Human Appeal Brings Light to Lahore’s Most Vulnerable

Advertisements by Academia Magazine

Human Appeal, a global charity organization, has partnered with Search for Justice (SFJPK), a local child protection-focused civil society group, to provide crucial services to at-risk children and young girls in Lahore. Through the Aminah Protection & Learning Centre for Street Children and Youth, the initiative offers a safe haven and comprehensive support to one of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Since its inception in 2021, the project has been a lifeline for unaccompanied street children and youth, offering non-formal education, primary healthcare, psychosocial support, and vocational training. The Centre currently educates around 100 children daily in a safe, inclusive environment, while also equipping young girls with skills to start small businesses, empowering them to become economically independent.

A central feature of the project is its strict adherence to the Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) policy, ensuring a safe environment for all beneficiaries. The Centre also operates a Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, with robust reporting mechanisms allowing community members to voice concerns. Regular orientation sessions for staff on child safeguarding maintain high standards of safety.

Community involvement is key to the initiative’s success. The formation of community-based child protection committees, composed of parents and local leaders, has promoted vigilance and protective measures at the grassroots level. These committees, supported by capacity-building sessions, engage with government officials to better understand and access public welfare services for children.

The Centre also focuses on the empowerment of young girls from marginalized backgrounds, including victims of child marriages and school dropouts. Over 151 women and girls have received vocational training in skills such as stitching and beautician services, enabling them to establish small-scale enterprises. These efforts are fostering greater economic independence and enhancing their roles in household decision-making.

In addition to vocational training, the project has provided primary medical support to 2,879 individuals, including children and community adults, through a qualified medical practitioner. The initiative also offers daily nutritious meals, ensuring children meet their dietary needs, and organizes recreational activities in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Fatima Tahir, the in-charge of the Human Appeal-supported project, highlighted the project’s plans to expand its reach to other local communities, further extending its impact. “With continued support from Human Appeal, we aim to bring more children and young girls from darkness into light,” she said.

During a recent visit, Mr Nadeem Ashraf, a member of the National Commission for Human Rights (Punjab), praised the initiative for its crucial role in uplifting vulnerable communities amidst the country’s challenging socio-economic conditions. He emphasized the importance of such projects and assured the Commission’s support in helping community members access public services without discrimination.

Iftikhar Mubarik, Executive Director of Search for Justice, reiterated the project’s alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals. He called for collaboration with UN agencies, international NGOs, and private entities to replicate this comprehensive model of child protection and empowerment to reduce inequalities and protect children from violence and exploitation.

As the project moves forward, it continues to shine as a beacon of hope, providing essential services and empowering the most vulnerable members of society to live with dignity and purpose.