ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/25/2005 25 October 2005
Australian assistance to Pratham Delhi Education Initiative
The Australian High Commissioner, Mr John McCarthy AO, today presented a cheque for Rs 360,000 to the Pratham Delhi Education Initiative to fund the purchase of 18,000 books. The books will be used for a project which aims to provide access to books and reading materials to underprivileged children in slum areas and villages. The cheque was received by Pratham's Managing Trustee, Mr M Rajan.
Mr McCarthy said “we hope that by providing library services and access to books, children can sustain their interest in learning by improving reading skills. This in turn will provide a positive approach to education for both the children and their families.”
Pratham Delhi Initiative is a network of autonomous organisations working in 12 states of India, whose aim is to help children achieve universal elementary education. Pratham’s mission is “every child in school and learning well”.
Funding has been provided under the Direct Aid Program (DAP), administered by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. The DAP funds grassroots development programs in a range of areas, including education, health, income generation and the environment.
For further information please contact, Ms Megan Jones, Third Secretary (Political), Australian High Commission, New Delhi at 5139 9900 ext. 219