Namaste - Wings to Fly America

Namaste - Wings to Fly AmericaDonateHOMETHE KANI CHILDRENHOW YOU CAN HELPTHE FOUNDING OF NWFATHE KANIGALLERYHOMEFeatured Video: Saying Goodbye to the Tribal Children

About Namaste America: Namaste - Wings to Fly was founded in Vellanad, in the southernmost part of India in the year 2000, as an alternative solution to orphanages. Since then, the organization has grown to help even more deserving children. Today it is an established Non Governmental Organization registered under the Travancore Literacy and Science Charitable Societies Act, 1955 and under the Foreign Contribution Act, 1976, having 15 family houses, sponsoring almost 850 deserving children, with many other relief and educational projects focusing on the neediest people. Namaste - Wings to Fly America focuses on helping children from the Kani tribe of southern India. Most Kani currently live in the remote jungle region of the Western Ghat mountain range, unable to attend school or receive healthcare and have very little future opportunity.

Their homes are without electricity or plumbing, are made of material foraged from the jungle,and are often built high in the trees to protect against elephants. Thanks to Namaste - Wings to Fly America, some of these children have been able to move to nearby villages where they may choose to live in a home, attend school, receive healthcare, eat regularly, and live a more comfortable childhood.

The main goal of Namaste - Wings to Fly and Namaste - Wings to Fly America is to provide these children with the skills to become completely self-sufficient upon adulthood. Until then, the generosity of Americans is very much needed. The best way to help is to "adopt" one child for $365 per year in order to pay for all of their needs. More information may be found by visiting our HOW YOU CAN HELP page or by emailing helpthekani_gmail.com

Namaste - Wings to Fly America is a registered 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Colorado.

Above: Kani schoolchildren say goodbye after their final English lesson from a Namaste America volunteer.

Featured Child: Aromalis 11 years-old. His family lives in a small hut made from reed and bamboo. The hut has no furniture, no plumbing or electricity, and the family collects water from a nearby stream. They have no possessions other than a few pairs of clothes, a bow with pebbles for fending off wild animals, a few knives made of rusted scrap metal, two plastic buckets for collecting water, and some bamboo baskets that Aromal's mother weaved. Nonetheless, Aromal is described as a bright and happy young boy. His family is asking that one generous American "adopt" Aromal by sponsoring him through Namaste America so that Aromal may live in one of Namaste's family houses and attend school. Click here to help Aromal.

To LEARN MORE about the experience that led to the founding of Namaste America, please read " Not What I Signed Up For: The Founding of Namaste - Wings to Fly America" by Sebina Versi

ABOUT THE KANI
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About the Kani:

To Indians living outside of the jungle, the Kani are often referred to as the "Forest Peoples." These "Forest Peoples" live in a secluded jungle region of the Western Ghats mountain region along the border between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Those living in the jungle have no electricity or plumbing and often build their homes high in the trees in order to remain safe from the wild elephants, dogs, and snakes that make living on the ground hazardous. Members of the Kani subsist largely on materials foraged from the jungle. When it is not monsoon season, men often walk for many kilometers, sometimes over multiple days, to reach nearby villages and sell plants that are used in ayurvedic medicical practices. However, because the jungle is designated by the Indian government as a national forest and the animals in the jungle are so unaccommodating, widespread agriculture is not legal or feasible.

Above: A Kani woman, believed to be in her eighties, skins seeds next to a basket she made. Many Kani are suspicious of outsiders, particularly westerners, who have previously often been Christian misisonaries who attempted to convert the Kani.

Below: During an English lesson by a Namaste America volunteer, children at one of Namaste's family houses play "Simon Says" and are instructed to "Make a mean face."

Above: Sundays are typically the only leisure day of the week in India. In this video, a group of teenage boys attempt to open coconuts to thank Namaste America's representative.

LIFE OF A KANI CHILD

Life in the Jungle:

Life for the Kani is very difficult. The Jungle is very dangerous - many families choose to build their homes high in the trees in order to escape the wild elephants, boars, dogs, and snakes that live in the jungle. Disease is rampant - Kani children often die of diarrhea, strep throat, and other illnesses that are rare and minor for most Americans. Food is scarce - the terrain does not permit adequate farming and most tribal people subsist off of small amounts of rice that they can barely afford. According to one ayurvedic doctor who has worked with the Kani, the anemia rate is over 90% Housing is inadequate - most homes are made of dried palm leaves and bamboo that must quickly rot and must be replaced. There is no electricity, no plumbing, and water is collected from streams or rainfall. The floors consist of dirt and most homes have no furniture. But worst of all, without outside help there is little chance for a better future - hospitals and schools are either too far away or the walk to school is too dangerous. Without outside help, there is little reason to believe that future generations will be any better off than current ones.

Life in One of Namaste America's Family Houses:

Living in one of Namaste America's family houses allows the children to live in a safe environment, go to school, receive regular medical attention, eat regularly, and, most importantly, have the opportunity for a brighter future.

The children attend school Monday-Saturday and spend three hours each day after school learning from teachers that Namaste hires to provide extra lessons. Sundays are their only day without formal schooling and usually involve visiting with their families, performing chores, and enjoying their favorite activity: dancing along with the bollywood music videos that air constantly on so many Indian television channels.

One of the most inspiring and saddening attributes of the Kani children is their awareness of the pressure, beginning at a very young age, to do well in school and get a good job so that they may provide for and honor their families. Due to the impoverishment of their community, they are seldom able to live the carefree lives that so many American children are able to. In fact, none of the children currently living at Namaste America's family house have ever owned a toy.

The main goal of Namaste America is to lead the children to a self-sufficient future. Rather than make them dependent on foreign donations throughout their lives, the children are provided with the tools to earn an independent living when they are older. India's sordid racial history actually provides a rare opportunity for the Kani, who have been reserved a regular quota of seats in Indian universities and government organizations. Unfortunately, because of the extreme impoverishment of the Kani, most are unable to pass the basic entrance exams and these quotas remain unfulfilled. Namaste America is dedicated to providing the Kani with the knowledge and abilities necessary for the children to eventually gain admittance to these often lucrative careers.

To learn how you can help one of these children, CLICK HERE

Above: Kani children attending one of Namaste India's tuition centers sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

HOW YOU CAN HELP OR CONTACT

"Adopt" a Child:

One of the best ways to help the Kani is to sponsor a child so that they may leave the jungle and move into a Namaste family house where they will go to school, receive regular medical care, and have the opportunity for a better future. This requires a yearly donation of $365. Due to the favorable exchange rate and low cost of living, one dollar a day can save a child while helping their family and community. There is no contract and in return for your generosity, Namaste's employees in India and America will provide you with regular updates on the child, including photos, letters from the child, and school report cards. At Namaste, we are dedicated to not only helping the children achieve academically and professionally, but emotionially as well. In addition to your donation, we also request that you email our American office one photo of yourself and a short letter to the child as the children seem to take great comfort in knowing that someone in America cares for them. Additionally, if you ever visit the subcontinent and would like to meet your child and see Namaste's projects, cheap and clean accomodations are available at Namaste India's headquarters.

Lump Sum Donation:

For those who are interested in helping, but are not currently able to sponsor a child, Namaste welcomes single donations as well. Due to the favorable exchange rate and the low cost of living in India, a little bit of American money can go a long way. Any amount would be appreciated and put to good use. If you would like to buy a specific gift for the children living in one of our family homes (athletic equipment or some toys or books perhaps?), Namaste America is very interested in providing you the opportunity to direct your donation. Additionally, Namaste is working on and planning other projects to help the Kani and is very interested in discussing other options as well.

Please contact Zak by filling out the form below, emailing HelptheKani_gmail.org or calling 303-378-7599 if you are interested in sponsoring a child or would like to learn more.

Above: Namaste tries to send students who show particular promise to the best schools so that they may maximize their potential. Babysalini (Baby-shuh-lee-knee) is one such 12 year-old. During one of the after school tutoring sessions, Namaste America President Zak Franklin asks Babysalini to show off her English skills and record a message for Zak's family back in America. Without the generosity of Americans like yourself, many brilliant Kani children would not be given the opportunity to flourish like Babysalini has been able to.

Please click the "Donate" button to make a secure credit card or Pay Pal donation.

Our American Office

309 Clare Drive

Castle Rock, CO 80108

Tel.: 303-378-7599

E-mail: HelptheKani_gmail.com

Our Indian Office

Kulakkodu Vellanad

P.O. 695 543,

Thiruvananthapuram, India

E-mail: office_namastewingstofly.org

MORE PHOTOS
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Left: The nine children currently living in Namaste America's initial family house. Soumya (bottom left), Manikantan (back row, far left), Sooryimol (back row, second from left), and Aromal (back row, far right) are all in need of sponsorship so that they can continue living in the house and more children may move in. Click here to sponsor one of them.

Above: A Kani man demonstrates a bow he made for the Namaste America representative who went to visit and learn about the Kani. Every Kani household has at least one similar bow that fires small rocks and pebbles found on the jungle floor. They are used primarily in groups to ward off elephants or wild dogs that threaten Kani homes. For those willing to make a sizeable donation to help the Kani, a similar bow can be shipped.

Middle: The nursery of the school in the village of Kottoor. This is the school that children living in one of Namaste America's family houses attend. Namaste recently purchased toys for the nursery and plans to provide additional items in the future.

Bottom: A jungle region of the Western Ghat mountain range where many Kani live.

Above: A young Kani boy lays on the dirt floor of his mother's home. The boy was born after his mother, a lifelong victim of polio, then 13, was raped by a man who entered her home while her parents were out foraging in the jungle. The boys younger sister now lives in one of Namaste's family homes.

Above: Namaste America President Zak Franklin teaches an English class for tribals in the outcaste village of Punthiparra. If you are interested in volunteering for Namaste in India, please contact Namaste America at HelptheKani_gmail.com. (Unfortunately, only male volunteers may currently be placed in the region due to safety concerns.)

The Founding of NWFA

Not What I Signed Up For The Founding of Namaste - Wings to Fly America By Sebina Versi

When Zak Franklin stepped out of the Chennai Airport and into the sweltering heat he was first hit by the oppressive humidity. And then by the beggars. The vastness of abject poverty was not just visually striking; it shook him to his core. "The old women were the hardest to say no to," he recalls. Overwhelming senses of guilt and empathy began to coalesce within him. I met Franklin for the first time at a South Asian Student Association campus event at which he gave a presentation about his startup non-profit organization, Namaste - Wings to Fly America (NWFA). The organization is a charity primarily dedicated to aiding the development of grossly underprivileged children of the Kani tribe, a small community living deep in the jungle of the Western Ghat mountain range shared by the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. NWFA's ultimate goal is to teach Kani children the skills they need to be self-sufficient in the future. The organization relies on outside donations. Patrons have the option to "adopt" a child by giving $365 per year, or to submit a single donation of any amount they choose. Due to the favorable exchange rate and the low cost of living in India, the American dollar has greater purchasing power. Franklin also stresses that less than 10% of NWFA's donations take care of overhead costs in India while any overhead costs incurred here in America are paid out of his own pocket. Charity watchdogs consider overhead costs at 20% of income (i.e., donations) to be exceptionally low. Even so, it is not uncommon for household-name charities to spend upwards of 40% of income on overhead (http://www.wwf.org.uk/). "We keep it that way so the money really goes to the kids," he clarifies for me. I came away very impressed and surprised that one of my peers--an undergraduate, no less--turned what might have been a highfalutin and altruistic dream into something real. When I told Franklin his efforts are a source of inspiration, he gave a modest laugh and shrugged almost bashfully, saying he was only doing the right thing. He continued on to explain how the organization was founded almost by accident. Like many of his fellow students at the University of Colorado Boulder who love to procrastinate in doing schoolwork, Franklin, then a junior, was also restless. He was writing the hundredth page of his political science thesis when he found he had completely lost his enthusiasm and, soon after, concentration. He was utterly bored and could no longer ignore the rumbles of discontent. He had to do something. Franklin had never traveled outside of the United States before. He was hungry for an adventure that would take him to a new place and expose him to a different world, but he was unable to afford the exorbitant tuition of a study abroad program. When he happened upon a program that sends students to volunteer in India, he jumped at the opportunity. Franklin thought he was going to spend the summer teaching English to the Untouchables, commonly and unfairly known as the dregs of Indian society. What transpired, though, was completely unanticipated. When he landed in Chennai, Franklin's Indian hosts placed him on a train bound for Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the southernmost city in India. Feeling exhausted and slightly bewildered, he boarded the train for the estimated 30-hour journey that, unbeknown to him, could have been made in half the time on a swift plane ride for only 20 dollars extra. There were no bathrooms on the train either, "another unknown fact," he grins. But he made it to Trivandrum in one piece, where he was greeted by new hosts and led to the jungle. It took a few hours of hiking before they reached the first Kani village. What Franklin found made him realize that these people needed help well beyond the scope of his tutorship. The tribe's economic condition is dire. The anemia rate amongst the Kani is over 90% while many members are also afflicted with Polio--which has almost been globally eradicated, with only 228 diagnoses through June 2011 (http://www.polioeradication.org). Franklin met four families stricken with Polio; and their cases are likely to go unreported or documented due to the Kani's extreme isolation. He certainly did not get to meet the entire tribe, which really put things into perspective for him. There are no roads to the innermost areas of the jungle, so these people are far removed from access to basic healthcare, sanitation, food, and education. While India on the whole has enjoyed accelerate economic growth of late, Franklin observed that prosperity remains elusive for its impoverished jungle inhabitants. Despite the squalor of their living conditions, the Kani were warm and welcoming to Franklin. "Indians are so hospitable," he says affectionately. "They invite you into their tiny hut and offer you some chai. You look around and see they have nothing, but they attempt to give you things anyway. It made you feel so guilty," Franklin reflects. "I didnt want to accept their generosity, I didnt deserve this entitlement." It was obvious to Franklin that the current conditions afforded Kani youth a slim chance at achieving quality of life at all superior to that of their parents. "I had to try and change this," Franklin told me. I could hear the earnestness in his voice. Franklin spent the rest of the summer working to set up a charity. His aim was to improve the dreary outlook of this destitute tribe who, until now, had been overlooked by other philanthropic endeavors. He began writing to everyone he knew, trying to appeal to their emotional, humanistic side. He spent a great deal of time filling out the tedious paperwork to register with the American Internal Revenue Service. Fortunately, during his time in India, Franklin sowed a strong connection with a local charity that does similar work for other populations in southern India, and they agreed to partner with him. Franklin's arduous efforts eventually materialized when he founded Namaste - Wings to Fly America. To date, the organization has successfully opened an orphanage to house and educate the most helpless Kani children. Of course, it is no easy task to ask for donations. Franklin says it helps to be confident enough to feel rejection frequently. A few months ago, he wrote forty personalized letters to friends and family telling them about the organization and asking for them to help. He received only two responses. Nevertheless, he continues to work on being as polite as possible and maintaining a thick skin. "I've had people who have never even been to India come up to me after my presentations and accuse me of ruining the Kani's unique culture, or tell me they would rather support Americans instead of foreigners." Chuckling, he adds, "It is also difficult to deal with people who accuse you of providing money to terrorists--that has actually happened to me a couple of times!" As a woman of Indian descent, I cringed when I heard this because I have been on the receiving end of similar irrational accusations. Franklin attributes his success to the emotional connections he made with the Kani children, which remained central to his drive. He keeps a picture of the children as his desktop background to remember that the rejection and resulting annoyance is worth enduring for the chance to succeed in helping the children. Endearing as this may seem, I would caution one not to be fooled by Franklin's cherubic demeanor. Franklin's soft, innocent features are counteracted by his exceptionally sharp wit. He delivers his repartee with deceivingly coy facial expressions, so it usually takes a little catching up on your part to realize the joke was indeed on you. From the very first of our encounters, it was always in good humor. I think his jovial sense of humor keeps him afloat and, encouragingly, it allows him to remain resilient in the face of adversity. Franklin also rejects the premise that he is someone special, a philanthropist set apart from the crowd. "If everyone could see what I saw, they would be just as willing to get involved." That is not to say everyone who travels to India could (or should) transform his or her empathy into the basis for a non-profit organization. Franklin contends that the best way to help is by giving money to a good charity. He was successful in his venture because he had resources--time at the very least--at his disposal whereas others might not. He also says that careful budget planning and analysis, as well as conservatism, are key to sustaining the organization. As a fellow CU Buff, I asked Franklin about the role academic education and experiential learning had in shaping his success. He asserts that it definitely helps to be intelligent and hard working, or good enough at one to compensate for a shortcoming in the other. There are tough decisions to be made, and knowing that he will never help everyone is a deep source of frustration for him. As much as he would like to provide the greatest good for the greatest number, he has to be conservative. "When we opened the first house, I had to draw a line somewhere. I looked at the budget and decided to cut off the tenth child," he explains with deep regret. At the time, it was a risk to take on the tenth girl and he says it broke his heart to reject her. Franklin wanted to make sure he raised enough capital before committing sponsorship. It is difficult to think in black-and-white terms when a child's future is at stake, but he is more terrified of taking in kids and then running out of money to support them. Situations like these really illustrate the fundamental meaning of risk-benefit analysis. Franklin has not discovered an amazing new product, nor is he selling anything tangible for a profit. His entrepreneurship is characterized by his determination to make a change. Franklin was so shocked by the Kani's impoverished state--and furthermore baffled by the tenacity of their youth to prosper nonetheless--that he made a promise to himself to do something about it. And he did. Franklin learned that it typically takes a minimum of $8,000 to $12,000 per year to raise a child in the United States. In India, it takes $400. However, Franklin asks for $365--one US dollar per day, he uses his own money to put up the difference. It is his hope to raise enough capital and awareness so he will not have to keep paying overhead costs out of his shallow pockets. Since founding in 2009, Namaste - Wings to Fly America has raised over $15,000 to help the Kani people. Franklin started this organization because the Kani people were not being helped. While he has had to keep his overhead costs low, like any savvy startup person must do, his business is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of others. Franklin's efforts are a testament to the relieving notion that the milk of human kindness has not yet evaporated. The power to make a difference is vested within all of us. We should dignify John Donne's axiom that "no man is an island" by recognizing our duty to help those who cannot help themselves. Please take a few minutes to check out Namaste - Wings to Fly America (http://www.helpthekani.org). -June 2011 ReferencesThe information in this paper was gleaned from personal communication I had with Zak Franklin in 2010 and 2011, in addition to the references cited below.Chaturvedi, Sachin. (2007). Kani Case. A Report for GenBenefit. Retrieved April 2, 2011 from: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/genbenefit.Donne, John. (1624). For Whom The Bell Tolls. Sontag, S. (2002). Regarding The Pain of Others. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Polio Global Eradication Initiative. Data and Monitoring. Retrieved June 22, 2011 from: http://www.polioeradication.org/Dataandmonitoring/Poliothisweek.aspx

Above: Sebina Versi, Author of "Not What I Signed Up For: The Founding of Namaste - Wings to Fly America"

Below: A collection of pictures from the trip to India that inspired Zak Franklin to start Namaste - Wings to Fly America.

Polio
Kottoor Nursery
Jancy Gets Her First Doll
Simon Sez.jpg
Kani Children
Zak Teaching.jpg
The Convent School
The Convent School
Faculty Photo
Kids at Play
Zak and Praveen

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Thank You For Donating!Your donation is greatly appreciated! Dear Generous Donor, Thank you so much for donating to our cause. I am confident that your donation will make a positive impact in the lives of some very needy children and believe that it may make a positive impact in your life as well. Please email us at helpthekani.org and provide your email address so that we may keep you updated on the progress of the children and the organization.If you would like your money to go towards sponsoring an individual child, please let us know so that we may keep you updated on your child.Remember that less than 10% of your donation will go towards overhead costs, an exceptionally small percentage for a non-profit.And please tell your friends about us and ask them to visit www.helpthekani.orgGraciously,Zak FranklinPresident and Founderhelpthekani_gmail.com303-378-7599
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Your Donation Did Not ProcessPlease return to the How You Can Help page and try to resubmit your donation. You will not be charged until you see our Thank You For Donating page.If that does not work, please contact Namaste President Zak Franklin at 303-378-7599 or helpthekani_gmail.com so that we may take immediate steps to fix the problem.Sorry for the inconvenience.

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