I am running the NYC Half-Marathon on March 17, 2012 and raising funds for two causes near and dear to my heart and heritage. They are both schools providing resources to communities in need.
The first school, Saraswati Shishu Mandir School* in Sidoli, India started and supported by my father-in-law Rajinder Nautiyal, in his father, Shri B.D. Nautiyal's birthplace. As the first person to leave his village to attend the only Engineering University in Asia, B.D. Nautiyal placed a high value on education. In fact, as my father-in-law grew up, his home housed dozens of students furthering their education who could count on his family for lodging, meals, books and tuition assistance. In tribute to his father, Rajinder Nautiyal donated their ancestral land as the site for the village's first primary school. Inaugurated in November, 2012, Saraswati Shishu Mandir School serves 85 children in grades K-5 who would otherwise have to travel several miles on foot to get an education. The school needs approximately $10,000 to provide computers and expand the facilities for additional classes up to tenth grade.
The second school, Sol y Luna, was founded by my Aunt Beth Verissimo de MacLean in La Paz, Bolivia, my parents' homeland. Not only does it provide affordable daycare for 100 children of day laborers, taxi drivers, maids and street vendors, but it provides adult-education classes in various vocations as well as reading and art for the laborers themselves. Sol y Luna serves the children breakfast, lunch and snacks, all prepared by adult students on-site. It also provides dental, medical and psychological support free of charge. Sol y Luna is also in need of computers and operating support.
Every time I dread facing the frigid weather for a training run, I think of the effort my family members have made to establish these schools just to provide an opportunity to these children in Sidoli and La Paz. I believe there are few things in life as important as giving children the tools to learn and to dream.
If you agree, please support these schools with a donation. 100% of your donation will go directly to the school. Give a few dollars for every mile I'll race (13.1 miles) or give enough to provide a computer ($500 - $800). Every little bit helps.
Thank you!
*The full name of the school is Late Sh Bisheshwari Dutt Nautiyal Memorial Saraswati Shishu Mandir School Sidoli
