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Through darkness and harsh winds
"Human Effort for Love and Peace Foundation J&K (HELP Foundation J&K) is a community based organization that advances the vision and work of Ms. Nighat Shafi Pandit. She stepped out of her home at a time when very few Kashmiri women were responding to the crisis in their midst. In 1997, she was the first woman to start a home for children left homeless by the violent situation in the Kashmir Valley. Since then she continues to work, influence and inspire. Mentoring youth towards a bright future and encouraging them to connect with their communities for a change towards a better world”.
“Let us connect-Let us make a difference”
Our Work
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Women Empowerment is our core theme and central to our existence. The organization being led by a women herself, better understands the issues that confront the vulnerable women on a daily basis, who face struggles and challenges. Our mission is to provide meaningful support and resources to help them achieve self-sufficiency and dignity. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to create a nurturing environment first for herself by promoting self-healing with positive thinking and actions. Then only she can better support her children, fostering health, happiness and positivity in the household. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable women, by supporting various initiatives of the Foundation.
HEALTHCARE
HELP Foundation has consistently led the way in delivering essential healthcare services to the needy communities, focusing on women, children and the elderly. We have established health clinics from time to time and conducted numerous health camps to treat the sick, raise awareness and improve mental as well as physical health. Our initiatives include eye-camps, breast-cancer detection and awareness programmes, awareness on menstrual hygiene among young girls and care for the elderly. We have also set-up diagnostic labs, u.s.g and dental clinics. We have played a crucial role across J&K during COVID-19 pandemic. Our critical care ambulatory service have proved beneficial in ferrying cardiac emergency patients and pregnant women to specialized facilities far-off from their homes. We continue to do eye-camps in the communities at the doorsteps of the vulnerable people and also distribute free spectacles for vision correction. We also conduct first-aid courses within the communities for the youth to manage health emergencies.
EDUCATION
HELP Foundation believes that Education is a basic tool for social transformation and empowerment, that can result in poverty alleviation and personality development of the needy children. Since inception, HELP has set up schools within the poor and backward communities across Srinagar, Kupwara and other districts. Most of these schools have been handed over to the respective communities to be managed independently. Besides HELP has upgraded school infrastructure, (science and computer labs) in various Government schools, especially in the aftermath of floods that engulfed the valley in 2014. At present HELP manages one school on its own in Khumriyal village of Kupwara namely, Shah Anwar Memorial School. In the current session (2025-26), 39 children who are extremely poor or orphans are enrolled on scholarship support. These children are provided free-educational support, as well as other necessary expenses (like books, stationery and uniforms). The other children are also charged very nominal fee. The school imparts quality education to the children and has shown very good academic results in the zone due to the efforts put in by efficient teachers and the school management. You can donate specifically to the school for infra structure support or for education support to the needy children. The average education expenses per student for an academic year is Rs.35000. Interested donors can donate directly on the website or contact the Organization on the phone no. +91-194-2310256.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Promotion of local heritage, arts & crafts and other cultural aspects is one of the mission of HELP Foundation J&K. The establishment of Cultural Centre "Bait ul Meeras" is an effort to make younger generation of J&K aware & conscious of their rich culture. In today’s highly connected world, the youth are the ambassadors who travel and meet people around the globe. Thus they can remained informed and able to explain the heritage and cultural significance of J&K. Since inception in 2011 Bait ul Meeras has become an important place to visit for tourists visiting downtown Srinagar. It is a hub of activities and events for artisans and locals. Bait ul Meeras not only showcases the artefacts and culture but is also a literary treasure, it hosts numerous Persian manuscripts and huge collection of books in the library books. Language classes, heritage walks, calligraphy and theatre are some of the activities carried out during special winter and summer camps for the children. You can lend or donate your inherited artefacts that are just kept in the attics at home, to the gallery at Bait ul Meeras for exhibition purpose. You can also work as a talented volunteer or contribute financially to the various activities held for the children around the year at Bait ul Meeras.
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SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Since inception HELP Foundation has been involved in imparting vocational trainings and skill development in traditional arts & crafts of Kashmir like ari, sozni work and providing up-skilling opportunities for destitute, vulnerable women and youth. The Skill development programme in traditional arts & crafts has many advantages. Primarily it provides income generation avenues to the women in need and also promotes the traditional arts & crafts of Jammu & Kashmir. Over the last three decades of its development work, HELP Foundation has trained more than 10,000 women in different vocational skills. From cutting and tailoring to garment designing, ari embroidery and fusion work to papier-mâché and wicker work, hundreds of women have established their own income generation units. while employing other women and moving on in their lives. The foundation has specifically registered a separate entity under trade name “SHEHJAR” which means cool shadow of a tree, for marketing products exclusively made by marginalized women workers. Every product sold under the brand name of Shehjar is backed by a fair wage system supporting home-based women workers in Kashmir. Shehjar is currently supported by over 300 women workers in different skill ranges and handicrafts.
Get Associated with us
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children by getting associated with HELP Foundation J&K as a volunteer. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, cultural-preservation, or community development, your time and skills can help us create a stronger, more self-reliant society. From organizing events and workshops to working directly with communities, there are countless ways to contribute. Together, we can empower the vulnerable groups and build a brighter future. Step forward today—your support can transform lives!