 Jagdish Chander 2460 Crescent Court, Plover WI 54467 (715) 341-1538 |
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Mission || History || Officers || Board of Directors || Annual Reports || By-Laws
ABOUT SHAMA, Inc.
SHAMA, Inc.'s goal is to empower low income women in India through both formal and informal education -- a grassroots effort to develop leadership skills and generate personal and family income. Our ultimate aim is to plant the seeds of change for social justice to raise the status of women in Indian society.
We believe in the concept of "help to help oneself." We support the creation of the environment and necessary support system for women in the lowest classes of Indian society to help themselves. We fully believe that the Indian woman is strong, perseverant and very capable of responsibly leading and supporting the family. We work to help women develop a voice we consider essential in their political, personal, and physical rights.
"Shama" means the flame of a lamp. We strive to
provide a light of hope to destitute women and children in India. The letters of the
word "shama" can also be used to list the means by which we hope
to spread light:
Scholarships: For girls, we provide primary through higher secondary
education, food, uniforms, health checkups, and scholarships to ease the
financial burden on students' families. The
ShamaKids program supports this effort, as
are monies donated to PN Doshi College through the
SPRJ Kanyashala Trust.
Home Industry: For adult women, we focus on career-building through
classes such as tailoring and shorthand.
We also provide loans and incentives for women to start
income-generating ventures through the
ShamaWELL
program.
Activism: Educating women about self empowerment
and their legal rights. Family planning gives women greater control over
their bodies and destiny. This work is done through our support of the
SPRJ Kanyashala Trust.
Medical
and AIDS Awareness: HIV and STD
prevention among sex workers and high risk groups. Treatment for leprosy
and tuberculosis and prevention and cure of blindness. This work is done
through our support of the
SPRJ Kanyashala Trust
and donations to the
Rural Health
Program.
America-India Alliances: The
cultural education work we do in Wisconsin has several aspects: it educates Americans about India and its
culture; it raises awareness among Indians in America of the dedication
and interest of Americans in other cultures; and people in India feel
the compassion shown toward them, building respect and gratitude toward
Americans. The internet provides a letter-writing connection between
American and Indian children. Indian children, adopted or immigrant,
come together to learn about Indian culture.
About SHAMA, Inc.
Mission || History || Officers || Board of Directors || Annual Reports || By-Laws
Web design by Lynn Kirby, 2007