UMEED PARTNERSHIP PAKISTAN(UPP)
(BRINGING HOPE TO THE DISADVANTAGED IN PAKISTAN)
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Umeed Project,
For Pakistan as a country the year 2010-11 has been crucial since it has remained hot on global news due to serious international political issues. The latest two issues: 1. Raymond Davis’ arrest and released and 2. Osama’s discovery and killing made the country feel that the superpower of the world has every right to shatter the sovereignty, freedom and integrity of any country in the world. In these two issues whatever political game and power play went on one thing was evident that the common masses of the country feel vulnerable, subservient and helpless in front of the superpower which is perceived as interfering in this country. Since I work among the poorest in Pakistan society I am presenting here the views of the masses and not of the Government of Pakistan. However the people among whom UPP works are least effected and bothered with these issues since theeir main concern is their daily bread. These issues are the issues of the big cities and not of the rural and slum areas.
Please do continue to pray for us and especially for the superpower so that she may understand that now she cannot control the masses with force; dialogue is the best way for any substantial rresolution.
I am happy to present to you the following statistics for the year 2010-2011:
1. Embroidery:
Centres Trainers Teachers Students
Loralai 2 2 2 35
Yazman 6 6 6 110
Bahawalpur 4 4 4 73
Lahore 2 2 2 36
Total 14 14 14 254
3. Sewing/Tailoring Centres for women/girls
Sewing Centers Trainers Supervisors Students
Yohannabad no. 1 Lahore 1 1 1 16
Yohannabad no. 2 Lahore 1 1 1 24
Total 2 2 2 40
4. Umeed Middle School: Village 18 B.C. Bahawalpur
Teachers Serving staff Committee members Students
4 3 7 160
5. Umeed Middle School: Village 52 D.B. Yazman
Teachers Serving Staff Committee members Students
2 2 7 120
6. Project administration
Project Supervisors Project Coordinator
3 1
Total paid Staff in the field: 46
Volunteers: 14 committee members and many community leaders
Total beneficiaries of project 2010-11 574
Note: UPP does not have an office or clerical staff. The only staff are in the field.Umeed is a grass roots organisation and has no costly infrastructure therefore no administrative charges.
During Dr. John Perkins’ visit in January- February 2011 the students of 2 sewing centres and 1 wood workshop in Lahore were awarded with the certificates after the completion of their one year intensive training. Although trainees at these centres completed their training by 31st October 2010 their certificate awarding ceremony was deferred since the successful students wanted to receive their certificates from John Perkins during his visit to the project.
The Rotary Club of Bangor funded the following for Umeed Middle school at village 18 BC Bahawalpur:
- Construction of the boundary wall for the school premises around 1 acre of land along with two steel gates for the main entrance;
- Construction of a toilet block for staff and students;
- Text books, stationery and uniforms;
- Computers for staff and students;
- Furniture for staff and students.
Thanks are due to Bangor Rotary Club for helping to promote education among the most depressed communities of Pakistan. The project is now complete and during his visit to the project Dr.Perkins himself handed the upgraded and developed Umeed School to the Umeed Management Board in the village community. The school, which was started five years ago in a single room, now has three classrooms, one computer room/office with a six foot boundary wall around its campus, a toilet block with flushing water, proper seating arrangements for students, office furniture for staff, uniforms, text books, stationary, computers all add to the standard of the school. With the help of Bangor Rotary club a paved path from main entrance to the class rooms and a stage for students’ assembly and community programs have been constructed.
With all these developments the Umeed School campus stands out gracefully increasing the morale, dignity and respect of the residents. They feel proud and honorably send their children to the school. The parents feel proud that this school belongs to them and that it will be there for generations.
The children who were helpless and were longing for such a school now feel proud and come to school respectfully and receive education in a safe and healthy environment. They take their school as a model for the whole area since they begin their classes in Information Technology through the computers.
The school staff (mainly female) feel safe and protected with the construction of security wall and toilet block. The students, staff and the parents are so grateful to the Rotary Foundation, the Rotary Club of Bangor and the Rotary District 1180 for upgrading and developing their school for their future generations.
The force behind all these developments has been John Perkins whose vision and dedication for the poor masses of Pakistan has made this education possible. May God reward him abundantly.
Yousuf Gill
Coordinator – UPP Dated: 9 May 2011
