KORT: Transforming Tragedy into Triumph – A Beacon of Hope for Orphans

Inception Amidst Chaos: The Birth of KORT in the Aftermath of Disaster

In the wake of one of the most devastating earthquakes that hit Kashmir on October 8th, 2005, Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar, a UK-based Pakistani entrepreneur, found himself amidst the rubble, witnessing the unimaginable loss and suffering of his homeland. Moved by compassion and a sense of duty, he and his friends from the UK embarked on a journey to Azad Kashmir on 14th October, 2005, after raising over £118,000 in just five days to provide immediate relief to the worst-affected areas.

Seeds of Hope: The Genesis of a Remarkable Institution

Little did they know that this act of kindness would sow the seeds for the creation of one of the most remarkable institutions in South Asia – the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT). As they traversed through the ravaged cities of Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, and Mansehra, distributing aid and offering solace to the survivors, Akhtar realized that there was a deeper, more enduring need for the orphaned children left behind by the tragedy. With unwavering determination, he founded KORT, a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable victims: children left parentless by the earthquake.

A Lifeline for Orphans: KORT’s Commitment to Care and Support

In 2006, plans were set in motion to build a purpose-built home for these orphaned children. With the support of the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, KORT was granted 13 acres of land in 2007 to construct an educational and residential complex for orphans. After eight years of perseverance, dedication, and collective efforts, the KORT Educational & Residential Complex was completed in 2016. This state-of-the-art facility includes a school for up to 1,500 orphan children, hostels, dining halls, and a mosque, providing an all-in-one environment where children can flourish.

Since its inception in 2005, KORT has been a lifeline for orphaned children in Kashmir. Fueled by the generosity of families, friends, and individual donors both in Pakistan and abroad, notably from the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and the tireless efforts of Akhtar and his dedicated team, KORT has been providing orphans with not just immediate relief, but also long-term support and care. It provides food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education at its purpose-built home in Akhtarabad, Mirpur, and Azad Kashmir. Led by the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award holder Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar, KORT has evolved into more than just a shelter, becoming a regional center for education and skills development, transforming the lives of nearly 500 children and aiming to expand its reach to 1500 in the near future. KORT now expands its reach and impact to orphanages in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and extends its support to victims of natural disasters and accidents, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.

A Global Recognition: KORT’s Triumph at the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2024

But KORT’s journey doesn’t end here. In a remarkable turn of events, the trust’s commitment to sustainable education and environmental conservation caught the attention of the world. KORT School and College of Excellence won the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize 2024 of worth $100,000 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, held in Dubai, after being declared as the Best Global School in South Asia for its innovative project on water conservation and organic farming.

Two young representatives of KORT, Sumaiya Bibi and Kinza Bibi, themselves orphaned by the 2005 earthquake, accepted the award on behalf of the trust from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s President. Their journey from tragedy to triumph symbolizes the resilience and hope that defines KORT’s mission.

According to the founding chairman of KORT, Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar, the prize money will be directed to initiatives focusing on clean water and organic farming, ensuring a brighter future not only for the children under care but also for rural communities across Pakistan.

Love, Compassion and ‘Papa’ Akhtar: The Core of KORT’s Mission

Chaudhry Akhtar’s dedication to the cause of helping humanity has earned him the affectionate title of ‘papa’ among the children at KORT, reflecting the nurturing environment he has fostered. The trust’s focus on providing not only material support but also love and compassion has turned KORT into a true home for homeless kids, echoing the words of the Dalai Lama: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Through its unwavering commitment to education and humanitarian aid, KORT continues to be a shining example of the transformative power of empathy and kindness.