Social Media Officer

The year 2014 was a challenging year for Pakistan in general and for organizations like RAHMA Pakistan in particular. Continued unrest and resulting military operation in northern areas of the country caused huge influx of refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The humanitarian situation was further aggravated drought in Tharparkar region of Sindh. Where huge number of children dying due to preventable causes such as malnutrition. But the team at RAHMA Pakistan has always been motivated by the desire to make whatever little difference we can bring in the lives of those who are in need. RAHMA has been able to meet its mission; “to improve the life quality of vulnerable people through sustainable development and ensure timely humanitarian assistance in need”. During the year 2014, RAHMA Pakistan was able to reach out to 101,489 beneficiaries across all provinces and all sectors. Majority of beneficiaries were from health sector, followed by disaster relief and WASH sector. In terms of funds PKR 55 million were expended in the year out of this amount 91% were used for Program activities and 9% on administrative expenses. District Bannu of KP has become a virtual war theater as almost one million IDPs have moved to it from FATA in wake of operation “Zarb-e-Azb”. This has put entire service delivery system of KP Province under a lot of stress. RAHMA Pakistan has been actively involved in providing quality health care to the IDPs through its Medical Camps. These camps catered to some 3000 IDPs and provided them best health care in culturally sensitive manner. Tharparkar district of Sindh province has seen unprecedented drought which has been particularly harsh on women and children. RAHMA has been trying to do whatever little it can to alleviate suffering of the drought affected through Medical Camps. digging sweet water wells and providing nutritional support to lactating mothers and their new born. These initiatives have made a difference in the lives of some 2500 direct beneficiaries. Basic healthcare is major focus area of RAHMA Pakistan. as we believe that only a healthy society can progress and sustain itself. In recent years we have experienced a new dimension with construction of hospital buildings in Khuiratta (AJK) and most recently at Janpur, Rahim Yar Khan. These hospitals exhibit the trust that community puts into our work, as both of the hospitals have been built on pieces of land donated by the local community. RAHMA was able to reach out to almost 53,360 beneficiaries in this sector. In AJK. RAHMA Vocational Training Center at Guipur Refugee Camp (Kotli) completed its 9th Batch of girls and also engaged some of its students in practical work as per Sustainability Plan. For this reason, it was shifted to a more spacious building. Most of these beneficiaries were the poorest of the poor and their lives were entirely transformed as they financially empowered and able to support their families instead of being considered a burden. These fulfilling moments are the heart of what drives RAHMA to try and deliver in most difficult of places and circumstances. We expressed our commitment for the street children in urban slums of Rawalpindi by establishing another campus of the SBM School, where these kids can mix up with children from well-off families and have a positive impact on their personalities. Regular Quran classes were started for children and their parents in the evening, for their spiritual and moral growth. Our Iftaar-us-Saim and Qurbani projects provided assistance to thousands of needy people. During 2014 we have also completed some water and sanitation projects in AJK and in southern Punjab. Likewise there are thousands of other success stories of great help offered by RAHMA. All this would not have been possible without generous support of our donors and the guidance and help that we get from our volunteers and the communities involved. I feel obliged to our brothers and sisters at RAHMA Islamic Relief Fund, Norway; whose generous donations made it possible for us to reach out to so many people. Every penny counts! Every act of kindness no matter how small makes a difference! I would take this opportunity to also thank our donors in Pakistan and in other parts of the world for their generous contributions. Also, my special thanks are due to our Trustees whose timely guidance and support made it possible for us to carry out our work effectively and efficiently. Last but not the least; special thanks are due to wonderful team of RAHMA Pakistan, who has put in untiring and best efforts in whatever has been required in a given situation.