“ Since the start of SPAITF programme , the committee have so far supported almost 229 individual young students ...”
IT We have identified a few IT glitches and are working closely with our IT expert to resolve these minor problems before we invite applications in March 2017 . It is clear from some of the applications we received that our community is not used to filling in grant forms . One of the most important questions for students to answer is “ Why are they applying for a grant ?” for them to give their reasons for applying . However , applicants just do not know how to answer this very important question .
Nepal Earthquake update We invited Shri Hasmukhbhai Shah who is the co-ordinator of the Saraswati Vidyalaya in the UK who is based in Bradford , and Mukeshbhai Naker who is also involved from Leicester , to our meeting . Hasmukhbhai gave a powerful presentation to the committee about the work of the Saraswati Vidyalaya and in particular the fantastic work they have undertaken as a result of the devastating earthquake last year affecting over 150,000 villages He gave examples of the projects and the desperate need of the Nepal people who live in the mountain regions of Himalaya . He advised us that so far the charity has already started 4,600 schools and have four key programmes :
( a ) Farming / Agriculture ( b ) Education ( c ) Physical health ( d ) Women ’ s education
He said that over 40 % of all the buildings were destroyed in the earthquake and to date the charity has raised £ 1.6 million . SPAITF at its meeting in March 2016 provisionally agreed to work with the charity and sponsor a project in Nepal , provided that we receive all necessary information about the project , costing , planning , management , and what would SPAITF receive as part of the sponsorship .
I am pleased to announce that members via all branches raised a total of £ 15,944.16 and it was agreed at the Pratinidhi meeting in September 2016 that we would round this figure to £ 20,000 . Jitubhai , our President is currently working with Sewa International with a view to supporting the Ekal Vidyalaya – a £ 500,000 building project . We will provide an update on the final outcome in the next few months .
Nairobi Funds We are delighted to announce that the Nairobi trustees have made a formal approach to SPA ( UK ) to transfer the remaining Nairobi funds from India to UK . Pratinidhis present at the SPA ( UK ) AGM held in May of this year , approved the request and plans are in hand to bring the funds to the UK by end of December 2016 .
Finally I would like to thank the SPAITF committee members for their dedication and forbearance . Without individual commitment the work of this hugely important committee would prove difficult . I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Prajapati mandals in Gujarat , especially Navsari Ashram , for their support to students and being engaged in this process . It would be remiss of me if I do not mention and recognise the contribution of all our Branch Associations who raised funds for major projects and / or host ITF meetings . My sincere appreciation to you all .
Hemantbhai R Mistry Secretary On behalf of SPAITF
24 vol . 41 | Prajapati Sandesh 2016