Along with women, children are also equally vulnerable in Pakistan. For such children the Umeed Partnership has opened one primary and one middle school in two marginalised ‘dalit’ communities near Yazman in the Cholistan Desert in southern Punjab Province. 

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.