The rZamba Trust, in collaboration with Royal Enfield, held a review meeting with Village Education Committees (VECs) of various schools on December 4 to strengthen the Winter Alternative Learning Programme. Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, VEC members, and the rZamba team led by CEO Shifa Saldon attended the session.

The programme began with a welcome address by Shifa Saldon, who greeted all participants and outlined the purpose of the gathering.

In his address, ADC Imteeaz Kacho lauded the rZamba team for consistently introducing innovative and impactful initiatives in Kargil’s education sector. He noted that communities are increasingly forming Village Education Committees with strong support from rZamba, inspired by its pioneering interventions. Stressing that children are the nation’s future, he said that guiding them in the right direction ensures the holistic development of the country. He added that nurturing children in a homely and conducive environment is vital for their overall growth, and that creative activities motivate students to attend school regularly, contributing to improved early childhood education.

Kacho further emphasized the importance of socio-emotional learning, stating that education must focus on the holistic development of children, not merely on academic output. In a rapidly changing world, he said, it is crucial to impart education that aligns with traditional values, culture, and ethics.

During the programme, Shifa Saldon presented a detailed overview of rZamba’s Winter Alternative Learning Programme, currently implemented in 20 remote areas of UT Ladakh. She expressed sincere gratitude to teachers, students, VEC members, and the wider community for their continued support, which she credited as central to the success of the initiative.

She outlined rZamba’s vision of empowering every child in UT Ladakh through equitable and quality education, and its mission to empower youth, strengthen communities to take ownership of government school development, and build strong strategic partnerships.

Saldon also highlighted the unique challenges faced by students in remote areas, including long winter breaks that disrupt learning, the need to travel to towns for academic support, and financial constraints that hinder access to tuition outside their villages.

To address these issues, rZamba launched the Winter Alternative Learning Programme to ensure academic continuity during harsh winter months. She urged VECs to support the programme through regular coordination, local-level planning, and enhanced community involvement. She also sought continued support from the District Administration to prioritise child education in remote regions.

The meeting concluded with active feedback and constructive suggestions from VEC members, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Winter Alternative Learning Programme for the benefit of children across remote villages.