Project Partners
M.S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION
M.S. Swaminathan Foundation in Chennai continues to be our main partner and inspirtion. We work closely with Dr. Sudha Nair, Director of Eco-technology at MSSRF in the areas of micro-credit, self-help-groups, and education. In the past we have also partnered with them in establishing the Community Food Banks and Every Child a Scientist programs. We also work with the Informatics Department at MSSRF in helping establish Village Knowledge Centers and Village Resource Centers. (www.mssrf.org)
FOSA (FRIENDS OF SWAMINATHAN - AUSTRALIA)
Friends of Swaminathan in Australia is our sister organization. Vicki Corbett, the founder of FOSA continues to advise us. AI and FOSA undertake several projects with MSSRF together.
FRIENDS OF MSSRF IN USA
Asia Intitiatives is helping in the formation of Friends of MSSRF in USA.
ARPANA
AI has partnered with Arpana in providing education to disadvantaged children, and in building low-cost homes in the Molarbandh slum redevelopment colony.(http://www.arpana.org/service/delhi_molarbund.asp) or (www.arpana.org)
ASHITA NO KAI
Headed by Armene Modi, recently honored as one of the "Real Heroes" by Reliance Foundtion, Ashita no Kai undertakes projects in rural women's education and empowerment, as well as projects in rural sanitation. Armene has visited MSSRF projects and is inspired by Professor Swaminathan's philosophy of "pro-environment, pro-poor, and pro-women".
MOBILE CRECHES
Asia Initiatives has supported the operation of a Mobile Crèche center for children of migrant construction workers in Delhi for the past five years. Mobile Crèches provide children with a safe, stimulating environment, two hot meals a day, basic reading/ writing skills, and regular health checks. (www.mobilecreches.org)
PUKAR
AI partnered with Pukar in hosting the Urban Typhoon workship in Dharavi Koliwada in Mumbai in March 2008 to help the local community deal with development pressures. AI is continuing to work with PUKAR and URBZ in developing systems of participatry urban planning and development. www.pukar.org.in/)
