REAL: Youth To Youth
Since 2001, REAL’s (Rural Education And Literacy) mission is to support the education and literacy of underprivileged youth in rural India and promote STEM education efforts in Oregon. We are led by a Youth Board (7th – 12th grade) and are a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Portland Oregon.
We provide essential educational resources and materials to rural schools and communities, promoting reading, writing, and basic education. Our work focuses on:
Bridging the literacy gap in India, where 40% of the population cannot read or write
Breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering young people to reach their full potential
Providing access to quality education for every child, regardless of background or location
Our programs aren’t just handouts – they’re investments in a brighter future. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of rural youth in India.
Programs we support
PPES
@Annupshar, Uttar Pradesh
Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) is committed to helping underprivilged girls in rural India. This school is unique because it not only provides education but it also provides 3 meals a day, medical care, safe transportation to school if needed, vocational training and guaranteed employment after 12th grade graduation.
YADALA
@Vallur, Andhra Pradesh
The Yadala Seshagiri Memorial School was started to help poor rural children in 15 nearby villages access education. The school goes from KG – 7th grade and provides the children with all needed supplies and free transportation. The school’s robust curriculum includes a daily exercise program to encourage wellness. The teachers come from the surrounding region.
DISSHA
@Bhopoli, Maharashtra
The innovative DISSHA (Developing Integrated Strategies for Students Holistic Approach) program has been implemented to address the COVID education gap by our partner organization Dr. M. L. Dhawale Memorial Trust (MLDT) in government schools surrounding the small town of Bhopoli. The hardworking “Vidyarthi Mitras” are the key to the success of this program.
REAL Impact
$268K+
Funds provided
10K+
Students supported
100%
Donation distributed
20K+
volunteer hours
Fundraising Events
Giving Tuesday
Enrich our growing community.
REAL is participating in GivingTuesday, the global day of unity and giving. As you know, our organization relies on our supporters and donors to help the literacy efforts in rural India.
But we can’t do this without you!
Bottle Drop
Support special initiatives.
REAL is registered with the Oregon BottleDrop Program and we would love it if you could contribute your bottles and cans to our cause. All you have to do is select REAL: Youth To Youth when you drop off your cans at a BottleDrop location or contact us for a pick-up! REAL@REALyouth.org
Follow our Facebook page for details.
Pickleball Tournament
Have fun while you support our cause
REAL hosted a Pickleball tournament in summer of 2024. Based on its smashing success, which offered a unique blend of sport, community building, and fundraising, we are planning on having it again.
Follow our Facebook page for the next event.
Our Core Value
Education For ALL!
We believe that everyone has the basic right to literacy and education.
