Following the bomb blast which hit Mall Road in Lahore on Wednesday 27 May, Yousuf Gill (the Umeed Partnership Project Co-ordinator) sent the following comments:
“…..The question you raised whether the beneficiaries of Umeed are affected by these bombings, regarding this I would say that as you know we work among the most disadvantaged people living on the fringes of society. These people are worried about their daily bread and are least bothered about the day to day happenings in the big cities. They are least affected by these happenings. However the security and political situation in the country has become much better since the time the military operation started against the Taliban. I am quite optimistic about the future of the country.
Regarding the safety of my family I would say that we live in a peaceful area away from the city centre. Therefore we are safe and please don’t worry about us. We are perfectly ok. Please do remember my family, my people and my country in your daily prayers.
The work of Umeed is going on very well, creating a huge impact and difference in the lives of many disadvantaged people of my country. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, concern and love you have for all of us.
Yousuf Gill Date 27 May 2009 “
It is clear that the Umeed Education and Training Centres are unaffected by this bombing, and such occurences make the value of the work of the Umeed Partnership in providing opportunities for women and children more compelling.
