Mumbai Welcomes Ladakhi Students with Open Arms: A Lifeline Amidst the Snow

Chembur, Mumbai: In an inspiring move, 22 students from Ladakh are attending a three-month exchange programme at Chembur's AFAC English School, ensuring they don’t miss out on education due to the extreme winter weather back home. Running from November to February, this initiative helps children from remote villages like Turtuk continue their studies despite school closures caused by heavy snowfall.

AFAC English School hosts these students free of cost, with crowdfunding support from the Mandlecha family’s network. Beyond academics, the students also get to explore Mumbai’s vibrant culture, food, and landmarks. "Our goal is to ensure they don’t miss crucial months of education due to weather," shared a school official.

The programme began in 2018 after Jitendra Mandlecha, a key figure in the trust, visited Turtuk Valley and witnessed the struggles faced by local schools. Inspired by the need to help, he launched teacher training programmes and later established the Turtuk Valley School. What started with a handful of students has expanded, with children from other Ladakhi schools joining the initiative.

This year, students from Turtuk Valley School, Imamia Model School in Leh, and Army Goodwill School in Tyakshi are part of the programme. “These kids come from simple, conservative families, and their parents trust me to provide them with opportunities they can’t imagine. I’ll do whatever it takes to honor that trust,” Mandlecha said.

For the students, this trip is life-changing. “Here, we study, make new friends, and see places we’ve only read about,” said a student. The exchange programme is opening doors to a future beyond the borders of Ladakh. As Siddharth Mandlecha, Jitendra’s son, noted, "This is just the beginning. We aim to extend quality education to other border villages too."

While in Mumbai, the students explore famous landmarks, taste local food, and create unforgettable memories. “I love the food here—vada pav, poha, and upma are my favorites!” shared Naeema Batul from Nubra Valley. Zeba Noor from Turtuk added, “I don’t even miss home, but I’ll miss vada pav when I leave!”

This programme is a true bridge between remote Ladakhi villages and metropolitan Mumbai, offering students a brighter future filled with new dreams and opportunities.