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SHARDA PEETH RISHI MODEL SCHOOL, UDHAMPUR, J&K
[
download the brochure]
Keeping
Hope Alive
History
In
1990, terrorism and sectarian violence caused nearly 500,000 Kashmiri
Hindus to flee the land of their ancestors, the fabled valley of Kashmir
in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. These victims of terrorism,
refugees in their own country, left behind virtually all of their worldly
possessions as they had to flee under threat to life and honor.
The
ugly face of terrorism: Destroyed homes of community
As
in most situations, the worst sufferers of this violence were the children
of this displaced people. With their parents consumed with, yet often
unable to, provide the basics of living to their families these
unfortunate children were often left without the only hope for a better
life – a healthy education.
The
Rishi Memorial School was started in the mid-1990s with contributions from
a group of US-based Indian-Americans concerned for the future of these
indigent children. This remarkable experiment in social self-service began
with only about a dozen students and one teacher.
Sustained
Accomplishments
Since
its humble beginnings, a group of dedicated individuals from within this
refugee community has succeeded in sustaining and growing this school
against all odds. Today, the Rishi Memorial School educates nearly 200
students in the first through eighth grades. Not only does this school
serve the refugee Kashmiri Hindus but it is also spreading the light of
education among underprivileged children of the host community. Over a
dozen selfless and dedicated educators are managing this school with
minimal compensation.
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Selfless Volunteers: Winning against all odds |
Tomorrow
looks bright: Protecting core values
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The
Need for Support
At
the present time, there are two specific needs that are limiting the
potential of this school:
1.
Due to extremely tight operating budgets, often managed in deficit, the
school is unable to provide a competitive learning environment to its
students in the first through eighth grades. This category includes basics
such as classroom supplies, learning materials, computers, and even
teachers’ salaries.
Badly
needed infrastructure e.g. Classroom blackboards
2.
The school desperately needs to expand to the tenth grade, an important
milestone towards being “recognized” by the Indian education system.
Without the tenth grade, children would have to travel hours every day to
continue their education. Many will be unable to afford the cost, and some
will altogether drop out of school.
How
to Contribute
We
invite compassionate individuals to contribute generously to the
continued success of this precious institution.
Tax-exempt
contributions may be made to the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA), a
registered non-profit organization in the United States.
Questions
may be directed to Mr. Pamposh Zutshi, Rishi Model School Program
Director for KOA. He can be reached at (512) 300-1117 or at pamposh_zutshi@hotmail.com
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