Join Neel in support of Pratham USA Readathon 2016 (Orange County, CA)

Neel

300 from 8 donors 1 update 500 goal

What is the Readathon?: Pratham USA Readathon 2016 is a fundraising initiative that encourages kids in the U.S. to read books and raise money to help underprivileged kids in India learn to read, write and count.
How does it work?: With a parent’s help, kids ask their friends and family to donate money to Pratham for every book they read. The more books they read and the more people they ask, the more money they raise.; Where does my money go?; All donations to the Readathon go to support Pratham’s work for child education in India. With the help of trained professionals and dedicated volunteers, Pratham runs pre-schools and after-school programs in many cities and villages of India so that underprivileged children can read, write and count at their appropriate grade level. Pratham needs only $25 to educate one child for one whole year.
Who can participate?: Kids of any age can participate (adults too!). Children too young to read can have a parent or older siblings read to them.
Why participate?: Reading is good for everyone. Reading to help others learn to read is Great! Participating in this Readathon is an amazing way to do community service and enjoy the benefits of reading at the same time – expanded vocabulary, improved communication skills and increased knowledge.
Are there prizes?: Yes! Medals and Trophies for readers who raise more money so that more kids are helped. A Young Reader Award for the reader who raises the most money and a Young Leader Award for the Readathon Coordinator who demonstrates strong leadership skills and whose team raises a significant amount of money. Certificates of Appreciation for all readers.
What is a Readathon Coordinator?: A Readathon Coordinator (RC) is a high school student who leads a team of younger readers and guides, supports and cheers them on in meeting their reading and fundraising goals for the Readathon. An RC will learn good management and leadership skills and can also enjoy all the benefits of being a reader. Volunteering experience as RC may be used to fulfill honor society requirements or to build up the resume.
How do I know if my donation makes a difference?: In addition to various impact stories you can read here some participating families have also visited Pratham programs in India to see the impact with their own eyes. You can contact us if you want to plan a visit to a Pratham site or have specific questions. In addition, Pratham is a four star rated charity (highest possible rating) by the Charity Navigator.
I want more details.: Here are some more details about Readathon. Here is more information about Pratham.

Thanks to...

Aug 8	Vijaya view profile Vijaya made a 25 contribution
Jul 7	Ranjini view profile Ranjini made a 25 contribution
Jul 6	Usha view profile Usha made a 25 contribution
Jul 2	Mahnaz view profile Mahnaz made a 50 contribution
	Kumari view profile Kumari made a 25 contribution
Jun 21	Mallika & Ravi view profile Mallika & Ravi made a 25 contribution
Jun 12	Vikram view profile Vikram made a 100 contribution
	25 from 1 offline donor

Every book I read helps educate a child in India

Dear Friends,

I am the coordinator for Pratham USA Readathon(Orange County, California) 2016. I have participated in Pratham Readathons before and it is a fun way to read and raIse money for children in need. This is the first time we are organizing a readathon in the OC, and it is my first year as a coordinator. Therefore I am very grateful for this opportunity.
I am participating in Pratham USA Readathon 2016 because I want to help less fortunate children attend Pratham schools and learn to read, write and count well. Pratham is a not-for-profit organization that is educating millions of kids in India since it was founded in 1995. It is very well known and has won many international awards for its work in child literacy and education. Pratham USA raises funds and awareness in the US for this important cause. Please visit www.prathamusa.org for more information.

Pratham needs only $25 to educate one child for one whole year. I love to read because when I read, I can learn a lot, meet new people, discover new places, find new ideas, improve my vocabulary, use my imagination and never get bored! I am so happy that with your donation, my reading will help many other children. I am going to read 10 books. Please support my Readathon by making a donation to Pratham USA today.

Love,
Neel A. Kumar
Pratham USA coordinator

Update #1: The Twenty One Balloons (sent July 24)

Hi everyone!
This is my first update, and the book I read is called The Twenty One Balloons, by William Pene De Bouis. The book is about a retired math professor, Mr. William Waterman Sherman, who decides to take a balloon trip across the pacific ocean. He crash lands into an island called Krakatoa. Then Mr. Sherman meets a man named Mr. F who shows him around the island and the people who are living on it. Then a volcano on the island erupts, and Mr. Sherman, Mr. F, and all the other people on the island abandoned it. I really liked the Diamond mines in the middle of the story, and found it interesting how the people of Krakatoa distributed the diamonds throughout the countries. I was a little puzzled about the Balloon Airy Go Round, a contraption mentioned towards the end of the book. I understood how it’s purpose was to carry people over the island, but I didn’t quite understand it’s inner workings. The book was a mix between sci-fi and realistic fiction, and I greatly recommend it for children aging from 9-14. Thank you, and bye!

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