Slumdog Millionaire filmmakers announce commitment to Plan
April 15, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire filmmakers announce funding to improve lives of children in Mumbai slums
The team behind the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire has made a commitment of USD $745,000 to Plan for a five-year program to improve the lives of children in Mumbai slum communities.
Plan, which has worked in India for 30 years, hopes to reach 2,000 families and 5,000 children in the slums of central Mumbai, focusing on education programs, training children and adults in good hygiene and sanitation techniques.
The hit movie, which was shot in Mumbai, shone a light on the plight of some of the world’s poorest children where living conditions are overcrowded and there is a lack of basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Children are at a particular risk there as they are more vulnerable to diseases.
Many have to walk huge distances to school or simply do not go at all - some become child laborers.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
Slumdog director Danny Boyle said: “It is only right that some of the success of the movie be ploughed back into the city in areas where it is needed most and where it can make a real difference to some lives.
“Despite intimidating odds, extraordinary work is going on to help people break the cycle of poverty through education. We’re delighted that this initiative will add to that ongoing work.”
Trust fund
Meanwhile, in consultation with Plan, a separate independent trust has been established by the filmmakers to provide welfare and educational needs for two of the film’s young stars.
The Jai Ho Trust aims to ensure that Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail receive an education, have somewhere decent to live and receive help to deal with media attention. The trust will also keep some money for them until they reach adulthood.
Reaching out
Bhagyashri Dengle, executive director of Plan India said: ”The phenomenal global success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has helped focus attention on the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in India — ones who have missed out on India’s recent economic boom.
“This generous donation from the filmmakers will enable Plan to reach out to many more children, empowering them to be able to live healthier and happier lives.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Media contact
Robin Costello
Director of Communications
(401) 738-5600, ext. 1318
Robin.Costello@planusa.org
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Plan, which has worked in India for 30 years, hopes to reach 2,000 families and 5,000 children in the slums of central Mumbai, focusing on education programs, training children and adults in good hygiene and sanitation techniques.
The hit movie, which was shot in Mumbai, shone a light on the plight of some of the world’s poorest children where living conditions are overcrowded and there is a lack of basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Children are at a particular risk there as they are more vulnerable to diseases.
Many have to walk huge distances to school or simply do not go at all - some become child laborers.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
Slumdog director Danny Boyle said: “It is only right that some of the success of the movie be ploughed back into the city in areas where it is needed most and where it can make a real difference to some lives.
“Despite intimidating odds, extraordinary work is going on to help people break the cycle of poverty through education. We’re delighted that this initiative will add to that ongoing work.”
Trust fund
Meanwhile, in consultation with Plan, a separate independent trust has been established by the filmmakers to provide welfare and educational needs for two of the film’s young stars.
The Jai Ho Trust aims to ensure that Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail receive an education, have somewhere decent to live and receive help to deal with media attention. The trust will also keep some money for them until they reach adulthood.
Reaching out
Bhagyashri Dengle, executive director of Plan India said: ”The phenomenal global success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has helped focus attention on the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in India — ones who have missed out on India’s recent economic boom.
“This generous donation from the filmmakers will enable Plan to reach out to many more children, empowering them to be able to live healthier and happier lives.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Media contact
Robin Costello
Director of Communications
(401) 738-5600, ext. 1318
Robin.Costello@planusa.org
Back to top
