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Dear Friends,
The Umeed Project remains buoyant and the Training Centres and Middle Schools are thriving. One of the Middle Schools has been given priority for development by Umeed Partnership (Pakistan) and Bangorand Prestatyn Rotary Clubs have formed a partnership to submit a bid for a Matched Funding grant of over $14,000 to support this work.
A success story
A most encouraging progress report has come from the Umeed Middle School in Bahawalpur District. Admissions have increased by 20% in this academic year, and it’s regarded as a model school in the region, drawing pupils from government schools in Yazman City. Unlike any other school in the District, the Umeed School is now well equipped with IT and the pupils are rapidly becoming computer literate – unheard of only 12 months ago in this region. Yousuf reports that:
- with the construction of the boundary wall, both teachers and children feel secure. Thanks to a recently-installed water supply the sand-blown school grounds are blooming – trees, grass and flowers – and the whole community now shows great pride in their school.
- all four students entered for their Primary Board Certificate in the Bahawalpur District have passed with distinction.
- the School campus is being used by the District Health Department for child vaccination programmes. It is also the focus for community events.
The School Board expresses its gratitude to UP(UK) and also to Rotary International for facilitating this wonderful educational and community resource in such a deprived region.
Generous donations
The Outreach Committee of St Andrew’s Church inBedfordhas awarded £1000 to the Umeed Project’s Middle Schools. Thanks also to St Peter’s Church Llanbedr for donating the proceeds of the recent Harvest Supper for general Umeed activities inPakistan. On behalf of the Umeed (UK) Executive Committee I would like to give heartfelt thanks to the Churches for their generosity.
At the invitation of Bishop Andy John, I gave a presentation to the Bangor Diocesan Conference. I’m confident that parishes in the Diocese will include the Umeed Project in their international mission activities and it’s immensely gratifying that Umeed is at the receiving end of the Church’s positive response.
A date for your diaries
On Sunday 27 November, Stuart Elliott and Clive Southerton are organising a Santa Run in support of the Umeed Partnership. Visit the Umeed website (www.umeedpartnership.org.uk) to register for the event. A great day out for all the family!
Plans have been made for Yousuf Gill to visit northWalesin June or July next year to raise the profile of the Umeed Project across the region. A programme will be drawn up in due course and offers of hospitality will be sought. Yousuf will be pleased to talk to community groups, to visit schools and churches and to meet supporters informally.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Umeed Project. I can assure you that your support, in whatever form it takes, really does make a huge difference to the lives of the beneficiaries of the Umeed Project inPakistan.
JOHN (Perkins) 25 November 2011
Chair, Umeed Partnership (UK)
01248 712389; 07547 730 495
