I came across Pratham's work over a decade ago through a friend. She had a grassroots fundraiser in her living room. She passed around photos of a Mumbai slum, and a brochure. For about $40, we could guarantee the education of one child for a year. A child who would otherwise remain illiterate and might well become a criminal in order to survive. I was convinced. So much so that I became a regular donor. I researched Pratham, and was impressed by their growth, dedication and transparency. When invited, I joined their board in Houston. Pratham, which has grown exponentially in the last decade, works in most of the states in India. They work in at-risk urban and rural areas. They've perfected a method to teach completely illiterate kids to read in a surprisingly short time. They partner with government schools to teach this method to the teachers. They've opened vocational centers so the children they've educated can now find jobs. They rescue street kids and kids who are the victims of trafficking and child-labor. The stories would break your heart--except that now these kids have a second chance. Pratham is changing lives & you can be part of it! If you believe that children deserve a future no matter what conditions they were born into, check them out at www.pratham.org.