The Association for Promotion and Development of Educational and Research Projects in India eV was founded in 1998 by seven teachers. We were motivated by our own gratitude for our prosperity and thus being able to help others. And so we wanted to take responsibility for others, too.

The desert region of Rajasthan in India, where the school is located, has a very weak infrastructure and a high unemployment rate. The public schools in the region are overcrowded and suffer from shortage of teachers.

Because in India exists no legal obligation to attend school, and because many parents can not afford the cost of the education of the children, no children from poor families are sent to school, especially no girls. They need special support because in many families exist still traditional attitudes that daughters are going to marry anyway, and then will belong to the husband's family. However, only a qualified education allows children a financially secure future outlook.

The Association would like to give the children of the region educational opportunity and thus a self-determined future. For some this has already become reality (for more details, read more under "About the School"). The first students have already left school with a degree, studying or undergoing vocational training.

To make the support possible, the Association raises funds

by selling handmade goods, T-shirts, mugs and other items. The regular contributions from members and sponsors, as well as one-time cash donations from friends and supporters built the basis for our help performance.

You also can help to provide the children of this region in Rajasthan educational opportunity and a self-determined future. How you can donate, you can read under "Your help".

Help us to help, because it affects all of us!

Patron of the association

Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda

Vishwaguruji Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda is the founder of the Yoga in Daily Life System and it was his wish to build a school and offer quality education for the children in the surrounding villages of the ashram in Jadan. Thanks to his initiation and inspiration, the association was founded and the school was built. He works tirelessly for the well-being of all living beings and for the understanding among peoples and world peace. For this, he has been received or honoured by presidents and dignitaries of many countries across the world.

Committee of the association

Christina Gehrmeyer

Christina is the first chairwoman of the association and takes care of the website. She is a middle school teacher and teaches English, civic education and economy. She likes practising yoga, spending time with friends, travelling, meeting new people, learning about different cultures and languages.

Cornelia Gehrmeyer

Cornelia is the second chairwoman of the association. Her hobby is sewing. She crafts many things, (bags, embroidered towels etc.) that we sell at our stand. Also, she is a grandma with heart and soul who likes to spend time with her little grandchildren.

Karin Cassens

Karin is the accountant of the association and takes care of our finances. She also teaches yoga. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her two daughters and takes care of her garden.

Patricia Villafrade

Patricia is the secretary of the association.

Elke Deppert † 6.02.2023

Elke was the second chairwoman. She was one of the founders of the association and was the first chairwoman for twenty years. She was a retired school teacher and a yoga teacher. When she was not working for the association, she taught yoga, sang in a choir, or spent time with her husband and her grandchildren.

Our volunteers

Anuradha Seth Hanig, Ján Halaša, Julia Klychkova, Susanne Doritz, Eva Puls, Jana Vašíková, Henrieta Mikle, Kate Willen and more.