The Story of World Family Foundation
The face of a small girl, Kandhei, in a tattered frock speaks silently of her suffering after the devastating cyclone that hit Orissa, India in 1999. Kandhei and her little brother, Khageswar, (see photos below) were left orphaned and homeless. More than 10,000 people were killed and whole villages were swept away in one of the worst cyclones to hit the area in 100 years. This disaster left many families unable to procure even the barest of necessities for survival.
In response to this horrible aftermath, Prashanti School founder, Elizabeth Burnett expanded the existing Prashanti Preschool Chatasalis tutoring program into the current registered non-profit Prashanti School (PS) in Puri, Orissa. Impoverished children with no source of support were taken in as boarding students and all their needs provided free of cost: schooling, housing, home tutoring, food, clothing, and medical expenses.
Kandhei and Khageswar were among the fortunate ones to find loving refuge in Prashanti School. Since its inception, many of the children have graduated, and several have gone on to university and postgrad work or vocational training. As the older children leave the school there are many other needy children waiting to be admitted. There are now about 38 children between the ages of 5 and 16 living at PS and studying at our new day school, Prashanti International School. They are supported by their sponsors, whom they lovingly call their "aunties and uncles."
World Family Foundation was established in the United States in 2002 as a tax-exempt charitable trust in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of these dear children.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of experienced volunteers who are committed to helping others and changing the world, one child at a time. More than 90% of all donated funds goes directly to projects that benefit the children. Click here to read about Our Work.
In response to this horrible aftermath, Prashanti School founder, Elizabeth Burnett expanded the existing Prashanti Preschool Chatasalis tutoring program into the current registered non-profit Prashanti School (PS) in Puri, Orissa. Impoverished children with no source of support were taken in as boarding students and all their needs provided free of cost: schooling, housing, home tutoring, food, clothing, and medical expenses.
Kandhei and Khageswar were among the fortunate ones to find loving refuge in Prashanti School. Since its inception, many of the children have graduated, and several have gone on to university and postgrad work or vocational training. As the older children leave the school there are many other needy children waiting to be admitted. There are now about 38 children between the ages of 5 and 16 living at PS and studying at our new day school, Prashanti International School. They are supported by their sponsors, whom they lovingly call their "aunties and uncles."
World Family Foundation was established in the United States in 2002 as a tax-exempt charitable trust in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of these dear children.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of experienced volunteers who are committed to helping others and changing the world, one child at a time. More than 90% of all donated funds goes directly to projects that benefit the children. Click here to read about Our Work.
Kandhei, 1999 - after the cyclone
Kandhei, 2001 - with her little brother Khageswar on a festival day
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The original 21 children who were brought to Prashanti School after the 1999 super-cyclone.
Kandhei and Khageswar 2011 - Kandhei is self supporting tutoring children and doing tailoring work. Khageswar is an electrician.
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