Sustainable Tourism: Indian Subcontinent
Please see below a list of charities we recommend in the Indian Subcontinent, including contact details and how to donate.
Magic Bus
Cox & Kings actively supports Magic Bus, a charity set up by former Cox & Kings employee Matthew Spacie in January 1999. In India over 11 million children are living in slums or on the streets and over 50% are physically or sexually abused. Magic Bus provides positive role models for children and youth living in these extreme circumstances and uses sport as a medium to enable them to discover their true potential and find a purpose in life. It believes in their ability to take charge and change their future. The charity works with children aged between 7 to 18, taking them through an age and needs-based graduation programme that is specifically designed to focus on their personal and social development. The Magic Bus curriculum offers children the chance to build self-confidence, learn about health and hygiene and make informed choices. It encourages girls and boys to play together, breaking down gender barriers and influencing community development.
Magic Bus works in partnership with municipal schools, government institutions, other child-focused organizations and directly in slum communities. It is now an award-winning development organisation working with children and youth throughout India. By the end of 2010 the organisation will reach out to 140,000 children living in some of the most at risk and deprived circumstances in the world. The goal is to reach up to 600,000 in the next three years.
To donate: http://magicbusindia.org/magicbus/donate
Website: www.magicbusindia.org
Email: infouk@magicbusindia.org
UK registered charity number: 1046001
Disability and Development Partners (DDP)
DDP helps disabled people - especially those who have suffered loss of limbs or use of limbs. Working with local partner organisations, DDP develops and promotes affordable and accessible rehabilitation services, using mobility aids and appliances such as the local cost Jaipur limb, which has been in use in India for over 30 years, and light weight plastic callipers for children suffering the effects of polio. Disabled people are often from the poorest section of the population and only 2% of disabled children in developing countries are in formal schooling. The charity promotes economic and social programmes and the rights of disabled people as well as raising awareness about disability, poverty and development issues and the causes and prevention of disability. DDP's programme in rural Karnataka, South India, will help disabled and other poor children in 69 villages to receive a quality education.
To donate: http://www.ddpuk.org/support.html
Website: www.ddpuk.org
Email: mail@ddpweb.org
UK registered charity number: 1046001
Jaisalmer in Jeopardy
Jaisalmer in Jeopardy (JiJ) was established in 1996 by writer Sue Carpenter, to raise funds to protect the city’s heritage. Following an increase in water consumption, Jaisalmer’s ancient drainage system has almost collapsed, resulting in the saturation of the foundations of this fortress city. After the devastating monsoon of 1993, some 250 historic buildings were affected, including the oldest existing Rajput palace, the Rani-ka Mahal. JiJ has helped fund several restoration projects and increased awareness of the issue. Most importantly, it has promoted the need to protect Jaisalmer's historic architectural heritage among residents and the local authorities - a vital step for the sustainability of the city.
To donate: http://www.jaisalmer-in-jeopardy.org/contact.html
Website: www.jaisalmer-in-jeopardy.org
Email: jaisalmerinfo@yahoo.co.uk
UK registered charity number: 1055433
Global Tiger Patrol
Founded in 1989, Global Tiger Patrol (GTP) is a UK registered charity prioritising protection of the tiger in the wild. Drawing upon advice from many of the World’s pre-eminent experts, GTP supports the tiger conservation activities of local communities, scientific researchers and the efforts of local guides and naturalists. The Charity is run by volunteers to ensure that the maximum amount of money raised reaches its chosen projects. GTP concentrates its work in India, as the subcontinent is home to about 50% of the world's remaining wild tigers.
To donate: www.justgiving.com/globaltigerpatrol
Website: www.globaltigerpatrol.org
UK registered charity number: 328126
The Fred Hollows Foundation, Nepal
The Fred Hollows Foundation (UK) is a registered charity which seeks to eradicate avoidable blindness in developing countries. Inspired by the work and example of the late Professor Fred Hollows, The Foundation was established in the United Kingdom in 1999 with a vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind. Currently the charity is committed to funding a new Community Eye Centre in Okhaldhunga, Nepal over the next 5 years. Eye Health programme activities will be developed in the future.
To donate: http://www.justgiving.com/fhfuk/donate
Website: http://www.hollows.org.au/Nepal/
UK registered charity number: 1074478