A Letter from Our Beloved Founder
KCIS was born from my own lived experience. Growing up in an underprivileged family in Iran, the possibilities for my future were limited. When I reflect on my journey, my heart is filled with endless gratitude toward one individual who believed in the power of education, and who also believed in me. This person stepped in like a guiding light. Because of their remarkable generosity, I was able to obtain a higher education in Germany. This completely changed the course of my life.
Education is much more than a route to knowledge. It’s a beacon of hope, and it’s a chance at a new beginning. When I ended up in the United States with a career and life beyond my wildest dreams, I made it my mission to help children from backgrounds like mine break through the cycle of poverty.
The success stories of students supported by our generous KCIS donors demonstrate the ripple effect that occurs when people see the bigger picture and decide to take action. I owe my life to the individual who looked beyond my circumstances and recognized what I was capable of all those years ago.
Though I may be gone when you read this, I’m comforted knowing that KCIS’s mission will live on—thanks to all of you. Contributing to KCIS means completely transforming the lives of promising young children who would otherwise never reach their potential. Your generosity empowers them to share their gifts with the world.
With gratitude from the other side,
Jila Kashef
