60 good reasons to give

A brighter future beckons for 60 of India's poorest children as BUPA pledges to sponsor their education to university entry level. This announcement coincides with today's celebrations in India to mark 60 years of independence.

On another 60th note, in support of BUPA's 60th anniversary celebrations this year, the company set up BUPA Giving - a £9 million fund, which will support a number of worldwide causes over the next three years. BUPA is donating £264,000 towards the education of 60 children from the Dalit community - one of the lowest social groups in India. The children will be educated at schools in Nashik in Maharashtra and Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh for the next 14 years taking them to university entry point.

BUPA's donation will not only cover the cost of educating these children at Dalit Education Centres (DECs) via charity RED International, but will also pay for uniforms, midday snacks, textbooks, teachers' salaries and administration charges.

Children are taught primarily in English as well as their own language by local teachers. As part of their studies, they receive health and hygiene education and are provided with regular medical check-ups.

Mark Ralf, chairman of BUPA Giving, said: "RED International has a long established track record in India and its work in establishing Dalit Education Centres is an exciting opportunity to help a group that receive little or no help in life.

"In its 60th year, BUPA is happy to join with its teams in Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur to celebrate 60 years of Indian independence by helping 60 children achieve an education that will be a lasting legacy for them and for India."

Representatives from RED International, a non-governmental organisation co-ordinating education projects around the world, and its partner in India, the Operation Mercy Charitable Company (OMCC), came to BUPA's head office, BUPA House in London recently to receive the money.

OMCC has set up 60 Dalit DECs throughout India, each one catering for up to 300 children and aims to create 40 more by 2010. As well as giving Dalit children a better start in life, the DECs also hold literary and computer vocational training for adults, helping them to find better paid jobs. DEC-based empowerment meetings also help local women learn more about their human rights to help curb domestic violence and improve their economic situation.

Albert Lael, OMCC national director, said: "We are extremely grateful to BUPA. The families of these kids can dream of a bright future, breaking free from the vicious cycle of generations of poverty."

The money donated via the BUPA Giving fund is in addition to the company's ongoing programme of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. These include sponsorship of the Great Run series, together with a full calendar of initiatives which are designed to benefit the local communities in which BUPA employees live and work.