[Reader-list] A note from Manzil, a Delhi based NGO empowering children

[Chintan Girish Modi]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Manzil <manzilresources at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2010 at 5:50 PM


Dear Reader,

My name is Ravi Gulati. I am a co-founder of Manzil, an NGO located in
Khan Market, New Delhi. Manzil empowers children and youth from low-
income families by providing resources and a platform to learn, teach
and be creative. Through empowering, Manzil seeks to create an
environment that seeds the next generation of sound Indian and global
citizens. We have been doing this for the last 13 years, with little
institutional funding, and minimal contributions from caring
individuals. For more information about us, please see: www.manzil.in.

Manzil needs your help…

We work with about 150 students and run 45 classes a week from a small
house in Khan Market where my family and I live as well, and two tiny
quarters in Sujan Singh Park. Apart from classes in English, Maths &
Computers, we have been giving equal importance to the opening of
young minds, broadening of their horizons and the enhancement of their
self-expression, confidence and creativity through the Arts, like
Theatre, Dance and Music. Although this has been difficult
logistically, through determination and perseverance, we have been at
it for the last 13 years. However, to continue our journey any
further, we need your help.

Within the coming year, we will be moving out and, after 13 years, the
house in Khan Market will not be available for this work.
Consequently, we’ll be shifting all operations to Sujan Singh Park.
Managing over 150 students and 45 classes per week from two small
quarters will be difficult, as I am sure you can imagine.
Unfortunately, due to space limitations at Sujan Singh Park, we will
have to discontinue our theatre, dance and music classes.

This is where you can help. If you have an enclosed place (about 200
square feet, preferred), or know of someone who has, in the vicinity
of Khan Market, where our dedicated students can practice, please let
us know if you’d like to put it to good, responsible use for the
larger benefit of society, for only a small part of time per week.

We will need the space for about 8 hours a week, though we are
flexible. And whenever you need it back, we’ll be out, instantly
(although it would be helpful if you can let us know a little in
advance so we can make alternate arrangements much the same way as we
are doing now. That said, we do understand that sometimes it is not
possible to notify in advance and that would be fine too).

I know that such things can’t be decided over long-distance, so if you
have even the slightest possibility or inclination, I request you for
a personal audience where we can speak of any concern or question that
you might have. And, if you so prefer, I’d be thrilled to discuss what
excites both you and us about this collaboration.

I hope you have the possibility to help us in the matter; if it won’t
be easy, I hope you will be inspired to go at least a little out of
your way to make the impossible possible. Your collaboration in this
important work of cultivating beautiful people would be much
appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ravi Gulati