Our Story

Learning Beyond Boundaries was founded in the fall of 2021. That was when Aanika Tangirala, our founder, first met the 30 young girls of the Jammu FAH house, located in Jammu, Kashmir. The connection was through a partnership with the Borderless World Foundation (BWF) - a local NGO that helps rescue, provide for, and raise hundreds of girls orphaned in the conflict in Jammu, along the India-Pakistan border - and its founder, Adhik Kadam. Through its mission of cultivating a world without boundaries of geography, hatred, and strife, BWF works to facilitate an integrated learning environment through activity-based learning; provide a space for children to better their health by unwinding, having fun, and exploring their creative streak; and foster a sense of pride in Kashmiri culture through various day-to-day and special activities. These projects work to address the very specific needs of girls in conflict-ridden regions, providing support for them in the face of incredible loss, violence, fear, chaos, alienation, and socio-economic stagnation. 

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The first meeting was virtual, of course, but the looks of happiness, excitement, and, most of all, curiosity that lit up the screen when the girls turned on their video for the first time was, and still is, infectious. Since then, that instant connection has grown, with Aanika holding weekly sessions that focus on teaching the girls (aged 10 to 17) English, personality development and life skills, and research and technical skills using a unique curriculum that caters to the needs of every child. In early 2023, teachers and content creators Gia, Reni, and Anya joined Aanika in this work, and in November 2023, Aanika was able to meet the girls in-person in what was a life-changing experience!