Bengaluru: Students raise money for kids' education

Bengaluru: Three students from the Bangalore International School, in collaboration with CherYsh - a city-based NGO, have raised Rs 65,000 for the cause of providing education to women and children in rural Karnataka. Abhinav Senthil, Yash Chandra Shekhar and Ethan Aryaan Martin, along with Shantha P. Doddamani, 29, who was representing the Siddi tribal community in Tatwangi village in Haliyal taluk, ran the TCS 10K on Sunday.

"This shows that our urban population cares. These children understand the value of education for women and girl children," said Ms Cheryl Rebello, founding member of the CherYsh Bengaluru chapter.

Five years ago when CherYsh reached Haliyal district, the scenario was grim. The communities did not have proper schools and even when they did, there was barely anyone to attend the classes. Today, 16 villages in north Karnataka have over 1,000 children benefiting from Sikshas that the team has set up. But, as Ms Rebello says, sustaining such a large system requires funds.

Sixteen participants from all walks of life participated in the 6K Majja Run that was part of TCS 10K and the proceeds will go to Siksha centres. "Children are attending school more regularly now and there is more enthusiasm. Women are trained as facilitators through these Sikshas and it not only makes these centres more accessible to girl children but also elevates their status in the community. The funds will benefit these centres and these women, who are making a difference at the grassroots level," she said.

"Seeing that some communities don't get the same opportunities I do, I wanted to do something to contribute in my own small way," said 15-year-old Ethan Martin, one of the participants. "The run went well. I wish people start investing in such causes. We never know where a little effort might change someone's future," he said.