About Rise Up India

RISE UP INTERNATIONAL is a charitable organization (IRS 501(c)(3)) based in Bend, Oregon, USA. It is dedicated to helping children living in impoverished settings by providing education and other aid with the goal of stopping and preventing child exploitation. RISE UP uses art and fashion to raise money and draw attention to their projects in China, India, and Nicaragua.

Sheri and Curtis manage the RISE UP program in India (RISE UP INDIA). The India program consists of the operation of three schools near the town of Bodhgaya, in the state of Bihar, in northeast India. Two schools are located in Bakrour Village and the third is located in Bashardi Village. Over 250 children receive free education for grades 1 to 5. In addition nine orphans live at the RISE UP school in Bakrour village. Fourteen staff members are employed, RISE UP has built one of the school buildings.

*Bihar is known as the most corrupt and poorest state in India (which is saying something). It has the highest rates of illiteracy, especially for women, in the country.


The school was started by Pramod Mishra and another teacher. They held class in a room in the back of Sujata Temple in Bakrour Village. They cleaned the temple once a day to pay rent and also received one bowl of rice. Sheri and Curtis met Pramod in 2000. Sheri was so moved by Pramod’s story that she began supporting the school with monthly donations. In 2004 the school was able to obtain a small piece of land (basically a gift). And in 2006 a simple building was constructed. Sheri paid for most of the building construction but was able to get some support from others too. Sheri and Curtis joined with RISE UP in 2006 because of their supportive energy and for the tax benefits to donors.



Sheri and Curtis spent two months in India in 2008 working with Pramod (who is the school director), the local school board, the school teachers, school cook, and handyman. They met with local business leaders and with other NGO’s operating in the area.
If the three RISE UP schools were not available, the children in all likelihood would not attend school. The alternatives are they would be sent out to work or to beg. Typical jobs for poor children in India are collecting cow manure, collecting wood, working in brick factories, picking through trash for recyclables, hard agricultural labor, carrying wood, water or animal feed, or keeping house. No child should be denied an education and a future by having to work full time. Lack of education continues the cycle of poverty and child exploitation. Begging is a big problem in India. No child should be compelled to beg in the streets. Begging is quite degrading and can make a person hard and unempathetic.