Mumbai: Since 2020, under the Turtuk Valley School initiative, AFAC School in Chembur, Mumbai, has been offering free education to students from Turtuk Valley during the harsh winter months. Situated on the India-Pakistan border, Turtuk Valley becomes isolated from major cities due to heavy snowfall, making regular schooling inaccessible.
Conducted between November and March, the initiative ensures uninterrupted learning despite the region’s extreme weather conditions. What started with 20 students on full scholarships has now expanded to 100 students annually, with some students contributing tuition fees if financially able, the highest fee being ₹2,000.
According to Sarah Shah, CEO of Turtuk Valley School, the initiative was conceived after Jitendra Mandlecha, General Secretary of AFAC Trust, visited the valley and witnessed the lack of educational facilities.
“Initially, I volunteered at a government school in Turtuk, running after-school programmes. During this time, Mr Mandlecha visited the area while on holiday. He first contributed by training teachers from Turtuk and Leh and later, in 2020, established Turtuk Valley School,” Shah explained.
The programme’s curriculum extends beyond traditional written examinations, emphasising practical training, arts, and physical education to foster holistic development.
“Students are assessed on multiple parameters to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. In addition to practical training, they also sit for written exams and are graded accordingly,” Shah added.
By bridging the educational gap caused by the valley’s geographical isolation, this initiative continues to empower Turtuk Valley’s students, offering them access to structured and quality education despite the challenges posed by their remote location.
