Dear HOPE Friends,
In order to motivate and grow community spirit, HOPE Chairperson and founder, Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla visited the Kashmir home schools three weeks ago, just prior to their opening for fall. E-learning is of course not a feasible option for the 1,810 students in the home schools (due to cost and logistics) so the visit was dedicated to teaching students about the importance of wearing masks, gloves, handwashing, and social distancing. The home schools in Kashmir are taught outdoors amongst the beautiful scenery of the mountains and nature, and this serves as a natural measure for protection. Below, please find the activities that your donations have supported to encourage the students and teachers for an unprecedented start to school:
Students were treated to a meal of biryani and juice provided by HOPE
Students were given masks and gloves and taught about social distancing and staying safe
Teachers were given gifts by Dr. Mubina as a token of gratitude
Students were given school supplies (stationary, books) that were provided by HOPE
In order to abide by Standard Operating Procedures and keep the teachers and children safe, the various grades will be starting school to a staggered schedule, with the senior students starting on September 15, 2020 and the youngest students starting on September 22, 2020. Dr. Mubina's presence was an unexpected surprise for the students and teachers and served as a welcoming gesture to the start of a new school year.
I wanted to also recognize Ms. Fozia Rizwan, headmaster of the schools in Kashmir for her dedication to the students and teachers and for helping orchestrate this event. She has overseen the students of Kashmir for several years now and has always proven to be a encouraging and steady presence, especially in times such as these.
As school starts in Kashmir, I wanted to thank all our supporters again for their incredible support for our education efforts in Kashmir. Through your donations, we have been able to give marginalized children in Kashmir a quality education and even continue our initiatives in unprecedented times such as these.
Some of you may be aware that for the 2nd year in a row (and the 2nd time this year), our campaign was chosen to participate in the Safer World campaign. Only 11 out of 185 eligible campaigns were chosen and we are so humbled to be a part of this group. This means that all donations to our campign will be matched (until funds run out):
New donors will be matched 100% (up to $1,000)
Previous donors will be matched 50% (up to $1,000)
In Ramadan we earned 1st place on the Safer World leaderboard and we are hoping to do well this time around, too. Please share our campaign amongst your circles!
As always, stay safe and healthy!
Best regards,
Ambereen Siddiqui
Director - HOPE USA