Empowering Displaced Kashmiri Pandit Children Through Education: Join the Movement

A Story of Resilience: Supporting Child Education

The Kashmiri Pandit community was torn from its roots during the 1990 exodus, a tragic chapter of ethnic cleansing that left thousands displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives. Decades later, thousands of such families continue to live in refugee camps and their children still face the silent burden of that trauma, often growing up with limited means and opportunities.

KOA's education assistance program has been a step toward healing and empowerment. Since 1995, the program has empowered thousands of young minds living in refugee camps in Jammu and in recent years in the Kashmir Valley. By balancing financial need with academic merit, it supports the education of these resilient children — many from orphaned or single-parent homes — and helps restore the dreams their families were once forced to abandon. 

KOA’s education assistance initiative consists of two key programs : 'Sponsor a Child (SAC) ,' which supports students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the 'Education Assistance Program (EAP),' which provides critical aid to college students. Together, these initiatives not only shape the future of individual children but also uplift entire families.

Highlights from 2024

• KOA sponsored 650+ students :

  • Sponsor 434 students for SAC

  • Sponsor 223 students for EAP

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The generosity of our donors has given them access to education, hope, and the tools for a better future. But the need this year is greater than ever. We request you to join us in renewing our commitment to a cause that continues to change lives!

2025 Goal: Support Over 750 Children

• This year, our goal is to sponsor 750+ children, 500+ students for SAC and 250+ for EAP.

• Every sponsorship changes a life—help us make this goal a reality!

• Deadline to sponsor for the current school year: Aug 30th, 2025

Program Impact

• Covers tuition, supplies, and basic living expenses for students.

• Focuses on displaced Kashmiri Pandit children in refugee camps and underprivileged KP children in Kashmir valley.

Donation Amount

• SAC: $325/year (less than $1/day) – Supports one child’s education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

• EAP: $625/year (less than $2/day) – Covers college tuition and essential expenses for one student.

 (Both amounts include a $25 administrative fee to help cover program overheads.)

Scholarship Selection Criteria

The scholarship selection criteria follow a point-based system that considers various factors such as orphan status, single-parent households, family income, and academic performance, aiming to balance economic need with meritocracy.

How to Donate

• Online:

  • Make a one-time donation or set up a recurring yearly sponsorship via our KOA website at below links.

    • https://www.koausa.org/donate-sac

    • https://www.koausa.org/donate-eap

• By Cheque or Zelle:

  • Zelle payment or Cheques are welcome!

  • Please select “Manual Payment” to log your pledge.

  • This helps us assign your donation and provide you a receipt once the check is received.

Note: If you choose the recurring payment option, only online payment will be available on this screen.

A Donation Guide is available with step-by-step instructions.

Company Matching: Double Your Impact

• Many employers offer matching gift programs.

• Your donation could be doubled at no extra cost, check with your HR department.

Why It Matters

Your sponsorship:

• Provides a lifeline through education.

• Instills hope, confidence, and opportunity.

• Helps a child dream, grow, and succeed.

Act Before Aug 30th

Sponsor a student today! Together, we can reach 750+ children and give them the future they deserve.

To all the donors, please accept our sincere thanks for your support. Your generosity keeps this vital program going.

Please invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join this cause.

Feel free to connect with our SAC team at sac@koausa.org and EAP team at eap@koausa.org for questions or assistance.

SAC Program Team: Arun Moza, Sunita Kanesa-thasan, Sushma Bhan, Sonia Kaul

EAP Program Team: Tej Nath Kaul, Shivas Dhar, Rohini Ganjoo