The refugee camps in Jammu and Kashmir house hundreds of  thousands of Kashmiri Pandits displaced from their homes as a direct result of the Islamic militancy in the valley. This tragedy has resulted in children being denied the opportunities that we take for granted. Besides leading the life of a refugee they have to face the very real situation of a bleak future. This is where we can help, by providing them a future that gives them a chance to become educated, responsible adults and productive members of society.

Since 1995 the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA USA) (US registered non-profit tax exempt organization) has implemented  the Educational Assistance (ages 17 and up)and Sponsor a Child  (ages 5 to 17) projects which aim to provide educational opportunites to the children directly affected by the tragedy. While individuals worldwide have contributed to these programs more children are in need of our financial support than currently available funds can support.

Some of the children who have benefited from the SAVE A SMILE Program.  There are hundreds more who need our help Click here for more pictures of past beneficiaries

Facts about  this volunteer-driven program:

• Goal: Provide tuition and living expenses to school and college bound children who are currently living in refugee camps.
• History:

Educational Assistance

Year	Children Sponsored
1995-1996	25
1996-1997	50
1997-1998	150
1998-1999	210
1999-2000	209  (of  500 qualified applicants)
2000-2001	over 500 qualified applicants

Sponsor A Child - Project initiated in 1996 by sponsoring 20 children, currently sponsoring 120 children.

• Hundreds of children have benefited from the contributions of generous and compassionate families. There are many more that deserve our assistance.
• The children are selected on the basis of merit and poverty. Application forms are distributed in the refugee camps and at present the needs of all qualified applicants are not being met.
• Zero-overhead program. 100% of the funds collected are distributed to the selected children through a registered non-profit organization in India.
• Two-thirds of the assistance is provided in November and one-third in February for the school year.
• Your US$ based cash contribution may be tax-deductible.

1.  Make your check payable to : Kashmiri Overseas Association
2.  Please enter the amount : $300 for Educational Assistance or $200 for Sponsor a Child
     (if you would like to contribute  in instalments please contact the Program Coordinator)
3.  In the Remarks/Memo section please write: Educational Assistance or Sponsor a Child and your email address
4.  Please include your name and  return address on the check and envelope
5.  Mail your check to the following address:

Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA)
4302 Rockport Lane
Bowie  MD 20720 - USA

Your contribution will be acknowledged

(Please include your email address on your check)

 

 

Need more information?

President of KOA	Lalit Wanchoo	Send email
Program Coordinator for Educational Assistance	Tej Nath Kaul	Send email
Program Coordinator for Sponsor a Child	Pran Kaul	Send email

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