The CSTWF has been assisting less fortunate people in developing countries for the past 30 years by funding development projects and allocating emergency aid grants across the Third World. The Umeed Partnership in Pakistan has received support from this source in the past, and is very grateful for this additional support which will ensure the continued viability of Umeed’s sewing and embroidery training programme.

6 August 2010

The world record for non-stop amateur live entertainment has now been set at 36 hours and 25 minutes by Clive and 60 young (and not so young) people in Prestatyn. Starting on Monday morning at 10.00 am thirteen acts, groups, bands and individuals performed continuously until 10.25 pm on Tuesday evening. In addition to musical items, there was a street artist (who painted Clive’s portrait during the night), a local amateur dramatic company (Centre Stage), a stand-up comedian and a demonstration of birds of prey.

Many of the young people were students at Prestatyn High School, and youngsters from other schools in the area were trained & encouraged by Jacky Bateman, a member of the Umeed Partnership Committee.

This was a sponsored event and many of those who pledged sponsorship are away on holiday at present, therefore the financial outcome is not yet known. However, the event had the desired effect of raising the profile of the Umeed Project, particularly to young people through the medium of music. The cast for the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamoat is being drawn from those participating in this event.

Donations towards the Joseph….. production will be very much appreciated, and may be made on-line, or should be sent to Ged Sanders (Umeed Treasurer) or to John Perkins (Chair of Umeed Partnership (UK). Cheques should be made payable to the Umeed Partnership.

The venue was:

The Vicarage,
Llanasa Rd,
Gronant
LL19 9SP (sat-nav drops you in on our neighbour!)

01745 888797

The Umeed Partnership is conscious of the support provided by the Rotary movement over the past three years, and expresses its gratitude for this generous support.

Yousuf Jalal Gill, the UP Co-ordinator,  believes that participation by young people of all faiths in a venture such as this leads to a greater understanding of other cultures and reconciliation where there is discord in poor communities.

Further details will be available shortly.

The event made a net ‘profit’ of £1162 to support the ‘Open Every Door’ Project which will be launched by the Rev’d Clive Southerton in Lahore, Pakistan on 28 October.

Many thanks are due to the Umeed supporters in the Prestatyn and Rhyl areas for their commitment to the Umeed cause for providing opportunities for women and children across Pakistan.

Retail outlets in the UK and Ireland are invited to contact John Perkins (john@justshopping.co.uk) in the UK or Yousuf Gill (gillyousuf@hotmail.com) in Pakistan to view samples of Umeed Products and arrange for delivery of consigments.

These schools are being run for the children of desert communities far from major cities, and so do not enjoy the fruits of urban development.  There are no roads,  sanitation,  schooling, nor health care. The population lives almost without having any basic human needs. They are slaves to their landlords and their lives are governed by their task masters.  It is very rare to find any educated person in these communities. 

The Umeed Partnership, after receiving constant appeals from these communities, established these schools three  years ago with between 100 and 150 boys and girls and 2 or 3 teachers.  All students receive free education. They are provided with text books, stationery, uniforms, sports equipmentsand study aids. No fee is charged at all. At present each school has a classroom and sheds, but no potable drinking water, nor toilets nor security wall. Apart from these essentials the schools are desperately looking for more classroom space to satisfy the significant demand for a place in the schools.

These schools are the only sign of hope for these communities. It is recognised that, without education, communities will fail to escape from the bondage of their overpowering landlords. Umeed is effectively providing hope for these marginalised people  as they strive to free themselves from what is in all but name slavery.