The Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) has registered itself as a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) for the Pakistani and Azad Kashmiri diaspora in America.
Kick-starting KORT’s work in New York with an impactful orientation session for the local community early September, the event highlighted the charity’s dedication to supporting vulnerable and orphaned children through education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives.
Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar said: “The audience [in New York], responded with immense appreciation for KORT’s work in providing hope and opportunity to those in need.
“Following this event, we’re so excited to announce the establishment of the ‘KORT New Jersey Team’, during a special event in New Jersey.
“This new chapter marks a major step forward in our efforts to support orphaned and vulnerable children. The team is eager to bring positive change and strengthen the local community’s involvement in KORT’s mission.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and joined us in this important initiative. Together, we can make a lasting difference!”
In Washington DC, KORT Ch Mohammed Akhtar, met with His Excellency Ambassador to USA, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, who assured full support for the organisation’s USA chapter.
KORT’s reputation precedes itself, since the inception of it’s journey 18-years ago following the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that rocked the northern areas of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Ch Mohammed Akhtar says: “Back then, witnessing the plight of thousands – especially the orphan children compelled me to respond. In 2005, I took the first steps in opening my heart and home to those in need. I rented a building and established sanctuary for orphan children, but that was just the beginning.
“In 2008 fuelled by desire to provide even greater support, I took on what would become the most ambitious project of my life. With a vision in mind I set out to create a new purpose-built facility, that would redefined the very concept of an orphanage. And am proud to say that we’ve delivered educational and residential projects for over 1,500 children.
“But now our mission extends far beyond the wall of the orphanage. We have numerous on-going projects across Azad Kashmir to help better the lives of vulnerable individuals.”
KORT’s most latest endeavour includes the £32M three-year ‘Jorian Hospital‘ project in Mirpur District. The new state-of-the-art 576 bed hospital complex will feature an A&E department, along with full hospital services such as outpatient care, radiology, paediatrics, pathology, pulmonary, dental and eye clinics. Also being developed are on-site educational and training facilities for nurses, doctors and dentists.
Other remarkable projects include the ‘Education for ALL’ project, which has so far built and delivered numerous schools in remote areas of Azad Kashmir; and the ‘Houses for Widows’ project, which has seen KORT build 30 homes and hand over keys to vulnerable widows and their children. This work is ongoing.
To find out more about KORT’s mission, and how you can get involved, please visit: www.kort.org.uk.
