Girl Scout Troop 43609 is sponsoring a fundraiser through Karate West to help a school for girls in India.

Scouts and their friends an families are invited to attend a one-hour self-defense class hosted by Sensei Andrew Knebel, from Karate West of Mercer Island.

Karate West offers not only an effective self-defense program but also a comprehensive program of personal growth and development with emphasis on teaching the life skills of leadership, integrity, goal setting, self-discipline and academic excellence.

The event is to raise money to donate directly to the Kiran Anjali Project to help support the Wings School in Hyderabad India.

The Wings School works to transform the lives of girls from nearby villages by providing free, high quality education and job training so that they can be role models in their communities. Their goal is to lift the girls from poverty to prosperity and empower them to take charge of their destiny. Troop 43609 selected self-defense for this event because it is part of the Wings School curriculum.

Two sessions are set for April 19. All Girl Scouts, friends and family (6 years or older) are invited.

For information or to register, contact Eliana Caputo, 7836 S.E. 71st St., Mercer Island, Wash., 98040, or call (425) 533-8206.