Chalkboard/Whiteboard

• Water Jugs - We brought one for them when we came and she was overjoyed

• Storybooks

• Mats to sit on - they are sitting on a piece of fabric used to demarcate the row they should sit on.

• Hygiene kits: soap, toothbrushes, paste, comb/brush, etc  done!

• T-shirts - sizes from 3T - youth XL (easier to fit a t-shirt than other clothing items)

• Sweaters for winter

• Blankets

• Any donate-able clothing in those sizes

• English learning workbooks (see August 25, 2008 blog)

April 2008

I would love to focus on the whole book aspect of this project.  They have no books, and are interested in starting their own sort of library which one of the older students would be in charge of running.  Their curriculum is in both Hindi and English, so if these children have English storybooks to read, the chances of them picking it up faster and also retaining and reinforcing what they have learned is increased.  Considering my love of books, I am enthusiastic about this effort. If any of you have books you are considering getting rid of, please consider sending them to us here.  If you are interested in organizing a RS literacy effort to collect books, please consider sending them to us here.  If you have an inkling to raid your local goodwill or DI and buy out their books, please consider sending them to us here.  However, if you see something else on this list or think of something entirely different that you would like to contribute to this school, don't hesitate to send it to us here.  Remember that our address is in Virginia, so sending a package book rate shouldn't be too expensive.  (However, keep in mind the 45 lbs weight limit)