EAST LANSING, Mich. — Access to education can help foster social and economic change in India, believes the Michigan State University chapter of Asha for Education, one of several groups participating in MSU’s Going Global Fair Nov. 18.

The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of MSU’s International Center and is designed to highlight international activities and causes in which MSU students participate. It is one of 12 events planned for MSU’s celebration of International Education Week, which institutions nationwide celebrate Nov. 16-20.  

The student chapter of Asha for Education, a nonprofit, New York-based organization, will highlight the Extended Immunization for Rural Children project in collaboration with Shanti Ashram, a nonprofit organization in South India focused on development of rural areas.

MSU students from two study abroad trips to India formed Students Advancing International Development to stay connected with Shanti Ashram’s efforts to provide MMR vaccinations for measles in India. The student group plans to raise $16,000 by spring semester 2010 – an amount that would provide for 8,000 children to be immunized against the disease.

Before the week officially begins, MSU will host two community events that focus on global awareness.  African Cultural Week: Gala Night will offer the community an opportunity to learn about African culture. It will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at MacDonald Middle School in East Lansing.

MSU’s Global Fest will run from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at the MSU Union. Global Fest will feature an afternoon of international involvement, exhibits, performances and demonstrations by MSU nationality clubs. Also featured at the event will be international cuisine and international games for children.

International Education Week is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State. MSU’s daily activities exemplify the university’s commitment to global education, outreach and engagement.

For more information and a detailed calendar of events, visit www.iew.msu.edu. For more information about Asha for Education at MSU, visit www.msu.edu/~asha. To learn more about Shanti Ashram, go to www.shantiashram.org.

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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.