The Program
The program will consist of two, fifteen day sessions. In the first session we will take a diverse group of approximately 50 children from various socio-economic backgrounds within Kashmir to Gulmarg Ski area in the Himalayan Mountains, located approximately 30 miles west of Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. The students will be placed into groups of 10 or less and we will then outfit them with ski equipment, including skis, boots, pants, jackets, gloves, and hats. One goal of the program will be to minimize the class differences within the groups, which the children will undoubtedly bring with them to the ski slopes. It is hoped that through their shared experiences in the program they will find that they have more in common with one another than their social and economic backgrounds might otherwise suggest.
During our 15 day program the students, staff and instructors will be housed in a hotel steps away from the slopes. Ski classes will take place in the morning and in the afternoon we will have classroom-like activities expanding the students’ awareness of their world, with topics ranging from flora and fauna of the Kashmir region to showing National Geographic and similar educational films on a wide range of topics.
The partnership with the Guru Foundation provides Skis4Kashmir with local support and introductions to the Kashmiri ministries, governmental agencies and schools, as well as a wealth of insight into the Kashmiri culture, customs and heritage. The Guru Trust has also agreed to provide us with transportation and logistical support, including the invaluable assistance of local translators. Without the Guru Trust’s support and passion none of this would be possible.