JK Bank Empowerment Initiative
Currently, there is no organized market for fish in Kashmir. Fisher families catch their fish early at dawn hours and sell their catch by going door-to-door or sitting on footpaths. Most of these fisher families run on a single income and make less than seventy five dollars a year, which is not nearly enough to pay for their children's education and health expenses. Their daily existence is very unstable, as they are harassed by police, do not carry a license to sell their fish, and are forced to carry buckets of caught fish on their shoulders – a great physical burden. Residents in Srinagar love fish, yet due to the lack of an organized or centralized market, purchasing this commodity becomes a hassle.

Interns working with the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd. assisted with the initial stages of a new cooperative management project that began in early June of this year. The interns conducted an initial survey during the summer months, which will be used by the bank to develop a cooperative market for these fisher families. The survey located scattered fisher families within Srinagar, collected their background information, informed them of the bank's initiative, and offered them the chance to provide suggestions. The bank plans to fund a centralized market for these families, obtain a proper state license on their behalf, and offer them micro-financing options to sustain their business. We are delighted that our bank interns have decided to extend their internship for the entire year, as this project rests on their skill and dedication.

HELP Foundation / Shehjaar
Interns working with the HELP Foundation were exposed to a number of different projects, experiences, communities, and professionals. Each day consisted of varied assignments, from medical work in clinics to free anemia screenings in medical camps to teaching in HELP schools and tutoring and mentoring boys at HELP's male orphanage. Our interns were unpaid, yet insisted on working overtime to help the local community as best they could. While they faced many of the challenges of being in a foreign country, their experience working with HELP was rewarding and inspiring. Most interns said they would love to return to assist with future HELP projects.

CHINAR Orphanage
CHINAR interns served as tutors, mentors, and playmates to both girl and boy orphans. Additionally, they provided company and computer training to the CHINAR mothers, who live with the orphans. Their presence was a treat for all the children who became fond of drawing their pictures and calling out their names. We are proud of the impact they have made on both the CHINAR staff and the children.