Here’s a look at the remarkable individuals who made our Summer 2007 Pilot Program an overwhelming success.

Zubair Chao
Medical College of Georgia – Class of 2010
Duke University – Class of 2006

“My experiences this summer through the KashmirCorps program were more rewarding than I could have imagined. Throughout the course of this program, I interacted with numerous people and learned a great deal about the history of the region, the politics there, the healthcare situation there, and the realities of living there. And even as I learned more about Kashmir and the people there, I realized that I was learning more about myself – how there were things that we shared despite the differences in our upbringing and background and how there were simple cultural differences that are so vast that we’d never see eye to eye on it. Though my intention was to help, it was I who came away from this experience benefiting the most.”

Ilham Jallu
McGill University – Class of 2009
Biology and Economics

“The Summer 2007 program with KashmirCorps was phenomenal. There are very few organizations like KashmirCorps that are actively recruiting and organizing volunteers for various educations, health, and developmental positions in the valley, despite the obvious need for much more help. I truly respect the Board of Directors for the steps they have taken in organizing such a large scale volunteer program that helps the Kashmiri people in many different ways. My work with ActionAid will remain a memorable time in my life. Never have I felt so close to the Kashmiri people and their problems in my previous years of volunteer work in Kashmir. I am truly grateful for this opportunity that was given to me by KashmirCorps and look forward to working with them again.”

Yousef Mian
Duke University – Class of 2006
Chemistry and Mathematics

University of Michigan School of Law

"KashmirCorps allowed me not only the flexibility to volunteer at both CHINAR and other related NGOs, but also gave enough free time and proper resources to explore the Kashmiri culture and landscape. The trips to Gulmarg and Pahalgham were really great in particular. CHINAR is a great organization to volunteer for if you enjoy interacting with children. There's a lot of room for different types of activities, ranging from teaching academic subjects such as English and Math to playing sports outside. This year was particularly cool with the JD Walsh Basketball Camp where the kids got a chance to learn a new sport together. Be warned, though, it requires a lot of energy to keep up with the ever-excited children, but the satisfaction in seeing their happy faces speaks for itself."

Sameer Nanabhai
Emory University – Class of 2010
Economics and Education

Nishat Shaikh
University of California at Berkeley – Class of 2004
Molecular & Cell Biology and Immunology

"I interned at the HELP Foundation and I can honestly say that this organization is truly dedicated in their mission to realize a better Kashmir. The HELP Foundation and the other organizations involved in the Summer Program are very open and receptive to new ideas. The organizations are run by highly intelligent and motivated individuals. I felt honored to be working with such people. In addition, Kashmir itself is a land that one must see in their lifetime, if not for its sheer beauty, then for its people. Kashmiri's are genuine and friendly. They welcome visitors and will go out of their way to make guests feel comfortable. I have never yet visited a place where I have been on the receiving end of so much true hospitality."

Nuzhat Shaikh
University of California at Berkeley – Class of 2007
Molecular & Cell Biology