Pakistan
Pakistan is well known as a destination for adventure tourism with the towering Himalayan and Karakoram mountains in the north. The largely Muslim country also has a rich history and culture, with ancient ruins of cities and archaeological sites to explore. Pakistan has a mostly hot, dry climate except in the northern mountains, which can experience arctic conditions.
But despite Pakistan’s environmental and cultural riches, its people struggle with issues of poverty including lack of access to health care, keeping kids in school, natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes, and a need for stronger emotional support for kids in poverty.
That’s why our global community of Child Champions is here, working in the hard places to bring help and hope to children.
CHILD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT IN Pakistan
CHALLENGES FOR KIDS AND HOW CHILD CHAMPIONS HELP
Keeping Kids in School
An estimated 44% of children ages 5-16 in Pakistan are not in school — the world’s second highest number. Reasons for this include lack of access to schools in rural areas, and children taking jobs to help their families make ends meet. About 3.3 million Pakistani children work outside the home, which deprives them of their childhood, their education, and often condemns them to a life of poverty.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Pakistan
Child Champions advocate for kids to stay in school and step in to help them when they are struggling. Kids are taught leadership, literacy, and life skills so they can overcome poverty and succeed in life.
Read an inspirational story : How Sponsorship Changes Their Story
BE INSPIREDLack of Access to Health Care and Nutritious Food
Nearly half of all children in Pakistan are malnourished, which results in a high mortality rate among kids under 5. Malnourishment undermines children’s mental and physical growth, which has a significant economic impact on Pakistan’s growth and development. Unfortunately, good nutrition and affordable, quality health services are out of reach for impoverished mothers and children who need them most.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Pakistan
Kids in the OneChild program receive life-changing support to stay healthy. This includes access to healthy food, clean water, and medical care when needed, which can save lives. Kids are taught proper hygiene, including washing their hands and brushing their teeth. Children who are malnourished receive special care and interventions so they can grow strong and healthy.
Read an inspirational story : Healing in the Midst of Suffering
BE INSPIREDNatural Disasters
In recent decades, natural disasters in Pakistan such as flooding, earthquakes, and landslides have intensified into humanitarian disasters and caused greater child suffering. Climate change and environmental degradation are the main causes of these increasingly frequent disasters, which result in loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Pakistan
OneChild’s Children’s Crisis Fund brings hope to kids living in poverty in their greatest hour of need in Pakistan. The fund provides families with vital care such as medical and food support, shelter, and building supplies. Gifts to this fund also provide preventive health care to kids, which can save lives.
Read an inspirational story
: Child Champions Lead the Charge
to Help After Devastating Typhoon
Lack of Socio-Emotional Support for Kids
About half of all Pakistani youths experience high rates of anxiety and depression, yet mental health resources are scarce in this developing country. Kids who grow up in poverty lack the basic necessities such as food, sanitation, shelter, health care, and education they need to survive and thrive. Poverty also robs kids of their self-esteem as people tell them they’re worthless and they start to feel that way.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Pakistan
At Hope Centers, Child Champions tell children that they are unique and special and that they have a purpose in life. They provide cognitive and emotional support and constantly encourage kids on their journey to a better life. Hope Centers also provide kids with a safe place to learn, play with other kids, and feel loved.
Read an inspirational story : Noela’s Journey of Hope
BE INSPIRED
