Sponsor A Child (SAC)
Imagine being forced to leave your home, your community, and everything familiar- only to find yourself living in a refugee camp, uncertain about tomorrow. This is the harsh reality for thousands of Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced from their homes due to the tragic unrest in the Kashmir Valley. Among them are countless children whose dreams are overshadowed by hardship, struggling to find hope in an unfamiliar world.
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For these young minds, education is more than just a right- it is a lifeline. It is the one thing that can break the cycle of despair and pave the way toward a brighter, more secure future. Sadly, many of these children are deprived of even basic educational opportunities, despite their immense potential and desire to learn.
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Since 1995, the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA), USA, has been striving to bridge this gap through the Sponsor-A-Child Program. This initiative is dedicated to transforming lives by providing school children aged 5 to 17 with the education they deserve- giving them the tools to dream beyond the confines of the refugee camps.
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But the reality is that the need is far greater than what we can currently support. Each day, more children and their families reach out, hoping for a chance to escape the cycle of poverty through education. We cannot do it alone—we need your help.
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By sponsoring a child, you are not just funding their education—you are giving them hope, confidence, and the belief that they matter. You are telling them that despite the adversity they face, someone out there cares enough to invest in their dreams.
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Your sponsorship can change the course of a child's life. It will empower them to rise above their circumstances, pursue their aspirations, and build a future filled with opportunities. With your support, they can move from surviving to thriving.
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Join us in making a difference today. Sponsor a child and be the light that guides them toward a brighter tomorrow.
Program Overview
Objective
To offer tuition, school supplies, and living expenses to children in refugee camps as part of KOA’s Educational Program, supporting students from Kindergarten to High School in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
Cost
The current cost to sponsor a student for one year is $325. Donors are encouraged to commit to supporting the same student throughout their educational journey.
History
Launched in 1995, the program was designed to offer vital financial assistance to underprivileged children of school age from the refugee camps that sprang up around Jammu after the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Initially coordinated by Shri Pran N. Kaul of Fremont, CA, the program continues to support children in need through a list maintained by the program director, with assistance from a local liaison in Jammu. In the first year, 36 children were supported.
Requirements
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The applicant must be a refugee from the Kashmir Valley.
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Proof of admission to a recognized educational institution is required.
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Priority is given to students from refugee camps or those orphaned during the turmoil in the community.
Selection & Distribution Process
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Applications are received and verified by our liaison in Jammu.
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After verification, applications are sent to program directors for final selection.
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Students are selected based on merit and financial need, with preference given to those in refugee camps.
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Once selected, students are notified about their sponsorship.
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KOA mails checks to the liaison in Jammu, who ensures all criteria are met before distribution.
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The liaison monitors the students' progress and provides updates to the sponsors.
Feedback & Call for Support
A $25 administrative fee is deducted from the donations, with the remainder going directly to support the child. We ensure full transparency, so you’ll know exactly which child you are sponsoring and can see the difference you’re making. To foster a connection, children are encouraged to write to their sponsors, and vice versa. This exchange helps the children feel a sense of belonging while providing sponsors the opportunity to mentor them. Sponsors are also encouraged to request regular updates, such as progress reports and marks cards, to stay informed about the child’s educational progress.
Tax-Deductible Donations
The Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. (KOA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt socio-cultural organization registered in Maryland, USA. Your donations are tax-deductible.
Meet the Team
