THE cost of 25 cups of coffee in Australia can educate a girl in rural India for a year and have a dramatic impact on her life.
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This was one of the drawcards for Newcastle businesswoman Shivani Gupta to support the Barefoot College in Tilonia, India.
As a philanthropist, she supported 70 charities through her businesses last year.
Ms Gupta wanted to support a grassroots educational program for young girls in her homeland.
Barefoot College and its night school program - that enables young girls who collect firewood, drinking water and tend livestock during the day to attend night classes - fitted the bill.
On a trip to India late last year, Ms Gupta introduced four other Newcastle businesswomen to the organisation and $5000 was given to educate 500 girls.
However, it didn't stop there, the women established the Friends of Barefoot College Australia and this month will hold its inaugural fundraising event.
At the movie night, Rafea Solar Mumma will be shown. It is the story of the college's solar engineers program and its impact on its students, illiterate grandmothers, their communities and families through the eyes of a woman with four daughters from a poor village.
There will also be a raffle with a range of prizes - a gym membership, a bed and breakfast package, as well as spa, dinner and retail vouchers.
It is hoped the movie night will raise $5000 to educate another 500 girls for a year.
■ Friends of Barefoot College Australia fundraising movie night Towers Cinemas Newcastle, Friday, May 29, 6.30pm, $27 includes a beverage. Go to eventbrite.com.au/e/barefoot-movie-night-ticket to buy tickets.