1. Summer Camps have been held for both Umeed Middle Schools in the Bahawalpur Disctrict throughout June 2011. The following activities were undertaken by the students during these camps:
- Training for writing and speech competitions through practical activities
- Preparation for stage plays, acting and compere training
- Sports training ( cricket, football, badminton); races and other competitions were held
- Singing and dancing competitions
- Art work - painting, drawing and colouring
- English and Urdu poems and songs were taught with actions
- Three academic subjects (English, Urdu and Maths) formed the core of the education activities.
2. Training Seminar – Lahore
A three day seminar was held for teachers and students of the Umeed embroidery and sewing centres in the Lahore region at Zenas House, Johor Town at the end of June 2011. The topic of the seminar - The Role of Women in the Family Economy – was attended by 40 women and girls. On the final day the participants enjoyed a sight-seeing study tour of Lahore. This was the first time in the lives that these women and girls had been permitted to leave their homes to get out of their homes and see historical sites in the city. Although most of them had been born in Lahore they had never been given the opportunity to experience Lahore’s historical sites. This is a demonstration of the way in which the Umeed Partnership broadens women’s education and thus empowers them.
3. Umeed Middle Schools
The bienniel registration of Umeed Middle School at 18/BC is being renewed by the District Education Office in Bahawalpur.
The examination results at both Umeed schools were announced at the end of May 2011 and the students were promoted to the new classes. Registration of new school students will take place from 15 August 2011.
4. Rotary International
Congratulations to the Umeed Project Co-ordinator, Yousuf Jalal Gill, who has recently been installed as President of the Lahore Cosmopolitan Rotary Club for 2011/2012. The Rotary District (Pakistan and Afghanistan) Governor made an official tour to the Umeed Project in Lahore and visited the sewing/tailoring centres and wood workshops for street children.
It was reported that two Rotary Clubs in Wales are expecting to submit a bid to Rotary International for a Matching Grant to facilitate the development of Umeed Middle School in community DB52.
