Paadhai is an NGO that empowers underprivileged children in India to grow up to be defensible adults, so that they too have a dignified future. They achieve this by providing shelter and education to these underprivileged children. On top of this they will focus on strengthening the position of women within the Indian society by offering microcredits, education and training.

For more info, check their website: http://paadhai.eu/

Imagine going on a trip to South India. You discover beautiful lush landscapes, dazzling temples and palaces, deep-rooted spirituality and ancient traditions. Along the way, you have the chance to get more in touch with your inner self through yoga and meditation classes. And the best part is, while enjoying all of this, you have social impact by financially supporting a shelter for underprivileged children.
Sounds good?
To offer this is exactly the goal of project Paadhai!
“So, how can I help?”,  you ask?
Our answer to that, of course, is talk to your inner social entrepreneurial spirit. What did you expect, it’s how we roll here at Academics For Development. The idea here is to help in the upstart of a local tourism bureau that will generate revenue to support the activities of Paadhai whilst upholding the values they fight for, being a stronger social position for women and offering a strong foundation for underprivileged children to later on flourish. If you apply for this project and are accepted, these would be your concrete goals amongst others:
To generate an income for our local partner Paadhai India in order to continue the function of the two shelter homes (especially the girls’ shelter) and local projects.   To provide travel arrangements for a wide range of budget, with low impact on the environment and maximal contact with Indian culture and social community. Where and when possible engage female employees to strengthen the position of female students and provide the means for an independent life (no forced marriage).

The biggest part of your work here in Belgium will consist of developing a marketing strategy, looking for possible partnerships, sorting out legal formalities and developing a business plan. You will then implement the project in the summer months of July and August during 6-8 weeks. This will be the second year that this project is being executed, so the previous team has already laid the foundations. The new project team is expected to build further upon this basis.