It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the loss of another child in the One Ummah family. Our dear Program Director, Abida Anjum, recently lost her 2-year-old child, Anaya in a traffic incident in Pakistan. We send her our love and respect as we honor the profound impact she is making on behalf of One Ummah Foundation in the lives of needy children by naming the school in her daughter's memory.
The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You - Rumi
"I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage people to do positive things - even while having pains in their personal lives", said Abida. The light is what helps to lift us and helps us to lift others.
The Anaya Hope for Children School
With the help of Abida and her team of local community volunteers, your support is greatly impacting lives in North Pakistan. For example, in the rural village of Deha Bahadur, your donations help provide the basic necessities they desperately need. Here is a snapshot of how Abida’s service and commitment to her community are making a tremendous difference:
The government-run school is an incredibly far distance for the children of Abida’s village to travel to, so One Ummah created the North Pakistan School Project that provides learning opportunities near their homes. We are pleased to announce that this school will now be known as, "Anaya Hope for Children School". Many of the students are orphans. Many are from single-parent families, while others come from families where both parents work as laborers or rickshaw drivers. Many of the children come from poor families that live a hand-to-mouth existence.
In cooperation with Abida and her team, the One Ummah Foundation is able to provide needy children in her village with an education to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty that puts children at risk for child labor, trafficking or begging. One Ummah delivers books, uniforms, shoes, and nutritious food to give students an opportunity to learn. Your generous donations help provide the basic necessities they desperately need. But there is so much more we can do with your help.
Rural Life in Pakistan
Pakistan is an agriculture-based country with 80% living in rural villages. In an era where electricity, clean water, health and education are deemed the basic requirements for a comfortable existence, the standard of rural living is very low. Most people contend with various day-to-day challenges such as improper sanitation, food and water deficiencies and lack of education.
Pakistani livelihoods rely mainly on the rearing of livestock and the cultivation of food.
Villagers live in katcha cottages consisting of bricks, clay or mud. Each home typically has two or three rooms that house extended families.
One Ummah Foundation is Making a Difference
One Ummah supports a local workforce made up of people who live within the rural communities they serve. Through a highly effective network of community leaders, like Abida, necessary supplies and resources are delivered straight to those who need them most. We believe strongly that:
Every child deserves a chance in life.
No child should be forced into labor.
Stabilizing families with food, clothing and material support will allow children to get an education.
Education is a way to break the cycle of poverty.
Learning and growth opportunities create thriving communities.
With your help, One Ummah can make life for rural communities more sustainable. Will you consider supporting this noble cause and make a tax-deductible donation? Your contribution will go directly to support programs that bring relief to the disadvantaged in an expeditious manner.
BREAKING NEWS: Since the Covid-19 outbreak, many of these day workers have even less resources to feed their family as Pakistan is in lockdown. In response, the One Ummah Foundation will be starting its Food Ration Program here. You can donate through the link below to support this program (Zakat eligible).
With gratitude,
The One Ummah Foundation