If you are reading this, you are rich. You have access to a computer, and to education at least. These things are not to taken for granted. I think that as the privileged few, we need to use our resources to help those less fortunate than us. Here are the projects that I’m supporting right now, and that I’m passionate about.

One Laptop per child

“Mission Statement: To create educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future”.

Toms Shoes:

“In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk. They can get soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet, and cuts and sores which become infected and painful. Many times children can’t attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don’t have shoes, they don’t go to school. If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential”.

Sign up for One Day Without Shoes to support Toms and/or buy a pair of shoes or two.

Operation Shanti:

Operation Shanti’s Mission is to directly improve the lives of exploited, at-risk, destitute children and the forgotten, suffering elderly. They help the poorest and neediest children and elderly, those that have been forgotten, the destitute, with the basic human needs: food, shelter, medical services and educational assistance. They believe that every human can and should stand on his/her own, they are there to help the destitute begin to help themselves.

Operation Shanti has a few projects on the go, helping the very poor people in India. Make a donation, or check out what is on their shopping list if you are on your way to Mysore or would rather send a package.

Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Charitable Trust:

Guruji was my direct teacher, and a source of endless inspiration. This trust was set up in his memory.

“We aim to effect long-term, systemic, change in the community. We work with anyone in need, particularly the poor and weak, regardless of their circumstance, age, caste, creed or religion. We promote spiritual and educational development, mental and physical rehabilitation, and work towards providing medical and occupational aid and shelter to those in need.”

“Initiatives are selected to improve and strengthen the lives of economically disadvantaged families and children, underserved communities and the environment. Guruji and his family believe that this can be achieved through caring for others and compassionate philanthropy”

You can find out more and donate here.