Years of earthquakes, droughts and floods have taken their toll on Pakistan. One in five people suffer and live under the poverty line, often eking out a subsistence living.
EYE CARE PROGRAMME
Nearly 2,000 people were screened, 1,015 received medication for infections, 151 cataract operations were performed, 1,070 pairs of reading glasses for adults were ordered, as well as 254 pairs of glasses for children.
This initiative was hugely popular and successful, providing hundreds with the ability to benefit fully from, and maintain, the gift of sight. It enabled children to continue with their education, and adults to provide economically for their families. More importantly, it also allowed for the continued participation and integration of all visually-impaired individuals within their respective communities.
In 2016, SKT Welfare sponsored a two-week programme of “eye camps” in two locations: Malakwaal and Mohaal, near the town of Dina.
The camps saw two days of screening for cataracts, presbyopia and ocular motility, in addition to screening children for refractive error. Following the screening, the remaining time was dedicated to treating eye infections, arranging prescriptions and spectacles for anyone with refractive error, and performing surgical procedures for individuals with correctible problems.
SCHOOL
Located in Punjab, Rajanpur is one of the poorest and most deprived areas in Pakistan.
It has recently seen intense refugee settlement due to annual flooding that has driven families from their homes. The area is not administered by the central government, thus leaving many people without shelter, food or education.
SKT Welfare continues to ease the suffering of this population by funding a school in the area. Working alongside Jamia al Furqan organisation, SKT Welfare provides education to 1003 children. This is the only school available for over 700 families, enabling children from impoverished backgrounds and orphans to study for free, thanks to generous contributions by donors. The school provides 60 classes with 54 staff members, offering a full and complete education.
IFTAR PROGRAMME
In Ramadan, SKT Welfare continued to provide vital aid during the holy month. The unique Iftar programme in Pakistan provided food parcels and meals in Rajanpur.
This area is one of the poorest provinces in the whole of Pakistan where poverty, illiteracy and disease is widespread.
EID GIFTS
SKT Welfare distributed gifts on the auspicious day of Eid to 500 children in the outskirts of Lahore. The gifts included clothes which were very well received by the children. We hope to continue with this project in 2018.
WATER HANDPUMPS
In 2017, SKT Welfare installed over 800 hand pumps to some of the poorest regions in Pakistan.
These are presently in operation, giving hundreds of families access to fresh, clean, consumable water from locations much closer to their homes. Over the coming months the charity hopes to install many more of these hand pumps, thereby giving hope to many others lacking this basic necessity.
FOOD PACKS
In 2017, SKT Welfare installed over 800 hand pumps to some of the poorest regions in Pakistan.
This distribution took place in the outskirts of Lahore, Punjab, for the poor and needy communities residing there. The food packs comprised essential food items such as oil, ghee, semolina, sugar, tea, vermicelli, chick peas, lentils, rice and flour; to help families in the upcoming months.
SKT Welfare delivered food packs to 1000 needy families in order to help them prepare for the auspicious month.
In 2017, a staggering 10,000 food parcels were delivered, providing essential support to nearly 160,000 people
FUEL TANKER VICTIMS
In 2017, 153 people lost their lives in Bahalwal, eastern Pakistan, as they rushed to collect leaking oil from a crashed tanker before it suddenly exploded.
Many victims died immediately, while others succumbed to their injuries at hospitals, suffering burns on at least 70% of their bodies.
SKT Welfare provided 50 Patient Boxes and 50 Hygiene Kits to those affected by the incident and to their family members. The Patient Box included diapers, milk, eggs, biscuits, dates and olive oil. The Hygiene kit given to the patient’s family members included a shalwar suit, toothbrush, toothpaste, plate, cup, towel, soap, comb, and a handbag.