Umeed-e-Sahr

Abdul Moiz, Abdullah Ihsan Baig, M. Ammar Imran, Shehryar Zeb, Ibrahim Ghayaz

Beaconhouse Margalla Campus Boys Branch Islamabad

Main video Lap.mp4

How it all started?

This project “ Umeed-e-Sahr” is a result of relentless efforts of the student led BMI-B team, which initially started off as a Global Perspectives (C.A.I.E) project on ‘Poverty and Inequality’ in the winters of 2020. It was impossible to cover the vast topic; therefore, the most sensitive areas of poverty and inequality in society were targeted. Although the school project ended but it inspired and propelled the students towards taking major initiative “ Umeed-e-Sahr”. The sole purpose of Umeed-e-Sahr is to eradicate educational inequality and disparity among different regions of Pakistan, to gather funds to help the poverty –stricken section of our community and give rights to differently abled people.

The Journey:

A team of like-minded individuals, destined to create difference and impact in society, founded Umeed-e-Sahr. It was formed with the intention

·To alleviate poverty through sustainable and decent livelihoods opportunities

·To facilitate schools, provide equitable and quality education for all and

·To support children/people living with Down Syndrome, attain their full potential in the rightful and respectful manner

In order to increase knowledge and understanding of the above mentioned components students performed secondary research on the internet to learn from the projects of various organizations including UN and its organs such as UNICEF, World Bank, etc. The primary initiatives came to a halt due to the pandemic. To overcome this challenge, Digital technology was utilized in obtaining the primary research data through conducting surveys on Google Form.

Furthermore, to enhance learning, virtual meetings were conducted with governmental officials, people working in the humanitarian sector, and anthropologists, including District Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners, School Administrations of public and private schools, and personnel working with National and International NGO’s. The goals, objectives and people’s perspectives about overcoming poverty in various sectors were compatible with the spirit of Umeed-e- Sahr. By analyzing and evaluating these perspectives and joining hands with other local organizations such as, ‘Taaleem Foundation’, ‘Akhuwat’ and ‘Down Syndrome Club Pakistan,’ Umeed-e- Sahr came into existence.

The cooperation with Taleem Foundation led to the discovery of Kuchlaq, a subdivision of Quetta. It was densely populated, but the educational standards were substandard. In order to pursue the cause a website was created for the swift transfer of funds.

As a result, funds were collected for school renovations through the website while simultaneously creating awareness using other social media platforms, in collaboration with the Kuchlaq district government and Taaleem Foundation.

The Impact:

Umeed e- Sahr worked hard to pilot initiatives that led to an in-depth impact with the funds that were collected. They were utilized for the renovation of the school’s infrastructure in the remote areas of Kuchlaq, Baluchistan.The initial objective of providing a safe learning environment for Students was achieved through the funds. Students were also facilitated in terms of online education. Major steps are also being taken in aiding Akhuwat to alleviate poverty.

Way-Forward:

•Work along Taaleem Foundation to help improve educational infrastructure in other areas of Balochistan like, Kohlu, Loralai, Sui and Zhob, etc

•hope to improve the poor and working-class situation with the support of Akhuwat by offering reasonable livelihood options through soft loans

•through the Down Syndrome Club Pakistan platform, steps will be taken in ensuring the rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome in Pakistan.

•to promote the cause by joining a well renowned, UK-based platform with the name of “Go Pool It”. It is a new social media app which enables one to help a cause by donating any desirable amount based on photographs and videos

VID_20211120_121738.mp4

An interview of Chairman Taaleem Foundation

Chairman Taaleem foundation Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qadir endorsed the core spirit of "Umeed-e-Sahr" and appreciated the efforts in uplifting the infrastructure and providing educational support in a school in Kuchlak - a subdivision of Quetta.

Renovation of School in Kuchlak

Donation Portal Of Akhuwat

Spending a day at DSCP Islamabad and pursuing the cause of making them eligible members of society.

Key Learnings:

· Small initiatives can be taken to bring a change in society.

· Goals were achieved through teamwork.

· Major issues of societies were addressed for example social inequality and disparity.

· Digital forums were utilized to interact in Covid times.

· Age is not a barrier to make a positive contribution to society.

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