I am Sadak Chakma, the Principal of Mahabodhi Residential School (MBRS) in Tuichawng, India. I have dedicated my life to serve the Chakma community and also strongly believe that the best way to help the deprived and underprivileged Chakma children is through education. It is not an easy task on my own, but only made possible through kindhearted people like you.

I have been with MBRS since it was established in 2016. Before 2016, there was no high school at Tuichawng; only the Ahimsa School with classes that goes up to Class IV standard. Students who complete elementary school had to leave the village in order to continue their education. Since most students are poor and their family cannot afford to send them to school, most students had no other choice but to drop out. But since MBRS  opened in 2016, many local children are now enrolled in IX & X standard classes with no need to leave the village.

We, the Chakmas are very fortunate and grateful to have known and met Ma’am Dana.  Her sincere personality and generosity together with SOLWW organization is a big help to the poor Chakma families in educating their children by offering a much needed scholarship.

We have many children whose lives are uncertain and with a very high chance of dropping out from school due to financial constraints.  But the first name that comes to mind is Talash. Talash is an orphan that was raised by his Grandmother and Uncle. In order to go to school and help support the family, he had to work as a daily laborer after school and on breaks. But with SOLWW’s scholarship, he now stays in a hostel where he can better focus in his studies and not worry about school fees. Talash is a very good student and I know that he will be successful in the near future. There are many other students such as Nijeni along with others who go to Shillong for higher education whose lives are changed due to SOLWW. Without your help, all of these would not have been possible.

All the 18 students who are part of SOLWW scholarship program are not only grateful but filled with hope. They are happy that they’re able to continue their studies in Shillong as they plan and look forward to a brighter future. They aspire to be successful and give back to MBRS and the Chakma community.

As I stand here in the other side of the world, seeing the need of the children and experiencing the difficult lives of the Chakma community, I would like to tell all the donors that it is truly important to continue supporting SOLWW. We are thankful to you and SOLWW for supporting the Chakma community. The Chakmas are poor and unable to stand by themselves without your help. And without Education – community development and advancement is almost impossible. So, please continue to support SOLWW so that in turn they can support the education of Chakma children.

SOLWW’s education program has inspired me to work harder and to be more dedicated to MBRS.  I know that my dream of lifting up the Chakma community along with the education of the Chakma children will produce a stronger and better equipped new generation. I am secure that with the help of the SOLWW program, this will soon become a reality.

I would like to give a grand salute to the donors, and would like to say Thank You with humble gratitude. You are all amazing and your support is making a big difference to the lives of poor Chakma children. Your continued support has given them a golden chance to continue their studies, work hard for a better future and to give back by serving their own community. Again, Thank You for your generosity.

Sadak Chakma,

Principal of Mahabodhi Residential School (MBRS) in Tuichawng, India