What is Charity all about
A better life for young women can mean many things. A girl who completes her schooling grows into a woman who is better able to look after her health and that of her children. By finishing schooling herself, she will care more that her children finish theirs and be better able to support them while they are in school
Empowering individuals
uplifting communities
Our Story
As proud natives of Kochi, our journey is rooted in the struggle for excellence within top-tier institutions, a path that ultimately led us back to our community. Motivated by a profoundcommitment to the social, cultural, and economic advancement of our underprivileged compatriots, we embarked on a transformative mission.
Our initial undertaking involved an in-depth exploration of the underserved communities in Kochi, where we identified significant challenges. Despite the city’s burgeoning recognition—bolstered by international art exhibitions and an expanding metro system—West Kochi, home to many locals, remains deprived of fundamental necessities such as clean water, healthcare, education, andsustainable employment. The relentless pressures of daily life often deter families frominvesting intheir children’s education, stifling dreams of a brighter future. Coupled with precarious living conditions and tumultuous family dynamics, the mental health of the youth remains fragile. Whileprimary education shows promise, secondary education lags, leading many students with averagegrades to prematurely enter the workforce, and many young women to abandon their studies uponmarriage. Moreover, Kochi is falling behind in broader government development initiatives, along
with its residents.
Our personal experiences have convinced us that education is the cornerstone of empowerment, resilience, and self-sufficiency. It equips individuals to break free from cycles of poverty and strive for improved living conditions. Inspired by this belief, we crafted a vision centered on the youth of theregion, who possess immense potential to become catalysts for change.
To lay the groundwork for this vision, we established a supportive environment where every student can learn and flourish. Our approach includes one-on-one mentoring designed to enhance their confidence and instill hope for the future. Fueled by the aspiration to elevate the socio-economic landscape of West Kochi through educational empowerment, we founded the Cochin Academy Centre for Research and Guidance, a vital component of the Cochin Eduvision Project.
At Cochin Academy, we accompany students throughout their educational journeys, assisting theminexploring diverse opportunities, uncovering their passions, and charting their own paths. Through skill development programs, scholarships, workshops, and comprehensive career mentoring, we provideunwavering support, empowering individuals to achieve self-reliance and contribute meaningfully totheir communities.
Our Approach
We assert that quality education is the most critical tool for self-sufficiency and societal change. It enables individuals to earn a livelihood, fosters the confidence necessary to navigate unfamiliar situations, enhances awareness of their rights, and alleviates ignorance. However, based on our on- ground experience, we have recognized that educating underprivileged populations extends beyondthe attainment of academic grades. It encompasses the cultivation of good character, thedevelopment of employable skills pertinent to contemporary job markets, the empowerment of their families, and the provision of continuous counseling and support. Our holistic approach toempowerment has evolved to create a nurturing environment in which students can thrive
How we work
We support the residents of West Kochi in leading dignified and healthy lives by addressing their specific needs. Our organization serves as a bridge between the community and government entities, disseminating information about relevant policies and programs, while actively advocating for policy modifications that reflect community needs. Additionally, we conduct awareness programs aimed at empowering families through collaboration with self-help groups and local women’s organizations.
Isabelle McKenzie
- CEO & President
“I love the kids we serve and when love is the motivation, there is no things that can’t be achieved.”
Jeremy Newman
- Chief Operating Officer
“To be of benefit to all children who need the support of the greatest goal in my life.”
Micheal
- 7 Years
Isaiah
- 12 Years
Hello, my name is Isaiah and I am 12 years old and I want to be a doctor when I grow up.
Samantha
- 6 Years
Hello, my name is Samantha and I am 6 years old and I want to be a ballet dancer when I grow up.
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