Kunal Shevakramani

About

Donated to:

Jianping He (何建平)
$280 of $280 donated
Sichuan, China
Like many in my village, I did not own my first set of clothing until I was five years old. My family had been too poor to buy cloth. My family rents fields from others, and my father works a second job as a manual laborer downtown. My family must pay tuition for my brother and me – I am in middle school and my brother is in elementary school. During one tough time, I dropped out of class for a semester because my family couldn’t afford my tuition fee. Originally, I lived in a remote rural area, from where children would walk five hours to get to school since public transportation was not available. My old home was about 5 miles away from my current school. Everyday, I had to walk for an hour and a half to get to school. Because my parents wanted my brother and me to be closer to school, we decided to move, and found a nice neighbor willing to rent some farmland out. Unfortunately, the weather was very bad. When there was a storm, my family would have nothing to eat for several ...

Ma Guijun (马贵军)
$20 of $240 donated
Sichuan, China
I was born eighteen years ago in Shuhe Village. My village is located at a very high altitude. As a result, few types of crops grow and transportation is difficult. There is only one narrow path for livestock to walk on when going up and down the mountains. Thanks to the government's aid, in 2004, I completed elementary school at a school that was 20 km away. In 2008, I hope to graduate from Shuhe Middle School. But I am very afraid of what will happen once I graduate. Without external financial aid (hopefully from the US), I will not be able to pay the school fees associated with high school enrollment and studies. If given the opportunity, I will work extremely hard and use my grades to pay back my supporters. I will remain indebted to the donors that sponsor me. I would like to thank my parents, teachers, and the various organizations that have helped me get to where I am today. (Translated from Guijin’s autobiographical sketch)

Qinghai Ran (冉青海)
$70 of $280 donated
Sichuan, China
My whole family lives solely on tobacco farming. Lately, we have lost much money in our crops, and my brother left the village to find a job. However, my brother is illiterate and earns very little money, not enough to cover my family’s declining annual income and my educational expenses. In these recent years, my parents and my brother have had to pinch and scrape in order to put me through school. The village we live in is extremely poor and technologically backward – with a horrible environment and inferior living conditions. Children are usually forced to grow up quickly, and I am no different. At school, I never had many friends. Initially, I did very poorly in school, was censured by my teachers, and was almost expelled due to failure to pay academic fees. I didn’t give up though, and I started to study harder than anyone in my school. Eventually, I was the top of my class. While I spend more time studying and focusing on my grades, my classmates still look down upon me ...

Jinhua Shen (申金华 )
$195 of $195 donated
Sichuan, China
I come from a poor village. My family has no income besides a couple acres of sterile farmland. The output of our fields couldn’t even support our basic daily expenses. Because we couldn’t afford the tuition fee, I dropped out of school for one year when I was in elementary school. In order to continue my education, I did some labor, and my father borrowed a little money from his relatives and neighbors. My elementary school was three hours away from my home, and the bus ride took two hours. I had little money for other expenses like food. I usually skipped meals at school and stayed hungry. Day by day, I went hungry until I graduated from elementary school. Eventually, I got accepted by the County Middle School. Holding the admission letter, I was so happy, but only for a while. My father told me that he couldn’t afford to pay for my tuition fees. I worked hard during that summer and tried to earn enough money to be able to attend. Unfortunately, I still didn’t have enough ...

Shangui Yan (严善贵)
$150 of $150 donated
Sichuan, China
My family has a couple acres of field and farmland. Due to the recent dry spell, the output of these fields is not much. My younger sister and I are the only two children in my family, and our parents love us so much. My father is a farmer, as well as my disabled mother. The day I started school, my mother broke down into tears because she realized that she could never afford to pay tuition for her children to fully complete their education. For the majority of my sister's and my life, all our clothes were given to us by kind friends. When I was in fourth grade, I got a disease that forced my family to use the little money that we had saved to pay for my medical expenses. My father even sold his own blood to get money for me. Luckily, I was treated and cured. I used to be number one in my class, but after I went to middle school, my performance dropped noticeably. I lost confidence and courage, becoming unsure about my future life and studies. I didn’t know if my family could ...

Li Zheng (郑丽)
$205 of $205 donated
Sichuan, China
My family relies on our annual harvest to support all of our expenses. However, due to recent droughts, my parents have had to spend money to buy water for our crops. Due to this new cost in crop harvesting, my brother and I borrowed money from relatives in order to pay for tuition. Sometimes when my parents fall sick, they choose not to receive medical treatment in order to afford our tuition. They normally wait out the illness and hope that they will recover soon, instead of spending the family’s resources that they have reserved to pay for our tuition. But since my older brother and I both have excellent grades at school, my parents deem the sacrifices to be worth it. I recall one instance at school that made my poverty all the more apparent in comparison to my fellow students. When I first entered middle school, my teacher told me that I could not receive any of the new textbooks because my tuition had not been paid in full. Although unwilling and embarrassed, I passed the new...

Zhiqing Lv (吕志清)
$220 of $220 donated
Sichuan, China
I was born into a loving family, and although my parents had to labor strenuously, I still had the opportunity of beginning elementary school at age 5. However, my good fortune did not last long. In 2000, my mother passed away as a result of poor health and over-exhaustion from laboring in the fields. In order to give my mother a proper burial, my family spent nearly all of our savings. We even had to sell our land to cover the cost. After the funeral was over, we were only left with a shabby house. My grandmother broke her leg earlier this year, and thus became entirely dependent on my family. As a result, my father’s burdens have become even heavier. I am extremely grateful for today’s opportunity of receiving education grants through the Peach Foundation. I hope that I will be able to receive donations so that my father will be less tired everyday. (Translated from Zhiqing’s autobiographical sketch)

Yincong Fan (范银聪)
$250 of $250 donated
Sichuan, China
My parents did not receive much education, and only my father can be considered semi-literate. Given their background, my parents both understand the importance of education and hope that one day, their children will be able to stand proudly in society. When I was in third grade, a major thunderstorm damaged the roof of my house. The next day, my uncle came to help fix the roof, but unfortunately, slipped and fell six meters to the ground. After being examined at the hospital, the doctors deemed that immediate surgery would be necessary to save my uncle’s life. In despair, I had to discontinue my education to help pay for my uncle’s medical expenses. A year later, my father intended for me to return to finish elementary school. However, my mother was diagnosed with lithiasis and needed me to stay home to help out with farm work. I would often cry when seeing other children going to school while I had to stay home. But I never allowed my tears to be seen by my parents because I k...

WSF Kindergarten Learning Center (西部阳光农村发展基金会)
$500 of $500 donated
Gansu, China
Short- Term: Help the impoverished and disadvantaged children’s families in light of their limited time and resources, to help them develop their small children’s enthusiasm for learning and to build community spirit Drive cultural exploration and expose villagers to various systems of education, implementing alternative modes of education like night schooling. During the evenings, village families are not as committed to working on the fields. Gradually move towards a community-based system that relies on a concrete, effective, and sustainable platform positioned for growth Long- Term: The long-term vision is to move towards a matriarchic system of village education that leverage and develops the local cultural resources- specifically, the family-centered education structure, supporting a healthy and balanced progression.

Dan Yuan (袁丹)
$435 of $435 donated
Shaanxi, China
I am a student from a poor family of a mountainous region, and I am very lucky to be able to attend high school in the county center. My family is from Yangpingguan, where the economy is very backward. My parents are hardworking farmers who don’t have fixed employment. Each year my father leaves the village to find temporary work, while my mother remains to farm. My mother works very hard and suffers a great deal, yet she is still very attentive to my brother and me, especially with regards to our schoolwork. Although my brother’s grades on the 2008 college entrance examinations were not ideal, he has chosen not to abandon his studies, a decision my parents respect. Even though our family is poor, my parents still allow my brother to continue to attend school. In addition to the costly tuition of 5000 yuan per semester, there are also high living expenses, and as a result my family’s financial situation has become more and more pressing. During the May 12th earthquake, my fami...

Fang Shen (沈芳)
$455 of $455 donated
Shaanxi, China
My family lives in a small remote mountainous village located in the southern region of the province Shan Xi. In my village, roads are underdeveloped and the local economy is not strong. Despite the situation, the people are willing to persevere and use what they have to change and improve the village little by little. My family’s small farming income can hardly support all of us. We need the income to support the daily needs of our family, my and my brother’s tuition, and the medical bills of my grandfather and mother. My grandfather has already passed away, but when we were trying to treat his illness, my family borrowed a lot of money for his medical bills and is now in debt. Because of the earthquake this year, my house collapsed, and now my entire family lives in a small tent. Recently, the government has implemented a series of rebuilding plans, and my family has borrowed a lot of money for our new home. Seeing my parents struggle has made me feel very bad, which is why I ...

Yuling Bai (白玉玲)
$440 of $440 donated
Shaanxi, China
My family’s financial resources are very limited and we do not have any fixed income. The whole family’s life depends on my father’s temporary jobs outside, but my father has some physical disability and his health condition has been poor this year. My mother stays at home to look after my young brother and takes care of a little crop, but the harvest is not enough for family consumption. Nowadays, my tuition becomes another great burden for my parents. It is very hard for my family to afford the costs. I sincerely hope to that the Fund could help ease my family’s financial difficulties. According to my grandmother, my father was burned by fire when he was young. The four fingers on his left hand were badly burnt; his head was also injured. So he always had disability. I cannot imagine how he managed to get through the cold winters, so I have always admired my father very much. Nevertheless, my father always worked very hard for the family despite his deteriorating health. I...

Yao Cheng (成瑶)
$275 of $275 donated
Shaanxi, China
My family lives in a remote district, neither of my parents has steady work, and our income is not high. For the past few years, because of several reasons, our lives have been especially difficult. In addition, my mother’s health is not good, so in addition to being unable to earn income, she must often see the doctor and buy medicine. Because my father has worked so hard, his health also suffers. Since I have entered high school, my family’s expenditures have increased even more. This year’s earthquake has also led to various losses for our family.

Kuteesa Abu
$0 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
I have attended Peace Nursery and Primary School from the time I was old enough to enroll in Nursery School. Five years ago my parents died. Since then the School has provided me a place to live, food, medical care, and covered all my educational expenses. I live in a one-room dormitory with 14 other boys. One of the teachers stays in the dorm with us. On holidays I travel to the Village of Mityana to visit my grandmother and see my sisters and brothers. I am the top student in my class. I like to study and am very disciplined. Social studies is my favorite subject. I will graduate from Peace Nursery and Primary School in December 2009. I want to enroll in secondary school and then college but this will depend on finding funding for my education. I would appreciate your help. Note: Peace Nursery and Primary School is a private school serving orphans and other children unable to afford the costs of attending public schools. As such, it receives no funding from public sources. L...

Nantume Ivy
$360 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
My parents ran a small shop in Makindye (a suburb of Kampala, Uganda). Mrs. Amina Bbaaale used to shop there. When my parents got sick from AIDS, I wondered what would become of me. I expected that like my parents I, too, would soon be dead because I am HIV positive. Mrs. Bbaale told my parents I would be welcome to live with her and attend Peace Nursery and Primary School. Every month the Headmaster takes me to a clinic to get shots. The shots are really helping and I look forward to a long life. People who knew me before I came to Peace School do not recognize me now because my condition has improved so much. I would not be alive if not for Peace School. My life has turned around. I am so thankful for Mrs. Bbaale. The family compound has been converted into a school that serves those like me who cannot pay school fees. Members of her family operate the school, teach, and somehow raise the money to keep the school going. There is a Girls Dormitory at the school but because...

Kitiibwa Buki
$0 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
Up until two years ago I was a student in a public school in Kampala. Then my mother died and my father, who is sick, abandoned our family. I couldn’t continue in my former school without fees to pay for uniforms, books and supplies. Fortunately, Peace Nursery and Primary School offered to help me with my education by allowing me to live at the school and covering all my expenses. I live with 14 other boys in a one-room dormitory at the school. My favorite subjects are Science and Social Studies. I like Peace Nursery and Primary School because the teachers here are very kind and helpful. They are good teachers who inspire us to learn. I also like the School Director, Morris Bbaale. We have a choir at our school in which I participate. We also have a dance team. I like singing, dancing and playing drum. During school holidays I visit my grandmother who lives in the rural area. My grandmother is a farmer who grows cassava but now she cannot walk. My siblings and I help my g...

Kwagala Sarah
$360 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
I have attended Peace Nursery and Primary School from the time I was old enough to go to school. Five years ago my mother died and my father became ill. Peace Nursery and Primary School offered to let me stay in the Girl’s Dormitory and cover my school expenses. My best friend is Rita, another girl who lives at the school. I am the top student in my class. My favorite subject is math. I would like to finish my education and become a teacher. I would appreciate your help in making my dreams come true. Note: Peace Nursery and Primary School is a private school serving orphans and other children unable to afford the costs of attending public schools. As such, it receives no funding from public sources. Located in a suburb of Uganda’s capital city Kampala, the school is in a highly urban setting and must pay for water and sanitation service as well as teacher salaries and facilities. School Supplies include a school uniform, other clothing (underwear and after school clothi...

Magezi Zac
$360 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
Three years ago my mother died and my father disappeared. My grandmother brought me to Peace School and fortunately, they have provided for me. My days at Peace School begin at 4:00 a.m. when we get up, bathe, dress and brush our teeth. Then we prepare our lessons. Around 7 a.m. we have tea. Classes begin at 7:30 a.m. Lunch is served at 1:00 p.m. We eat matoke, rice and beans that have been prepared in the School kitchen. We eat in an open air dining shed located in the school yard. During recess in the mornings and afternoons we play football and other games. The school day ends at 4: 30 p.m. After dinner we do homework and sometimes chores at the school. By 9:00 p.m. we are in bed for the night. I have studied hard at Peace School and have won some academic competitions. My favorite subject is Social Studies. My best friend is Arnold. We like to study together. If I can achieve my dream of being a doctor I would like to help other orphans. I would appreciate your help in obt...

Mirembe Belinda
$360 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
I come from a family of four girls and one boy. Three years ago my parents died and the Director of Peace School brought me here to live. I don’t know what has become of my sisters and brother, I have not seen them since I came here and I don’t know where they are. I live in the Girl’s Dormitory at Peace School. There are eight other girls here and our teacher Mrs. Oliver. My best friend is Sherin. We pray, talk and study together. On Sunday’s I go with Sherin to church nearby. That is one of the few times I leave the school compound. I like living at Peace School because the teachers are kind and the grounds are kept very clean. Every day we clean our rooms and the playground. We wash our clothes every couple of days. My favorite subject is Science. I hope to be a nurse someday. I would like to help sick people become well. I hope you can help me continue my studies so my dream of being a nurse can come true. Note: Peace Nursery and Primary School is a privat...

Muwanguzi Herbert
$0 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
I came to Peace School one year ago when my mother died. My father is related to the cook at Peace School and she suggested that I come here to complete my primary education. It has been difficult because the classes here are taught in English. The old school I attended uses our native language Luganda. But I am learning English very fast. I live in the Boy’s Dormitory with 14 other boys. Ali is my best friend. We study together and play together. I like to study, and English has become my favorite subject. During the holiday I travel back to my village to see my father and family. It is a long journey. When I grow up I would like to be an airplane pilot. I would love to look down at the earth from the sky. I would like to visit other countries, especially America. I hope you can help me achieve my dreams by helping me obtain an education. Note: Peace Nursery and Primary School is a private school serving orphans and other children unable to afford the costs of attendi...

Kukiriza Rebecca
$360 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
My brother and I came to Peace School when my father died two years ago. My mother could not afford to take care of us so she turned us over to the care of Peace School. Niukasa Musa, my 10-year old brother, is in the Primary 3 class. He lives in the Boy’s Dormitory and I live in the Girl’s Dormitory. My best friend is named Vivian. She is a Muslim like me. On Fridays we go to the Mosque for prayers. Altogether there are three Muslim girls in our dormitory. My favorite subject is science. I would like to be a doctor and help sick people get well. I hope you can help me achieve my dream of being a doctor. Note: Peace Nursery and Primary School is a private school serving orphans and other children unable to afford the costs of attending public schools. As such, it receives no funding from public sources. Located in a suburb of Uganda’s capital city Kampala, the school is in a highly urban setting and must pay for water and sanitation service as well as teacher salar...

Mulungi Zaina
$0 of $360 donated
Kampala, Uganda
I have been a student at Peace school for six years. I started in the Primary 1 class. I used to live at home with my parents and come to school only for classes. But my mother died in childbirth and my father was killed in South African while he was working there. So now I live at Peace School. My brother also lives here; he is in the Primary 4 class. And my sister is here; she is in the Kindergarten class. My father was a friend of the Bbaale family who run Peace Nursery and Primary School. During holidays we go to my grandmother’s house. I am a Catholic and I go to St. Luke’s Catholic Church on Sundays. In our school we have Catholics, Protestants, Born Agains, and Muslims. We all get along very well. I am a happy person and a hard worker. I don’t mind doing chores. I help with cleaning the school and washing dishes. The food is good at the school and so are the teachers. We eat matoke, fish, rice, potatoes, beans, and cassava. My favorite subject is Social Studies...