Building Hope, One Step at a Time

Charity is something we often speak about but rarely stop to truly reflect on. For many of us, essentials like education, clean water and safe schools are things we’ve never had to question; they are simply just there as basics for us. We wake up, go to school or work and move forward with our lives without ever imagining what it would feel like for those basic rights to disappear

overnight.

I have set up this fundraising page to help build a school in Pakistan, a country that was destroyed by the 2022 floods. It was reported that the immediate cause was heavier than usual monsoon rains but the impact was beyond anything many could comprehend. During the extreme flooding, nearly one-third of the country was underwater, entire communities were submerged with around 85,000 people displaced or asked to leave their homes for safety but one of the most heart breaking consequences was the effect on children.

An estimated 23 million children were unable to attend school. Just pause for a second and really think about that number. There are fewer than one million people in Bradford. Now imagine 23 times that number; that’s how many children have been suddenly cut off from education and are now at risk of a poorer quality of life. In total, over 30,000 schools were damaged and thousands more were used to shelter displaced families.

Importance of Education

Education is not just about learning how to read and write. It is protection, it is stability, it is opportunity and it is hope. Education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for sustainable development. By supporting this initiative, you are investing in the future leaders of Pakistan. Together, we can bridge the educational gap and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable

future.

We often say we hated school when we were younger, we complained about homework, early mornings and exams but we never had to question whether we would be allowed through the gates, we never had to wonder if our school was still standing for us to attend. For many children affected by the floods, education feels like something distant and almost unreachable, yet access to school can completely change their futures and their quality of life.

Education helps protect children from physical, psychological and sexual violence. It reduces the risk of exploitation, including economic exploitation and even child trafficking. It helps prevent child labour, where young boys, sometimes as young as five years old are sent to work to support their families. At five years old? We understood nothing a 5 but playtime and cartoons. These children are burdened with responsibilities far beyond their years. Imagine that they were your kids or your young loved ones.

This educational crisis is particularly severe among girls, with only 45.8% of the female population being literate compared to 69.5% of males.

For young girls, education is lifesaving. In some cases, families facing extreme hardship may feel they have no choice but to arrange early marriages for their daughters, believing it is the only way to secure their future. To clarify, this is not about religion; it is about desperation. When families feel they cannot provide, they make unimaginable decisions. Access to education gives girls alternatives, it gives them independence, protection and a voice. This may seem like the basics for us, now imagine young kids having to fight for basic necessities to just stay safe.

By helping build a school, we are not just funding classrooms, we are helping shield children from exploitation. We are giving them safety, dignity and a chance at a better quality of life.

It was a privilege we all took for granted; an education that helped us better understand the world we live in today, supported our professional growth and enabled us to build on our desired careers and enjoy a good quality of life. Even as adults, we focus on what we can’t have and never see what we do have but Alhamdulillah (thanks to our Lord) for the opportunities and access to basic necessities we have been taking for granted of up until now. We failed to recognise the privileges we’ve had that shaped who we are today.

A Small Contribution, A Life-Changing Impact

The total cost of building a school is £19,000 but I have set my current fundraising goal as £3,000 which would provide education for 100 children. Initially, I hoped to raise £6,000 which is a little under a third of the cost but I’ve chosen to begin with £3,000 and take this step by step. Even this amount can transform the lives of so many young boys and girls.

If each of us donated just £10 - £15, we would be closer to reaching our goal than where we started. A single coffee, one takeaway, one small shopping item redirected could help change the future of a minimum of 100 children. Imagine being part of something that supports children who may grow up to become doctors, engineers, teachers and leaders within their communities. Imagine knowing you helped rewrite someone’s future.

I know not everyone is in a position to donate and there is absolutely no judgment. Please give within your means. Every contribution, big or small matters. This is not a religious cause; it is a humanitarian one. The current target on this page is £3,000 but that is not a limit. Perhaps we can even exceed it. Perhaps we can do more than we think.

Religious Perspective 😊

Something I recently heard truly stuck with me and it’s that these children will receive what has been written for them. That Allah (SWT) has already decreed that they will have the education and life they deserve after all they have endured but we have been chosen to be the means through which that help reaches them.

SubhanAllah, what a beautiful thought. That the money we earn has been blessed in a way that allows us to support our brothers and sisters. That we have been chosen to be used as a funnel for their duas. Not because Allah needs us. He will provide for them as He wills but because this is our opportunity, our chance to do our part, our investment in our Akhirah In Sha Allah.

As narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” And he also said, “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”

So let us give wholeheartedly, for the sake of Allah and for the sake of these children who deserve the chance to thrive.

How Your Donation Makes a Difference

Infrastructure Development: Your contribution will directly fund the construction of classrooms, libraries, and essential facilities, creating a nurturing environment for learning.

Educational Resources: Donations will provide textbooks, school supplies, and technological tools to enhance the learning experience.

Teacher Training: Investing in the professional development of educators ensures that students receive high-quality instruction.

Community Engagement: We will work closely with local communities to promote the importance of education, particularly for girls, to address cultural barriers and encourage enrolment.

About Human Appeal

Human Appeal is a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and injustice worldwide. In Pakistan, we have been actively involved in various educational initiatives, striving to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes. Our projects focus on building and renovating schools, providing scholarships and supporting teacher training programs to ensure sustainable development in the education sector.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I know it was lengthy, but this cause deserves sincere reflection.

Please remember EVERY donation helps!!! No matter how small.

Note: All funds raised will be allocated directly to the school construction project and associated educational programs in Pakistan.