Posted on December 10th, 2024 by Anoushka Puri

My journey toward founding the International Shelter Foundation (ISF) began with deeply personal experiences in child education and empowerment, as well as a growing awareness of the critical need for dignified housing. Reflecting on those early days, I see how they not only shaped my values but also ignited a passion for creating meaningful change—a path I continue to walk with ISF.

It all started when I was in high school and volunteered as a teacher for a small junior school in Delhi called Vidya. Stepping into that classroom was a transformative moment. The children’s eagerness to learn inspired me, and I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t just about imparting knowledge—it was about building connections. To make learning more interactive, I organized creative activities and designed personalized exercises, which I would print at home since the school didn’t have a printer. The simplicity of these efforts, paired with the children’s enthusiasm, made every moment rewarding.

Each child brought their own story, and listening to them deepened my empathy and commitment. Around the same time, I also began an annual tradition of feeding meals at a nearby blind school in my hometown to celebrate my birthday, a practice that continues to this day. I recall one young boy who told me his mother had an ear infection, and they couldn’t afford medicine. The next day, I brought it for him, and his happiness was heartwarming. Over time, my efforts expanded beyond teaching. Every winter, I would bring blankets and shawls for the staff, and I began a monthly tradition of bringing sweets, books, and stationery for the children.

One of my most cherished memories was dressing up as Santa Claus during Christmas. The children didn’t know much about the festival, so I shared stories—some traditional, others created on the spot—while handing out gifts. Their joy and excitement were infectious, and it was in these moments that I truly understood the profound impact of small acts of kindness.

As high school drew to a close, my volunteering extended to my neighborhood. My family and I often visited a local temple that I had frequented growing up, where I learned about an initiative within the temple complex. Two unoccupied rooms and an open field were being used by the women in my neighbourhood to organize classes for the children of housekeepers, cooks, and maids who couldn’t afford formal education. They called it a “Gurukul,” a term and a practice from ancient India meaning “a home of learning.”

At that time, my family and I were sponsoring the education of our housekeeper’s daughter, whom I also tutored in the evenings. Learning about the Gurukul felt like a natural extension of my efforts. I eagerly joined and began teaching English and math to the children. One unforgettable memory was choreographing a dance performance with them for an Indian festival. We practiced together, and the children’s excitement was palpable. The performance was a resounding success, showcasing not just their talent but also the power of community and shared effort.

These early experiences were pivotal in shaping my outlook on life. They taught me the importance of creating opportunities for those in need and showed me the profound impact of education and empathy. These lessons inspired me to dream bigger and, eventually, to establish the International Shelter Foundation. Through ISF, I aim to channel those values—empathy, connection, and empowerment—into addressing the interconnected needs of underserved communities. A safe and dignified home serves as a vital starting point for a child's growth, providing stability that enables access to education and opportunities for future success. Education, as an important facet of ISF’s values, complements its broader mission of fostering well-being and empowerment. By integrating these elements, ISF aspires to create holistic and meaningful change.

The journey has been deeply fulfilling, and I’m continually inspired by the potential to make a difference. With ISF, I hope to build a future where more people than ever have access to the opportunities they deserve, driven by the same spirit of compassion and collaboration that guided my earliest volunteering efforts.