Giving Back

Giving Back for the Month of November 2008:

Change Begins Within

More than 20 years ago, a 14-year-old Nepalese student began a movement to free his people — and succeeded. Today his organization is partnering with Mercy Corps to ensure not just freedom, but opportunity.
This month, to honor they way change begins within each one of us, iHeart has chosen to support Backward Society Education (BASE) to stand up for the rights of Nepal's marginalized Tharu ethnic group. BASE was started by Don CHaudhary when he was just 14. The son of a bonded laborer, Chaudhary had personally suffered the persecution of the bottom of the caste system. Thousands of his native Tharu people, among the original inhabitants of western Nepal's lowland Terai region, had been in quasi-slavery to higher caste landlords for years. Isolation and a lack of understanding about their rights in a broader society kept the Tharu bonded laborers at a disadvantage, trapped within the confines of their landlords' farms. Chaudhary believed that organizing bonded laborers and making them aware of their rights would result in empowerment — and change. He began this epic task through a seemingly innocuous activity: literacy classes for bonded laborers. The classes began with 34 members. Within three years that number rose to 350, and by 1989 there were 80 literacy classes operating in 40 Tharu villages. People were learning that change was possible.
We can assist in this change. You can help bonded slaves get the support and education they need and deserve.

It is fitting that a movement started by a committed, idealistic 14-year-old named Dilli Chaudhary is now being led by thousands of eager Tharu youth. Literacy classes — for youth and adults alike — are still very much a part of the strategy to succeed. And, with help from Mercy Corps, BASE is creating a new generation of progress: workers, activists and educators that will not only inspire their communities but change their nation. Our gifts can help them soar. Imagine bringing hope. Imagine a life of happiness. Feel the change. Be the change. Bring Hope. Bring Knowledge.

From the money you give to support us, iheartsingleparents.com will donate 50% to Mercy Corps, and 50% will go towards the hosting and maintenance of iHeart.

Choose $1, $5, or whatever feels right.

iHeartSingleParents.com has partnered with Mercy Corps, an international organization that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

iHeart's Giving Back program will change to support new worthy causes each month. If you have any questions or concerns about our Giving Back program, please email info@iheartsingleparents.com.