Sahaya Walks is a program organized by Sahaya International, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, based in Davis, California. Sahaya International was founded in 1999 by Dr. Koen Van Rompay, who is HIV/AIDS researcher at the University of California, Davis.

Sahaya means “HELP” in sanskrit.

Sahaya International consists of a network of friends who volunteer their time to build awareness and support of healthcare, education, environmental and socio-economic grassroots programs in developing countries. Together we believe we can contribute towards a world where everyone gets chances to succeed and live together in peace and respect with others, and with nature.

Sahaya supports programs in India, Kenya, Vietnam, the Philippines and Uganda. To learn more about these programs, go to www.sahaya.org.

In India, Sahaya supports the organization READ (Rural Education and Action Development), which has been active in the region of Andimadam, in Ariyalur District (Tamil Nadu). READ runs a large number of programs. The adults and youth of this community are building a better future through improved education, healthcare and socio-economic opportunities such as small businesses and vocational training. We are honored to have a role in their work.

One of these programs is helping HIV-infected people, including the children and youth who are supported by our Sahaya Walks campaign.

Sahaya is 100% volunteer-based. We keep our administrative costs to an absolute minimum; in addition, most of our administrative costs are covered by our officers and board members, so that almost 100% of your donation ends up being sent to the programs overseas.

Sahaya Walks is focused specifically on helping HIV-infected children and youth in our programs with the grassroots organization READ in South-India.

To learn more about the history of Sahaya International, view our short-documentary “Sahaya Going Beyond”.