Supporting academic achievement
EMW-CEF – Empowering children to achieve their full potential and beyond
Serving nutritious meals
EMW-CEF – Empowering children to achieve their full potential and beyond
Encouraging comradery and community
EMW-CEF – Empowering children to achieve their full potential and beyond
Nurturing a sound mind, body and spirt
EMW-CEF – Empowering children to achieve their full potential and beyond
Creating an environment for sharing and collaboration
EMW-CEF – Empowering children to achieve their full potential and beyond
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Our Story

East Meets West – Children’s Education Fund (EMW-CEF) was formed in 2024 under the leadership of Naraindra Prashad.

In 2019, Narainrdra traveled to Rishikesh, India, the yoga capital of the world, to deepen his Karma Yoga practice. His world changed forever.

The Pickering, Ontario resident witnessed how poverty, political instability and environmental disasters have devastated the lives of innocent children and their families. He vowed to make a difference.

His passion inspired family, friends, colleagues and a larger community of yoga enthusiasts to form EMW-CEF.

In Fall 2024, EMW-CEF applied to the Canada Revenue Agency for registered charitable status. A decision is expected in early 2025.

How this all started

In 2019, yoga enthusiast Naraindra Prashad traveled to the yoga capital of the world in India to deepen his spiritual practice. 
Soon after he arrived in Rishikesh, his world changed forever. The Pickering, Ontario native witnessed firsthand how poverty, political instability along with environmental disasters have devastated the lives of innocent children and their families in India and later on in Nepal. 
A philanthropist at heart, Naraindra vowed to make a difference no matter how small. Back home, his passion and commitment inspired family, friends, colleagues and a larger community of yoga enthusiasts to do the same – make a difference -- with both financial support and on-site volunteer energy. 
In 2024, the East Meet West - Children’s Education Fund was created as a not-for-profit, headquartered in Pickering, east of Toronto.

Our Vision

Every child will be afforded the opportunity to reach their full human potential.

Our Mission

East Meets West – Children’s Education Fund exists to empower children living in poverty in developing countries with the fundamental and basic support required (i.e. education, nutrition, shelter) to flourish into happy, healthy and productive members of their community.

Our Work

Students thank visitors with artwork

Students from Khushi Charitable Society greeted members of East Meets West Yog (EMWY) with handmade cards when the guests arrived in Rishikesh, India in February 2024.

Young mothers gifted sewing machines

In October 2024, EMW-CEF and sister organization, East Meets West Yog (EMWY) gifted sewing machines to 13 vocational students who graduated from a one-year Stitching & Design Certificate program. The young seamstresses are now able to start a home-based business while caring for young children.

Visitors prepare meal for Khushi children

Members of sister organization East Meets West Yog (EMWY) prepared a meal for the children at the Khushi Charitable Society during a recent visit to Rishikesh, India.

Nepali children receive backpacks

200 children in the village of Beldandi, Mahendranagar, Nepal, receive backpacks from EMW-CEF and sister organization East Meets West Yog (EMWY) in October 2024.

Toronto volunteers raise funds

Members of EMW-CEF and sister organization East Meets West Yog (EMWY) hosted a plant and bake sale in July 2024 raising more than $8,300 to support the education of children in Nepal, India and Guyana.

Supporting children in Guyana

EMWY and EMW-CEF supports education for marginalized children in Guyana through Oaks of Righteousness organization.

Impact Stories

Impact Stories

Our Volunteers

Meet Our Expert Volunteers

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Testimonials

Board of Directors

NARAINDRA L. PRASHAD

President

Naraindra Prashad is a Chartered Professional Accountant and seasoned university administrator with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Commerce and Economics from the University of Toronto. His career arc has been diverse, spanning initial years in the corporate world followed by a significant 25-year leadership tenure at his alma mater. He has also served as President of the Alumni Association at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and currently sits on the University’s College of Electors.

A champion for education and community service, Naraindra has volunteered for causes aiding children and seniors, driven by his conviction in education’s role in advancing society. His personal triumph over health challenges as a youth has fueled his commitment to helping the underprivileged, particularly in providing equitable opportunities for children.

Naraindra’s dedication to wellness extends to his role as a Registered Yoga Teacher, educated in Mindful Meditation and Pilates. He has taught at Canada’s largest health club and various studios in Toronto. An enthusiastic gardener, he leverages this skill to fundraise for charity, blending his love for nature with his philanthropic spirit. Naraindra’s life reflects a blend of professional achievement, personal resilience, and a deep commitment to social progress.

PETER (RAM) JOKHU

Treasurer

Peter Jokhu was born in Guyana, and prior to emigrating to Canada, in 1982, he studied in Ireland, pursuing a program in Electronics. While studying in Ireland, he volunteered with a local church group to provide help to the needy in the community.

Peter then emigrated to Canada in 1983 where he attended Humber College, studying Information Technology. He graduated in 1988 and has since been working in the IT industry, supporting the banking applications for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
Always looking to give back to society, Peter has been volunteering with many organizations, including the St. Vincent De Paul Society in his neighbourhood, Scarborough Village Theatre, and various shelters in Scarborough. He also serves on the Board of Directors for East Meets West Yog, Inc.

SARITA RICKHI

Secretary

Sarita was born in the Caribbean on the island of Trinidad, West Indies. She migrated to Canada with her husband and children in the 1980’s. She has a Business Analyst Masters Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University. During her professional years in Canada, she worked as a Business Analyst in the IT space for a Telecommunications company.

She has volunteered and supported various shelters and charitable organizations, at work, in her area and abroad. She is committed to uplifting the lives of the underprivileged in whatever way she can.

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Bank Account Information
Table Header
Account Holder Name
EMWCEF
Account No.
000
IFSC Code
PUNB0312900
Bank
PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
Branch
ABC
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