Project Untouchables

Project Untouchables strives to provide desperately-needed education for Dalit children (so-called “untouchables”) in South East India. In alliance with LAFTI (another charitable organization) Omid International established a hostel for 30 children - with support from sponsors in the UK - so that these disadvantaged and discriminated children can attend school. The hostel began full scale operation in May 2010 and currently houses 46 children aged between 5 & 15 years.
 
We need money to expand the hostel so that more children can be housed and schooled. The total cost per child is just over £25.00 per month / £300.00 per year. This will cover the general running cost of the hostel and the children’s food, medicine, tuition and other educational resources. The children are supported until they complete their education.
 
 

Project Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers

Project UAS provides financial, educational and psychological support to refugee and asylum seeking young people in the UK who are otherwise on their own in this country. Many have had difficult and sometimes distressing backgrounds so, where necessary, we provide psychological help in the form of professional counseling. Awaiting the Home Office’s decision regarding their immigration status means they are in limbo, sometimes for several years. This situation denies them any educational support from the state. Your money therefore helps to attain a basic education that is the right of any child or youth
 

Project Peer Support

Project Peer Support recruits volunteers for our mentoring and befriending provision. Once a month, volunteers and young people meet at a centre in West London, which provides the opportunity to socialise and receive peer support. There are also a number of outings throughout the year.

Due to language barrier and cultural alienation, many young asylum seekers are unable to integrate into society and feel disaffected. As a result, some exhibit mental health problems. Volunteers meet on a regular basis to discuss young people’s progress, plan future events and allocate new referrals. Your time would make a great difference to the quality of life of these young people. Please sign up below.

 

Testimonial

  • ‘When I was first introduced to Ol, I had completed my A-levels and secured a place to study at university. OI offered to pay for the initial deposit, and later put me in touch with a potential employer and professionals to help with CVs and job search. The job I found through this contact was my main source of income for the rest of my time at University. I had the privilege of being supported by people who really believed in me, and while I know that without the financial support, I would not have been able to start and complete my degree, I consider every support as important as the financial help’

  • Anonymous, Young Person and Volunteer

  • ‘I always wanted to continue my studies at a higher level; however, lacking financial means to support my basic needs had left me no other choice but to quit university.  OI provided the support, both financial & psychological, which significantly improved my performance in the university and the society.  Was it not because of OI, I should have been looking for jobs in job centres right now instead of working in distinguished scientific institutions along many researchers who produce works of great erudite’

  • Kamran, Young person

  • ‘I am a young care leaver. Omid International has helped me on many levels e.g. financially by paying the cost of accommodation and travel to college, budgeting, career plans.  I have also enjoyed the trips that OI has organised for young people.  I continue to get emotional support, which is very important for me at this point in my life’

  • Jan, Young Person

  • Before I was directed to Omid International I was actually in my lowest in life.  I was depressed & sometimes I was thinking of ending it.  I thought no one cared to listen or help but they received me with both hands & made me feel like I belonged.  OI got me back on my feet & back into education.  From personal point of view [my volunteer work] is like a parent in form of an organisation.

  • Emmanuel, young personr

  • Volunteering with OI has enabled me to work alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds and in a variety of environments. I enjoy working with young people who may be new to the UK to ease their transition.

  • Ali, Volunteer