shashaa.org

together we shine

The name "Shashaa" is of Sanskrit origin and means "moon". The moon shines because its surface reflects light from the sun. We want to be the light from the sun to brighten up the moon, to bring light into the life of talented but underprivileged kids in the village of Shiroor in Udupi.

our mission

The "Shashaa Association" supports the education of underprivileged talented children in the village Shiroor of Udupi, India.

We believe that education is one of the ways to brighten up life for a better future and to improve the quality of thoughts & perception. While we focus on supporting the education of talented children with financial aid, we also coach & mentor the students to empower them to create a better tomorrow.

our vision

Our vision is to enable many talented kids to dream big and reach their goals through education, despite their lack of privilege. We at "Shashaa" believe that educating the children of a village can make a big difference for all people living there. It can help to break boundaries, create opportunities and make people see the world through a different lens.

We started "Shashaa" in 2020 and are hoping to see it grow soon!

"Shashaa" is a registered association (e.V.) in Germany.

Empowering young minds: Organising a Summer Camp in Shiroor Village

This spring, our charity embarked on a new and exciting initiative to bring joy, creativity and learning to the children of Shiroor Village. While our core mission remains to support higher education for those who cannot afford it, we recognised the importance of providing enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Thus the idea of supporting a summer camp was born, and with it a season of growth and happiness for these young minds.
We proudly launched our pilot summer camp, 'Besige Besuge', which was initially planned for 15 days but was extended to 21 days due to the overwhelming enthusiasm and participation. The camp concluded with a grand closing ceremony on the 6th of May 2024, where participants showcased their newly acquired skills and talents to parents, villagers and special guests.
Our camp benefited immensely from the dedication of the trainers who travelled to Shiroor Muddumane to ensure a quality experience for the children. With an emphasis on environmental awareness, the camp adopted a plastic-free theme and focused on recycling initiatives. The children participated in a wide range of activities including art, crafts, music, yakshagana (traditional theater and dancing), drama, clay art, painting, various dance forms, yoga and arecanut leaf crafts.
A highlight of the camp was an inspiring day trip to Karkala, where the children met people passionate about recycling and a young farmer. This excursion not only broadened their horizons, but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility.

The grand closing ceremony was live-streamed, allowing a wider audience to witness the children's achievements. You can watch the ceremony here on YouTube. The keynote speeches from our esteemed guests were particularly motivational and added a special touch to the celebration. The event, and the camp as a whole, received incredible feedback from participants and parents, underlining the success of the camp.

The success of 'Besige Besuge' was made possible by the combined efforts of our volunteers, trainers, parents, villagers, Arivu Kenda (local library) and well-wishers. Their contributions were instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful experience for the children.

We at Shashaa e.V. are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support this camp. The joyful moments captured during these 21 days will serve as cherished memories for all involved.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for believing in the potential of every child. If you want to support our cause, feel free to reach out to us via our website or LinkedIn.

Warm regards,

Shashaa e.V.

how to support us

Every donation, however small, helps us to brighten up the lives of our students and to cover their education costs.

If you want to donate, feel free to do so via DE15701500001006616138
Please contact us by e-mail at [email protected] to receive a donation receipt.

If you want to help, financially or otherwise, please contact us via e-mail.

If you want to become a member you can download the membership form here.
If you live in India, please contact us about the membership conditions.

Meet the people behind "Shashaa Association"

All members of "Shashaa" work as volunteers to help the children of Udupi shine. You can reach out to all of us via [email protected].

Sampreetha

CEO & Co-founder

I was born & brought up in Shiroor (India), currently living in Munich. I strongly believe in passionately giving back to the community & making a positive impact in society. I am inspired by my mother who dedicated her life to educating children in our village.

Nele

2nd Chairwoman &
Co-founder

As a child, you cannot choose the family you are born into, so we must provide children with the opportunity to create the life they dream of. For me, a good education is the foundation for achieving that dream.

Anand

Co-founder

Education has been a pivot in my life. I am a MBA graduate from TH-Nürnberg Business School in Germany and an Ayurveda Chavutti therapist by passion. I believe, education and meditation are the basic enlightenment for mindful being.

Ashwath

Co-founder

I believe that knowledge through the right form of education is a foundation to a child’s future. I'm aiming to provide such foundation through this organization. I'm currently managing a family owned business based in Bangalore, India.

Manuel

Co-founder

Growing up in southern Germany and working as a civil engineer, I believe that a good education gives everyone the tools to be independent and successful later on. My wish is to help children with their education so that they can have a happy and prosperous future today.

Monika

Co-founder

I grew up in Munich and work as an Instructional Designer and E-Learning Facilitator. I believe that education is important to achieve one's objectives in life and to being able to give back to the community. I hope that the work of "Shashaa" will eventually improve the live of many people.

Sahana

Co-founder

I am living in Shiroor (India), have worked as pathology lab technician for 10+ years after completion of Diploma in Medical lab Technician. As a teacher, I believe that charity begins at home (our village).

Thomas

Co-founder

I was raised close to Stuttgart and work as a Team Manager in IT. I always was and always will be optimistic and forward looking. To me, what could be more forward looking than helping kids improving their future?

Sampreetha and Anand visiting Balya Children Home in Bangalore.