Help Sandhya Dhar provide free education to the disabled and underprivileged

“When cerebral palsy has affected all limbs, it is difficult to even imagine an independent life. But my mother made it possible for me. She carried me on her lap every day, for years, to take me to school in local transport. I hold a master’s degree in finance today, and I earn my own money. Now, I want to be the reason hundreds and thousands of children with disabilities become educated and financially independent.” - Sandhya Dhar, founder, JIGER Foundation

She was only 15 when she started teaching underprivileged and disabled children

At just 6 months old, Sandhya Dhar was diagnosed with cerebral palsy that affected all her limbs. When she was 15, Sandhya was unable to believe she had managed to come all the way to 10th grade. She decided to take tuitions for underprivileged children and children with disabilities to help others like her. 

“Children of daily wage labourers couldn’t afford education for their children. They would be home alone all day. I started teaching children with disabilities. Today, most of them are graduating in different fields. One of the disabled persons, Nikhileshwar, works for the government as a postman. Nothing beats the joy of seeing the community rise as one. Then I wanted to reach more students…” - Sandhya smiles

The urge to do more gave birth to the JIGER Foundation

When she started earning, the first thing Sandhya Dhar did was to get a building to accommodate more children. On 21st March 2015, she founded JIGER Foundation, Jammu Institute of General Education and Rehabilitation. In addition to free education, the institute offers rehabilitation for the disabled. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, fine arts, and sports Sandhya is doing everything she can for these children.

“The teachers are also people with disabilities. My music teacher, who is blind, has taught over 100 students. A 9-year-old girl who came to us because she couldn’t talk, began to sing. Today, she performs on stage. Many have won accolades in national sports tournaments. More than 400 students have been impacted in various ways. Presently, 50 children come to us. If there’s anything that can stop us now, it’s finance. JIGER is completely self-funded.” - Sandhya Dhar

Sandhya Dhar now needs your help to keep JIGER going

After 10 years of running JIGER, Sandhya Dhar is beginning to face challenges. The teachers at JIGER Foundation teach for free. But they need to be paid daily travel allowances. While underprivileged children show up every day, children with disabilities only come twice a week. They have no means to commute. Some need assistive devices, but Sandhya is unable to help them on their own. With your contribution, she can access all this and more. Donate now.

“JIGER has survived for 10 years with a little help from family and friends. But many more children are waiting for their lives to change. If I can’t manage 40-50 children, I can’t reach the rest. With your help, I can do it all. Please donate.” - Sandhya Dhar, founder, JIGER Foundation