LOCAL branches of an international women's organisation are doing their bit to raise money to improve the lives of young girls in India.
Batley and Dewsbury Ladies’ Circles are organising and supporting events with an Indian flavour including curry nights and sari dressing.
All money raised will go towards the SARIS (Sanitation Around Rural India Schools) project, which aims to pro
vide sanitation facilities for girls in rural Indian schools.
The organisation found that young teen girls are not continuing their education due to very poor sanitary facilities, so Ladies’ Circles across the world are raising money for new sanitary buildings.
It costs £250 for a single toilet, so a two toilet block costs £500.
The international aim is to build 100 toilets – therefore heading a target total of £25,000.
The Batley and Dewsbury groups supported a curry evening in November 2007, hosted by Hebden Bridge Ladies’ Circle.
It involved an Indian banquet, West Yorkshire Indian dance champion, raffles and a quiz.
The event raised £623, which is more than enough for one toilet block.
Ossett and Horbury Ladies’ Circle hosted a Christmas fair in December which raised another £100.
Karen Flatters from Batley Ladies’ Circle said: “As you can see, we are well on our way.
“As this project spans over two years, we would like to host a curry evening in our area to hopefully raise some more funds to support the international project.
“I would hate to think that education was stopped purely on the basis of the toilet facilities available.”
The Batley group meets on the second Monday of the month, usually at the Greyhound Public House at Birstall Smithies.
Then members organise a social on for the fourth Monday each month which can be anything from a cheerleading session to a meal.
Dewsbury Ladies’ Circle meets the first Thursday every month, usually at a local restaurant.
For more details contact Karen on 0113 2532131 or 07760 188035.
The full article contains 329 words and appears in Batley News newspaper.
