Every summer, the countdown to school reopening begins in our homes. But for many families in Kathua, that countdown brings worry, not excitement — will there be money for a new uniform? Notebooks? A school bag?
The idea
Back in 2008, I noticed a bright young student sharing a single notebook with his cousin. Both were falling behind because of it. A small box of stationery changed their year — and the pattern was set.
Today, the back-to-school drive has grown into a small institution of its own.
What the kits contain
Each kit is assembled with care and roughly includes:
- A sturdy school bag
- Full uniform set (if the school requires one)
- Notebooks and covers for the full year
- Pens, pencils, erasers, ruler and a compass box
- A skip-the-note: our volunteers quietly note anyone especially in need
Who we reach
Kits reach children from lower-income families, single-parent homes, orphanages and construction worker families in the district. We work with local schools and anganwadi centres to identify children quietly, without singling anyone out.
How you helped
This year’s drive was our largest yet, thanks to donors and volunteers who packed, sorted and delivered alongside us. Every kit was photographed and tracked to its young owner — our promise of accountability.
It still moves me to see a child walk into school straight-backed, with a brand-new bag on their shoulders. That dignity — nobody can put a price on it.