About 17000 ft. foundation
17000 ft Foundation: Improving Lives in Remote Mountainous Villages of Ladakh
17000 ft Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of people living in remote, high altitude mountainous villages of Ladakh. These areas have been ignored for centuries due to the harsh terrain and isolation, which has led to a lack of basic amenities and opportunities for growth. The foundation aims to strengthen existing systems and provide opportunities for growth within these hamlets, with the ultimate goal of stemming the desperate exodus of indigenous communities to faraway cities.
The foundation was established in 2008 by Sujata Sahu, who was inspired by her experiences while working as a teacher in Ladakh. She saw firsthand how difficult life was for people living in these remote areas, where access to education, healthcare, and other basic amenities was limited. She also saw how many young people were leaving their homes and families behind to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Since its inception, 17000 ft Foundation has worked tirelessly towards improving the lives of people living in these remote areas. The foundation's approach is based on three key pillars: education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Education
One of the biggest challenges facing children living in remote mountainous villages is access to education. Many schools are poorly equipped and understaffed, making it difficult for children to receive a quality education. To address this issue, 17000 ft Foundation has set up several initiatives aimed at improving access to education.
The foundation works closely with local communities and government schools to provide resources such as books, stationery items like pencils & pens etc., furniture like desks & chairs etc., sports equipment like footballs & cricket bats etc., science kits etc.. They also organize teacher training programs aimed at improving teaching methods so that students can receive a better quality education.
Healthcare
Accessing healthcare services can be challenging for people living in remote mountainous villages. Many villages lack basic healthcare facilities, and people often have to travel long distances to access medical care. To address this issue, 17000 ft Foundation has set up several initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare.
The foundation works closely with local communities and government health centers to provide resources such as medicines, medical equipment like BP machines & thermometers etc., first aid kits etc.. They also organize health camps where doctors and other medical professionals can provide free check-ups and treatment for common ailments.
Livelihoods
One of the main reasons why young people leave their homes in remote mountainous villages is a lack of economic opportunities. Many villages are isolated from markets and other economic centers, making it difficult for people to earn a living. To address this issue, 17000 ft Foundation has set up several initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
The foundation works closely with local communities to identify potential areas for growth such as agriculture & horticulture etc.. They provide training programs on modern farming techniques that can help increase yields while reducing costs. They also help connect farmers with markets so that they can sell their produce at fair prices.
Impact
Since its inception, 17000 ft Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of people living in remote mountainous villages of Ladakh. The foundation's efforts have led to improved access to education, healthcare services & livelihood opportunities which have helped stem the exodus of indigenous communities from these areas.
Over the years, the foundation has received numerous awards and recognition for its work towards improving lives in remote mountainous regions. It was awarded "Best NGO" by Outlook India in 2017-18 & "Best Social Enterprise" by Economic Times Now in 2019-20 among others..
Conclusion
In conclusion, 17000 ft Foundation is doing incredible work towards improving the lives of people living in remote mountainous regions of Ladakh. Their approach based on education, healthcare services & livelihood opportunities has made a significant impact on the lives of people living in these areas. The foundation's efforts have helped stem the exodus of indigenous communities from these areas, and they continue to work towards creating a better future for all.