Mahindra Foundation

Overview

Mahindra Foundation, is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Organisation which aims to provide educational support to girl children from vulnerable communities in India.

In many parts of India, the arrival of a baby girl calls for mourning rather than celebration. Abandoning them at birth or marrying them off as children is a common practice. Looked upon as huge economic burdens, it is hardly surprising that many Indian families don't see the point in investing in their education.

Government of India statistics reveal that only three out of ten girls who enter Std. I complete Std. X. At primary school level, over 45% of girls dropout of school and this increases to over 73% by the time the child has reached Std. X.

The Mahindra Foundation supports the education of these underpriviledged girls in India through Project Nanhi Kali which is currently managed by two reputed not for profits in India the K. C. Mahindra Education Trust in Mumbai and Naandi Foundation.

Mission

" TO SEEK GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR THE EDUCATION OF UNDER PRIVILEGED GIRL CHILDREN IN INDIA. "

Program

Project Nanhi Kali encourages individuals, groups and corporates from all over the world to sponsor the education of a desired number of girl children in India for a minimum period of one year.

To become a guardian of a Nanhi Kali, the contribution is only :
65 USD (for girls studying in Std 1-7)
85 USD (for girls studying in Std 8-10)
per girl child, per year.

Nanhi Kali has successfully evolved over the years into a national girl child education sponsorship programme, which provides not only academic support but also direct material support in the form of uniforms, clothes, note books etc.

Sponsors in turn receive a profile of the girl along with her photograph followed by regular bi annual progress reports, so that they can track the academic records of their sponsored child.

Impact

Project Nanhi Kali has been successful in reaching out 36,000 girl children in India and brightening their lives and empowering them for the future by helping them access education.

Project Nanhi Kali has been able to successfully reduce absenteinism, curtain drop out to below 10% ensuring that 90% of the girl children continue to access 10 years of quality education.

Goals This Year

To reach out to 1,00,000 underpriviledged girl children in India by 2008 and to help them develop into empowered and independent young women.

Chief Executive

Ms. Sheetal Mehta- President , Mahindra Foundation USA

Board

1. Keshub Mahindra – Director
2. Anand Mahindra – Director
3. Bharat Doshi – Director
4. Theresa Baden Britschgi – Director
5. Anupam Puri – Director
6. Kwok Li – Director
7. Jack Goldstein – Director
8. Yuthica Galiney – Director

Countries of Operation

India

States of Operation

California