Every book I read helps educate a child in India

Hello! My name is Kriti. I’m 16 years old, and I am going into the 11th grade this August. This is my second year as one of the Pratham Coordinators for Austin, and I am so happy to see YOU interested in giving back to not only to your community, but for something a bit bigger than you.

Lots of people say they want to make a difference. But saying and doing are two completely different things. It’s hard for kids to change the world, especially when they are constrained by school, homework, and social life. Pratham is a great loophole out of that constraint.

FAQ- (Facts, answers, and questions):
Q:So what is Pratham?
A: Pratham is a non profit organization that is dedicated to helping uneducated children in India. It provides a quality learning experience to children in remote places all over India by providing free tutoring at the child’s level and making sure that the child is learning and making progress.

Q: How effective is this organization?
A:Pratham has helped to improve the reading, writing and math skills of nearly 5 million children in 30,000 villages in India in 2011. Pratham has also recruited and trained young men and women from the local communities to become teachers and role models for children, and provided enhanced employment prospects to 62,000 youth in 2012 alone. How many organizations do you know can do that? Pratham measures learning levels of children frequently. It has received many awards internationally and its teaching and measuring methods are being adopted by other countries because of their effectiveness.

Q: How can I help? What do I have to do?
A: How can YOU help? The answer is easy! All you have to do is read! Read books, and make a profile page on this website (mentioning what you’ve read preferably). Have family or friends sponsor any amount for you! All you have to do is have a readathon co-ordinator.

Which, I happen to be.
If you’d like to join, you can contact me! (please see bottom of this page)

Q: I dont think I’ll be able to make a whole lot of money…..Is it still worth my time?
A: YES, YES, and YES. Even if you only make 25 bucks, that’s enough to teach a child in India FOR A WHOLE YEAR!. Can you imagine that? And even if you don’t make anything, your support is what we ask for. You’ll get to read, and hey-how on earth can you lose in this situation?

Q:This looks great! But I’m afraid I’m too busy too read or be a coordinator…..
A:Too busy to read this summer? Why not you donate? Pick someone to sponsor, and give any amount you like. You could pledge 5 dollars for every book someone reads, and watch as a child reads and gets more money! With Pratham’s setup-it is also very easy to donate. Simply click the donate button on a child’s profile page in order to help them out.

Q: I have a young child who cant read. Can he/she still do this?
A: Actually, for kids who cant read, this is the BEST kind of program! Parents, this is your opportunity to spend more time reading bedtime stories. Send family and friends the webpage you create to show them what you and your child are up too.

For more information visit: http://www.prathamusa.org/sites/default/files/pratham_readathon_2013-_why_be_a_readathon_coordinator.pdf

Have any questions? Want to join this project? Don’t be shy to contact me!

Email: [email protected]

I can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes!

Books I’ve read:
1. June 30th:
The Lightning Thief By:Rick Riordan
So after much trouble from my little sister, I have finally begun the Percy Jackson series! Like Harry Potter, this book is easily for ALL ages. Humorous, fun to read, interesting, and difficult to put down-I finished this book in just a few hours!
When weird things begin happening to Perseus Jackson, Percy is thrown into a new truth and world he never knew existed. That of the Greek gods. He makes new enemies, and is forced to go on a dangerous quest to prove his worth as a half blood, or demigod.5 out 5, I loved this book. If you haven’t read it yer. I highly suggest that you do.

2.July 5th
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (Book 1) By:Douglas Adams
The Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy is exactly the book you need if you want to laugh and think deeper about your life and those burning questions: Why are we born? Why do we die? And why do we spend so much time in between wearing digital watches?
A hilarious, but well crafted story: We follow Arthur Dent-the last remaining human after plant earth is destroyed to make room for the new inter galactic high way. Arthur will meet new friends, travel aboard improbability, and most importantly: follow the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, the best book out have if you are traversing the galaxy with no mind as to how you spend your time. Out 5 stars, this book definitely receives a 5. I would recommend this book for 12 and up, due to some difficult content. But otherwise, this is an AWESOME book to read. Pick it up at your library, and oh! Don’t forget a towel!

3.July 6th
The Sea of Monsters By:Rick Riordan
The second book to the Percy Jackson Series, continues the story right where we left off. In the same fast paced,funny, and interesting story line, this book is a fast and enjoyable read!
When Percy begins having odd dreams about his best friend, Grover, in danger-things only escalate when he arrives to find Camp Half blood in a state of ruin. It’s up to Percy and Annabeth to save the day! But like most Greek stories go:Not without some hindrance, some epic battles, and some awesome super powers!
Out of 5, I rate this book a 5, and encourage all ages to read this book! Like Harry Potter, this book pleases a very wide audience.

4./5./6. July 10th-31st
The Titans Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian By:Rick Riordan
The last 3 books of the (first part) of the Percy Jackson series. Look no farther for your next interesting series. Percy will be your new favorite character of all time. I would give you a summary, but then I would start ranting about how awesome this series is, and might give some stuff away.
READ IT!

This year I will be attempting to read at least five books.
Some books I really hope on completing:
1. The Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. by: Douglas Adams
2. The Crossing by: Cormack McCarthy
3.The Extraordinary education of Nicholas Benedict by: Trenton Stewart
4. Legend by: Marie Lu
5. The Hobbit by: J.R.R Tolkien (This is my loftiest goal by far!)