LONDON: Two Britons will embark
on a unique mission to Kashmir which will focus on bringing back the smiles
to the children who were traumatized by the devastating earthquake of October
8, 2005.
Theo Baines is a photographer and freelance
researcher for BBC and Eugenie Reidy is an anthropologist. They both have
left their jobs and have become Kashmir International Relief Fund volunteers
to spend 10 weeks of their time among the children in Pakistanand Kashmir.
The two are taking a mobile "Cinema to Kashmir" in Pakistan and Kashmir and have plans to show movies to the children who are spending their days in the camps scattered in the region.
The two aspire to establish a bond in the disaster struck region with fun and laughter for the young children.
Kashmir International Relief Fund (KIRF) is assisting the two Britons and chief executive of KIRF Ishfaq Ahmed has appreciated the efforts and assured them of all possible assistance from KIRF's Kashmirstaff.
Ishfaq Ahmed commented: "It's a welcome gesture by two Britain, who were moved by the plight of Kashmiri earthquake victims. Children are the biggest victims of the earthquake tragedy and psychological scars, besides physical and material losses, left on their minds is something which needs to be addressed. I am optimistic the "Cinema to Kashmir" project will bring smiles to many faces.
"It will be a unique experience for the children as in that impoverished part of the world, such forms of education and creative activities are completely non-existent. This project will be a great learning experience for poor Kashmiri children."
The "Cinema to Kashmir" will visit the worst hit areas of Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Balakote and Mirpur. Their shows will also be screened in the hospitals in Islamabadfor the injured children with the help of "4 Peace of Mind", a UKbased charity set up by the renowned Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi. Kashmir Education Foundation is also helping to organise some shows in Rawalakote.
KIRF has many a tent schools in Kashmirand the change for the children is eyed as a positive step for their rehabilitation.
ENDS
KIRF UK
Ishfaq Ahmed
+ 44 (0)20 8519 0090
KIRF Kashmir
Mr. M Ashraf Chatha
+ 92 (0) 51 2288473
+ 92 (0) 333 269 2160
KIRF Head Office
t. 08700 421 700 (+44 20 8519 0090)
e. info@kirf.org
www.kirf.org
Kashmir International Relief Fund
Registered UK Charity No. 1062749
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