Dear Learn To Be,

My name is Meenakshi, and I am a high school senior from New Jersey. I have been with Learn To Be for over 3 years now, have completed over 615 hours of tutoring, and have had the wonderful privilege of participating in the inaugural Tutor Corp program this past year. I am reaching out to express my gratitude for Tutor Corp and share what it has helped accomplish.

In my video application for Tutor Corp, I pledged to donate $500 of the $1000 Tutor Corp grant to the non-profit community health organization Swasthya Swaraj, where I interned two summers ago. Swasthya Swaraj serves the Thuamul Rampur Block of the Kalanhandi district of the state of Odisha -- one of the poorest and least literate districts in India.

Below is the response from the founder of Swasthya Swaraj, Dr. Aquinas Edassary, upon receiving this donation.

Dear Meenakshi,
With gratitude we acknowledge the receipt of 501 US$ from you to Swasthya Swaraj Society. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and concern for the poor tribals we are working with.
Considering the high load of undernutrition among the under-five children we have now changed our pattern of outreach clinics- instead of ANC- U5 clinics being held in a combined way, we are now doing it separately since one month- pregnant mothers on one day and U5 children on another day. This enables us to give focused attention to mothers and children separately, including health education, nutrition education, nutrition counselling and nutrition supplements in addition to healthcare. In this connection we are setting up children's corner/ mini park in each health centre with a lot of simple play and fun items in each health centre of Swasthya Swaraj. We are thinking of using your contribution for setting up and purchasing the various toy items. We will try to mobilise some other donations too from other sources. You will be happy to see thhese when you visit here next.
I do not know whether you got our latest newsletter. I'm forwarding it now and one of our studies published.
All the best.
Aquinas.

I hope this brings to light how Learn To Be has had a tremendous impact in improving the health and education of underserved communities, not just in the United States, but worldwide! Additionally, while I know new applicants were prioritized for the 2025-26 Tutor Corp cohort, if Learn To Be has any opportunities to continue to support Swasthya Swaraj or expand access to education in any other way, please know that I would love to help!

As I reflect on the tremendous impact Learn To Be has had on my high school career, I want to thank everyone behind this wonderful organization, from my fellow tutors, to supportive community leaders like Sen and Ali, to the Learn To Be IT team, to co-founders Neeraj and Stephen, and, of course, to my wonderful students who make me smile in every session!

With gratitude,

Meenakshi Viswanadha