Why have so many young Indians lost their parents?
AIDS, famine, disease, violence, civil unrest, natural disasters and crime take thousands of Indian lives each year. Children who lose their parents are sometimes raised by members of their extended families, but oftentimes, family members live in poverty and cannot help. And many Indian children are abandoned on the doorsteps of orphanages because parents or family members simply cannot afford another mouth to feed.

Can’t young people learn a trade from another adult or community member?
It is against Indian custom to share vocational skills with anyone outside the family.

How much does it cost to sponsor a Prakash for India student?
It costs $55 a month. The course of study is 24 months long.

What do sponsorship funds cover?
The funds pay the individual student’s fees directly, and include housing, meals, professional courses, books, uniforms and discipleship materials. Sponsorship fees have been computed to cover all educational and living expenses, including teacher’s salaries, building maintenance and the schools’ normal operating costs.

What is the Institutes’ admission process?
Students must be literate and profess faith in Jesus Christ. They complete an application which includes a record of schooling, character references, an official statement of family income, and a physical exam. They also undergo an entrance interview.

Why must students profess the Christian faith to be accepted at the Institutes?
The laws of India make this necessary. Prakash for India is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization both in the US and in India, and we are committed to following the letter of the law in both countries. Moreover, our mission is to build the whole person – one with life skills, a deep faith and leadership abilities. These young people are the future of India.

Is there a tax benefit to becoming a sponsor?
Prakash for India (Prakash Association USA) is a registered 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation. Your financial gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

May I choose to sponsor either a young man or a young woman?
Yes. Sponsorships are available for both young men at Prakash Boys Institutes or young women at Ruth Girls Institute.

My women’s group wants to sponsor a student together. Must all sponsors be individuals, or can I arrange a group sponsorship?
We encourage any individual or group to sponsor a student.

May I communicate with my student?
Once you become a Prakash for India Sponsor, you’ll receive a special packet with your student’s name, photo and biography. You will receive quarterly updates on your student’s progress.

What about sending gifts to my student?
Sponsors may choose to give a special gift to their students upon graduation, although this is not expected of you. To make sure all students are treated equally, we’ve assembled a special list of appropriate gift items which includes tools and equipment that students need to get started in their new careers. We respectfully request that all gifts be given from this list.

How do Prakash for India students find jobs after they finish the course?
Many return to their home villages and start their own businesses. Others are taken on as apprentices or partners by established workers.

What is Prakash for India’s track record?
Since 1973, Prakash Boys Institute has graduated more than 2,000 alumni, who have gone on to build productive lives and successful vocations that help grow the local economy. In addition, Prakash alumni are noted for their depth of character, faithful Christian walk, leadership in the local community and influence in India’s Christian churches.

How great is the need for Prakash for India Sponsors?
Students cannot attend without financial support. Applicants continue to vastly outnumber the available sponsors.

Don’t just save a life. Help build one.
A student is waiting for you. Click here to find out how you can become a Prakash for India Sponsor today.