WELCOME TO
SAHAYA INTERNATIONAL
Sahaya International, Inc. is a non-profit organization, based in Davis, California. Sahaya International consists of a diverse network of friends, who are committed to make a difference towards improving the quality of life in third world countries. Through our volunteer efforts, we provide much needed assistance to social development projects in developing countries. Our organization is quite young. In June 1999, we obtained official approval by the California Secretary of State, and we acquired state tax exemption status by the California Franchise Tax Board. In November 1999, we obtained federal approval and official 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
How did Sahaya International start?
The idea for Sahaya International grew out of the experience of our secretary, Dr. Koen Van Rompay, after an inspiring trip to India. (Click here to read his story). With the help of friends and family, Sahaya International was born. To meet our current board members and some of our volunteers click here .
Where does the name Sahaya come from?
The name Sahaya is derived from an old Sanskrit word that means "HELP".
The primary objectives of our non-profit organization are:
- To promote awareness and education of social, medical and environmental issues in developing countries.
- To support socio-economic and educational development projects in developing countries.
- To collaborate with local non-profit organizations in developing countries for the purposes mentioned above.
- To provide a link between non-profit organizations in developing countries and non-profit organizations and other agencies in developed countries.
- To create an international network of interested volunteers and other non-profit organizations to provide broader and more efficient support.
Which projects are currently being supported by Sahaya International?
Sahaya International is currently collaborating with programs mainly in India and Kenya.
- We are currently collaborating with registered non-profit organizations in Tamil Nadu, India:
- Rural Education and Action Development (READ), in the rural area of Andimadam. READ was our very first partner, and it is this collaboration and long-lasting friendship, which started in 1997, which inspired Dr. Koen Van Rompay to start Sahaya International.
- In close collaboration with READ, a network of NGOs has been formed in Perambalur and Tanjore district, called "AIM" network.
These groups are doing pioneering work in promoting educational and social development of the least privileged and most vulnerable sections of the society, in particular women and children. In addition, during the past year, this NGO network has embarked on the very important mission to combat the HIV epidemic by spreading correct HIV awareness to prevent infection and to destigmatize and care for those who are affected by this terrible disease.
Newsletters, in pdf format, describing the activities of READ are available (click here to open or download pdf newsletters).
We have been raising money for READ by selling the beautifully embroidered greeting cards that are being designed and produced by their trainees. In addition, we are trying to collect money to maintain their current programs and to initiate a number of important new programs (click here). Recently, we have embarked on our mission to raise the level of HIV/AIDS awareness in these villages.
- We are involved in fundraising for the pediatric center at the Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine at Tambaram near Chennai, India (click here). This pediatric center takes care of many HIV-infected children, who can use your help.
- In 2004, we also started the HIV Peer Education for the Deaf Program in Kenya (click here).
- In 2001, we also started a close collaboration with programs for orphaned and abandoned children (many of whom lost their parents to AIDS) in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya including the Rehema Center in Korogocho.
- We assist a school for underprivileged children in Gujarat, India (click here), through the help of the Rhema Educational Trust.
In case you wonder:"I don't think I have any special skills....how can I make a difference?"....
By volunteering some time, each of us, including YOU, can make a big difference on the lives of others! The inner satisfaction and richness gained from this process is far beyond your expectations.
Even when you think that you don't have the right qualifications to help, then just sit down for a minute, read the following Indian story (click here) and realize that each of us has unique abilities, and an enormous potential!
What are possible ways to raise funds?
You can organize fundraisers with your school, parish, youth group or family. Use your creativity to come up with fun ways. Here are a few examples: - You can buy or sell the beautifully embroidered greeting cards whenever you meet friends and relatives. They also make excellent presents that can be framed.
- You can host a party with:
- food and drinks
- a slide or movie presentation
- a silent auction
- a "date" auction
- music and dance
- games with prizes donated by local businesses
- a yard sale of items that you or your friends no longer need
We have brochures, slides, photographs, etc. available to assist you with your fundraising efforts. Please contact us for further information.
(Click here) to find out more about some of the past fun(d)-raisers for our programs .
How much of my donation will end up in
India or Africa?
The answer is simple: 100% of card sales and donations is sent to the developing country to directly support the programs there. This is possible thanks to the
help of our unpaid volunteers who are happy to provide their time towards this noble cause. In addition, our low overhead cost (stamps, envelopes, etc.) is covered by our staff.
Donations are tax-deductible according to standard IRS regulations. Our financial records are available upon request.
If I travel to India or Africa, can I visit these programs?
Yes, these groups always welcome visitors. And the people in the villages, especially the children, would be delighted to meet you and hear about your life.
In addition, if you have some extra space in your suitcases, let us know, so some used toys might find their way to the schools.
If you like to visit the very touching programs of READ (in India), there is a guesthouse (Sahaya Illam; please (click here) to see photographs) that you can stay at. Accommodations are simple and clean, and the local cooks (a very dedicated grandmother with 2 lovely assistants) will prepare delicious dishes for you. The environment of this guesthouse is very relaxing and the local people are very friendly. You can then also easily rent a car and driver to visit nearby places (including temples).
I like to become involved. Or I have some good ideas and suggestions to share. What do I do?
We always welcome volunteers, and are always looking for new ideas and suggestions, including new ideas for fundraising projects! You too can make an incredible difference in the life of so many children, who are so appreciative of our efforts to help.
Even if you don't have much time, you can still help us: promote our work by wearing one of our low-cost Sahaya T-shirts.
Sahaya International, Inc.
c/o Koen Van Rompay
2949 Portage Bay Avenue, Apartment #195
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Phone (evenings): 530-756-9074
kkvanrompay@ucdavis.edu
www.sahaya.org
How can I make donations to support Sahaya International's programs?
If you are living in the USA or in Belgium, your contribution can be tax-deductible.
Click here to learn more how you can donate to Sahaya International's programs.
We thank you tremendously for your support!.