KSO Extends Educational Support to Conflict-Orphaned Students in Sadar Hills

In a significant stride toward securing the future of conflict-affected children, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters, under its Conflict-Impacted Orphans’ Education Project, today handed over financial assistance to 17 orphan students from Sadar Hills at the Administrative Office of KSO Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi Town.

The solemn event was graced by leaders of prominent civil society organisations, including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights Sadar Hills, Committee on Tribal Unity, and KSO Sadar Hills executives. A blessing prayer for the orphaned students and their academic future was offered by Dr. Rev. Satkai Chongloi.

According to the KSO, there are currently 163 Kuki-Zo orphan students left without parental support due to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The organisation’s Conflict-Impacted Orphans’ Education Project, launched on March 26, 2025, is designed to ensure that these children are not deprived of education. It covers school fees, books, uniforms, and other essential educational expenses, while also extending aid to college students so they can pursue higher studies without financial hurdles.

The project, rooted in humanitarian spirit, seeks to prevent dropouts caused by poverty, protect children from child labor and exploitation, and use education as a means to rebuild war-torn communities. It has been hailed as a lifeline for conflict-affected children, reflecting the KSO’s commitment to social responsibility and the upliftment of vulnerable youth.

Speaking at the event, Manghekam Kipgen, Assistant Education Secretary of KSO General Headquarters, announced that financial assistance for the remaining orphan students would be distributed soon. He further revealed that an educational project for underprivileged students is also in the pipeline, underscoring the organisation’s long-term vision for educational empowerment.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors across the country, particularly the Kuki Worship Service (KWS) and the Council of Kuki Worship Service, for their unwavering support in making the project a success. Conveying his best wishes to the beneficiaries, Kipgen encouraged them to pursue their studies with determination and build a bright and successful future.

The KSO’s initiative has been widely lauded as a milestone in educational empowerment, not only transforming the lives of orphaned children but also setting a precedent for other organisations to follow in addressing the pressing needs of conflict-affected communities.