2000

• Established Shah Anwar Memorial School in Kupwara with just 8 children, today educating 400+ students annually.

• Launched Kashmir’s first Mobile Library to bring books to remote villages.

 2001

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From a humble beginning in 2000, with just eight children in a small classroom, the journey of HELP Foundation has been one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering hope. What started as a small step to educate a few young minds soon transformed into a lifelong commitment to uplift entire communities across Kashmir. Through years marked by natural disasters, conflict, and uncertainty, the Foundation stood firm reaching the unheard, supporting the vulnerable, and restoring dignity where it was lost. Whether it was bringing books to remote villages through a mobile library, rebuilding lives after devastating floods and earthquakes, empowering women with skills and livelihoods, or nurturing thousands of people with health care, every effort carries a story of courage and humanity. This timeline is not just a record of milestones; it is a reflection of countless lives touched, dreams rebuilt, and a vision that continues to grow stronger with each passing year a vision of hope, self-reliance, and a better tomorrow for all.

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2002 – 2004​

• Set up a Rehabilitation Centre at Saida Kadal for 35 children with disabilities.

•  Established Shehjar Library in Srinagar with 7,000+ books as a cultural and community hub.

• Started Shehjar Computer Centre to promote digital literacy for youth.

2005

•  Delivered large-scale Earthquake Relief in Kupwara and Uri, supporting shelter, medical aid, and orphan sponsorship.

2007

• Shehjaar Skill development & Livelihood Support Centre was established at Inderhama Srinagar. The centre has now turned as a training hub and production centre, besides providing certified computer courses to girl students.

2008 – 2010

•  Launched Mine Risk Education in border districts (Kupwara, Baramulla, Rajouri, Poonch).

• ·Began Orphan Sponsorship with ICNA Relief Canada, supporting 2,500+ orphans with education, healthcare, and food.

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​From March 2011 to September 2022, HELP Foundation played a significant role in strengthening child protection mechanisms through the implementation of CHILDLINE 1098 services in Srinagar, Budgam, and Kupwara. During this period, the Foundation intervened in nearly 8,000 cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, missing, runaway and abandonment children. Alongside rescue and rehabilitation, special focus was given to counselling, emotional support, guidance, and handling ESG (emotional and social guidance) cases to ensure the overall well-being of children. After September 2022, the project was undertaken by Mission Vatsalya, a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.

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2013 - 2014.

• A project for empowerment of women was executed with GPI at Inderhama. The project trained 500 girls in skills like Kashmir Craft and Fashion designing. The preliminary survey and follow-ups revealed that almost 30% of these trained girls have started earning their livelihood through their respective skills.

•  Provided Flood Relief & Rehabilitation – emergency medical aid, sanitation drives, and rebuilding support.

• Rebuilt Shehjar Library at Bait-ul-Meeras after floods destroyed the original.

2016

• HELP Foundation, in collaboration with SEWA, established Skill Training Centers in Kupwara, Srinagar, and Ganderbal to provide training in stitching and tailoring, as well as traditional crafts such as Ari, Tilla, and Sozni work. These centers not only enhanced the skills of local artisans but also enabled many of them to establish their own units in different areas, fostering livelihood opportunities and preserving Kashmiri handicrafts.

2017 – 2019

• Launched TATA LIVED Project in Pulwama, restoring livelihoods of 5,148 families and strengthening education through science and computer labs. The project titled “LIVED” was implemented in partnership with the TATA Relief Committee. In this project a comprehensive strategy and result oriented approach was followed for rehabilitation of most flood-affected rural households of Pulwama District.

• Improved 24 government schools with libraries, labs, sports kits, and teacher training in partnership with TATA Trusts.

• Expanded Shehjar Computer Centers across Srinagar and Budgam, empowering thousands with digital literacy.

2020​

• HELP promoted a women FPO that has enrolled 500 women farmers as its shareholding members in block Taharathpora in Kupwara district called Bangus Valley Milk Cooperative Society, HELP is providing market guidance and support, training, financial linkages (with NABARD etc). and exposure trips outside J&K for the women farmers.

• Initiated a micro-finance facility for women called as Kashmir Women's Credit Cooperative Ltd. and also through commercial banks.

• Provided COVID-19 Relief: food aid, PPE kits, medical support, and hospital supplies.

2021
·        Provided COVID-19 Relief: food aid, PPE kits, medical support, and hospital supplies.
·        Opened Shehjar Clinical Laboratory in Srinagar for affordable diagnostics and free health camps.
2022

• HELP Foundation supported 20 families in Kupwara district with livelihood projects. Under the Project supported by Mukul Madav Foundation sheep units were distributed to each woman /widow headed family. Under the project each family received four ewes and one Ram for the purpose. The sheep are reared for selling after the number increases and for shearing of wool.

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2023 - 2024

• Skill Development Trainings – Budgam 

During 2023, free skill development training programs were conducted in mobile repairing, tailoring and cutting, and basic English speaking in Budgam district. These trainings were aimed at empowering local youth and women by equipping them with practical and employable skills. The initiative helped participants improve their livelihood opportunities and encouraged self-reliance within the community.

• Revival of Traditional Namda Craft in Collaboration with Mukul Madhav Foundation (2023)

In collaboration with the Mukul Madhav Foundation, HELP Foundation initiated a project to revive the traditional Namda-making craft of Kashmir. This initiative supported artisans engaged in wool processing and Ari work, providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. At the same time, the project contributed to the preservation and promotion of a centuries-old cultural art form that is an important part of Kashmir’s heritage.​​

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Ongoing Programs and Interventions Since 2025​

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​HELP Foundation continues to implement a range of programs aimed at empowering communities, supporting livelihoods, and providing essential services to underprivileged sections of society.

•  Currently, 35 students in Kupwara and Srinagar districts are being supported under orphan sponsorship programs, ensuring their uninterrupted education and holistic development.​

• Eye Care Camps: In collaboration with One Sight Essilor Luxottica Foundation, the  artisans and their families benefitted from free eye examinations, diabetic screenings, expert consultations, and vital health awareness sessions.

• Respiratory Management Units & Rehabilitation: Oxygen cylinders and medical apparatus are provided at subsidized rates to support patients in need.

• Shehjar Clinical Laboratory:- (Srinagar) Continues to provide affordable diagnostic tests and services, making healthcare accessible to underprivileged communities.​

• Shehjar Clinical Laboratory (Pattan) :- A clinical lab providing 50% subsidized diagnostic tests to patients and free tests for underprivileged individuals, serving the community for several years.

• Shehjar Computer Centre (Ali Kadal): Offers free basic computer training to students, with certifications awarded through DITPR, empowering youth with digital skills.

• Baitul Meeras (Srinagar): A vibrant cultural hub that houses a museum and library, attracting both tourists and locals to explore and celebrate Kashmiri heritage.​

• SEWA Livelihood Project – Budgam: Free bakery training for 30 beneficiaries, helping them gain practical skills and start income-generating activities.

• Cutting & Tailoring Training: Ongoing training programs for girls in Budgam. Many trainees from previous batches have successfully established their own boutiques and tailoring units.

• Mobile Repairing Training: Skill development training for youth to enhance technical knowledge and employment opportunities in the mobile servicing sector.

• Educational Assistance: Monthly financial support is provided to underprivileged students to help them continue their education.

• Higher Education Support: The Foundation offers scholarships and educational loans to deserving students pursuing higher education and professional degrees.

• Marriage Assistance: Financial assistance is provided for the marriages of girls from economically weaker sections of society.​

• Revival of Namda Craft – Baitul Meeras, Ali Kadal: Continuous support for traditional Namda making, where artisans perform intricate Ari work, preserving this heritage craft while sustaining their livelihoods