ABOUT US
Open Hands Education Trust (OHET) is a registered charitable trust working in Dadawan Village, Aurangabad District, Bihar, India, since 2017. In 2024, OHET became a registered charitable trust under the Indian Trust Act, 1882
(Registraton Number 16472/2024).
We serve rural communities near Bodhgaya in Bihar, one of India’s poorest states. While Bodhgaya is known worldwide as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, many nearby villages face long-term poverty, limited education, unsafe water, and few economic opportunities.
Our work focuses on practical, local solutions that improve daily life.
We work to improve the lives of women, children, and families living in deep rural poverty.
Our approach is simple: provide skills, education, and basic services that create lasting change.
Women’s Sewing and Skills Training
In 2017, we opened a free Sewing Training Centre in Dadawan Village. The program teaches women and older girls tailoring and small business skills. Graduates earn income, support their families, and gain confidence and independence.
Many women in rural Bihar have limited access to education and employment. This training helps address that gap. As of 2024, more than 250 women have completed the program.
Free School for Children
In 2018, we started a free school for children who were not attending school due to poverty. Many were working in child labour because their families could not afford education.
We began by speaking with parents about the long-term value of schooling. Today, more than 80 children attend our free school regularly. Education gives these children new options for their future and helps break the cycle of poverty.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Access to clean water is a serious challenge in the region due to drought. At the request of village leaders, we installed a deep community well and hand pump. It is now one of the most reliable water sources in the area.
We have also built village latrines and hand-washing stations. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are essential foundations for health. We plan to expand this work as resources allow.
Additional Support
We provide warm blankets to elderly villagers during winter months and financial assistance to orphaned children so they can continue their education.
If you’d like, we can now sharpen this further by clarifying outcomes (for example, graduation rates, income changes, or school progression). Concrete results build credibility and increase donor confidence without sounding promotional.
Founder Jhulan Kumar and his wife Pratigya
Nancy Carroll, Victoria, BC, Canada ( Social Work Consultant )
Nancy is a long-term donor, friend and supporter of Open Hands Education Trust. During a visit to Bodhgaya and rural Bihar a number of years ago, she was struck by the deep poverty of the area - and by the beautiful faces of the local children - who were longing to be in school, but caught in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness. She wanted to do something to help, and through this process met Jhulan - who shared a similar dream of making education available to the poor in rural Bihar. She is very happy to be able to work with Jhulan and Open Hands Education Trust to help make this dream a reality.
Nancy is a Social Worker by training, with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia in Canada. She has worked for over 35 years as a social worker in hospitals, community clinics and social service agencies in Canada. She currently acts as a volunteer social work consultant for Open Hands Education Trust. Nancy is involved with both Open Hands Education Trust and the Canadian charity Transform International (Canada). She is the contact person linking the two charities - which have formed a partnership. Nancy recently visited India again in 2025 and spent a lot of time at Open Hands Education Trust’s projects.
Board Member Details
“I have known Jhulan since 2017-18. I went a few times to the children's school and the project. From the very first time I saw the children and the Open Hands project I was touched in my heart. I grew up with a mother who sewed and who taught me to sew. When I saw the sewing program I automatically wanted to help. The children and the school are in my heart. Jhulan's family is my second family.”
“It touches me to know that people care so much about these children and women. I am so happy to know that they have a place to go where their needs are met and where they truly matter. That they are offered this opportunity to learn is so heart-warming and makes a HUGE difference in their lives. Thanks to Jhulan and all the staff.”
“It is really amazing for me to see that the kids at the school have so much talent. It is nice working with them, and I can see how they are loved and provided with opportunities to grow. I just hope that with each passing day, each kid is filled with more and more light.”
“This is an awesome mission I must say. Giving a life and education to children is the most beautiful gift to humanity. I had an amazing time here at Open Hands Education Trust and I hope to come back. All the best for your future endeavors.”
“I feel that at Open Hands Education we empower the children and women in a true sense. It feels great to put down the stones for the "next steps" for these lovely kids. I am sharing this because all the members of Open Hands put in hours with these kids, and contribute in a big way to helping them to feel more confident in facing the world.”
