“I’ve got two boys, a four-year-old and a three-year-old. Your perspective changes when you have children,” begins New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns. The Kiwi all-rounder has set up the Chris Cairns Foundation (CCF), which in association with the NGO Pratham, aims to work with and provide education to needy children in India.
Cairns’ focus on education stems from the work his father-in-law has done in South Africa.
“My wife’s father believes that everyone is entitled to education. He started a school for children on his farm. They started with 20 kids and today 400 students are getting an education,” he reveals. “When young children receive education, it empowers them and trains them for life.”
It’s taken Chris and his friends almost a year to get started with CCF’s work. “I’ve been talking to Rahul Dravid and he’s been very supportive despite his busy schedule.
In India, friends such as Deutsche Bank and Nisha Jamvwal have helped us in a big way as well,” he informs. He adds that in his 15-odd visits to the country over the last 11 years, he’s become fond of India and its people, which prompted him to base his foundation here.
The cricketer plans to rope in his cricketing colleagues as well. “We can use our profile and do a lot of good. The idea is to generate funds and help those who really need it,” says Chris. “Often people talk about doing something but stumble at the last step, which is why I am so determined to make it work. And for that, we need support.”
salil@dnaindia.net
