The word “Zil” in the Manipuri context evokes roots, lineage, and continuity—a potent symbol of hope for families uprooted by violence. Our Project ZIL is dedicated to empowering these displaced communities who have lost everything, ensuring their future remains rooted in education and health.
The Harsh Reality in the Camps
The displaced individuals in Manipur have endured unimaginable loss, forced to flee their homes and livelihoods. Now, they reside in overcrowded relief camps where life is a daily struggle: cramped shared living spaces, inadequate sanitation, and rationed food. Deprived of the ability to earn, many parents face the heartbreak of not being able to educate their children, deepening their despair. In this dire situation, OSF has stepped in to provide a hand of support across six critical camps with a four-pillar approach:- Nutrition Support (See our earlier story).
- Academic Support
- Textbooks & Uniforms Support
- Transportation and Fees Support
Supporting Education: A Chance to Dream Big
The displacement crisis has had a devastating impact on children’s education. Amidst the hardship, OSF found a partner in Hope Academy, a local school that opened its doors to children from the nearby relief camps. Our partnership provides the essential resources these children need to continue learning.
Coverage and Sustainability
Our goal is to ensure the uninterrupted education and access to essential resources for every child in our program.
- Scope: We are currently supporting 330 displaced children living in the relief camps.
- The Investment: Our support covers Uniforms, Fee support, Textbooks, and Transportation.
- Budget: A monthly budget of ₹ 125,000 supports these 330 children, covering part of their school fees and the crucial transportation costs to get them from the camps to Hope Academy and back safely.
A Student’s Voice: Tersa Vaiphei
The best testimony comes from those whose lives we’ve helped stabilize. This is the voice of Tersa Vaiphei from the Youth Hostel Relief Camp:“My parents are just farmers. When the conflict started, we hid in the jungle for three days before the army picked us up. I feel very uncomfortable in the relief camp because there is no privacy, especially for a girl.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks for supporting my school. It has helped me continue my education and dream big! Thank you for providing my friends and me with school supplies, materials, and fees. Because of you all, I can learn, read and write, discover new subjects, and make new friends.”
— With love, Tersa Vaiphei (Relief Camp Resident & Hope Academy Student)