FOUNDER'S STORY
"While journeying through India in 2016, I encountered a young father named Deepak residing in extreme poverty in Dharamsala with his wife, Sonia, and their two children, Tamana (5 years) and Arav (1 year). Their living conditions were incredibly harsh—tents constructed from bamboo and plastic, no electricity, no toilets, and just one tap for the entire village.
One day, as Deepak approached me in the street, requesting assistance to buy some basic provisions for his family, I gladly provided essentials like eggs, rice, and milk. While his gratitude was evident, the encounter sparked a realisation—I wanted to contribute to a more sustainable solution for their challenging circumstances. The idea struck me to organise a fundraiser upon my return to London, featuring a 'by-donation' yoga class. The funds raised would support Tamana's education, empowering her to break the cycle of poverty within her community.
Following the success of the initial fundraiser, I founded Academy of Hope. Our mission is to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, like Tamana, who now attends the leading and most reputable school in the Haryana/Punjab area, in India.
Believing that a quality education is the key to a brighter future, I am committed to providing these children with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
- Caleb Jude Packham, Founder
