The goal of my 100 Girls Back to School Appeal is to raise funds for at least 100 school scholarships for girls in South East Asia, India and Nepal.

Why Assia? Because certain parts of this continent are amongst the least developed in the World. I've spent 6 months traveling through the reagion and witnessed a level of poverty and illiteracy, unknown to me before. FYI, I grew up in Eastern Europe in the 80's.

Why Girls? This is where help is needed most desperately. Because of economics and cultural bias, families often forego the education of young girls.

Why 100? Because it is a nice round number and you have to start somewhere.  

The inspiration for 100GBS came from a book called “Leaving Microsoft to Change The World". It is a catchy title, but in fact, the point I took away from it was that I don't need to be employed by an NGO in order to make a positive impact on this world. John Woods, the guy who left Microsoft and wrote the book, is also the founder of Room to Read (RTR), an NGO that builds schools and libraries in remote areas of impoverished countries in Asia. RTR also has a program that provides long term school scholarships for girls in those countries.

Over $20,000 have been raised already with the generous help of friends, RTR supporters and even people I never met in person who felt compelled to contributе. Thanks to those contributions more than 85 girls will go to school for at least one more year, and the knowledge they acquired will stay with them for the rest of their lives and will be passed to their children.

I don't know the girls that received the scholarships, but I trust RTR to have allocated the money to the one most in need. I trust  RTR, not because I'm person who entrusts her money easily. I was a credit analyst for many years after all. I trust RTR, because I've seen their work in two countries - Vietnam and Nepal (more here). I've met the people that lead the program locally. I am convinced of their strong motivation, but also of their qualifications and ability to "invest" prudently mine and my friend's money. I've seen the schools, I've seen the libraries and I've met the scholars - real schools, real books, real lives. In fact, I took the picture above in a school in Nepal. The eye can not see what's most striking about this photo - it is that none of those girls would have been there if it wasn't for someone else in this world that made a financial commitment to make a difference. 

And so, I appeal to you, join me in making this world a better place! Support my appeal here...and see who has contributed already   

NB! For larger donations and if you neet a US tax receipt, please use RTR's donation page. (IMPORTANT: Enter PS-100GirlstoSchool in the Special Instruction's box)

Why Room To Read?

RTR is efficient organization that keeps low overhead.

I've met the people. I’ve met with RTR volunteers and employees in London, Sydney, Kathmandu and Saigon. Every single person involved with RTR is impressive, qualified and very motivated.

I've kicked the tires!  I've visited schools and scholars in Nepal and Vietnam. The schools are there, the scholars are there. They wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for people like us to help.

RTR is respectful. It works with local people and with the local communities, and so it is benefiting from local knowledge and support.

More about Room To Read

What does a scholarship include?

Monthly school fees, school uniforms, books, supplies and backpacks

Academic tutoring as needed

Developmental support through life skills trainings and field trips

Parent meetings and workshops

Transportation (such as a bicycle or bus fare) as needed

Medical coverage

Mentorship by women staff members of Room to Read

How much does it cost?

Price vary from country to country, but you can use $250 per girl per year as a rough estimate.