Dear HOPE Friends, At HOPE, our goal is to end poverty in Pakistan. We focus on empowering women and children because we know that both possess a wealth of untapped potential for any country. This also means that we are fortunate enough to witness firsthand many success stories within our own beneficiaries. We celebrate the stories of individual families achieving financial freedom because collectively these stories help us get closer to our goal of ending poverty in Pakistan.
Our video (made in conjunction with Procter & Gamble) depicts the story of how Hakima Baloch was able to stand on her own two feet after her husband unexpectedly abandoned her and her three children. Hakima received vocational training in sewing/embroidery at HOPE's Vocational Center in Badin, Pakistan. Below is Hakima's story in her own words:
"They say that those who have no one have Allah. And the reach of Allah encompasses all souls. In my story there is me (narrator Hakima Baloch), my dream, and just HOPE. Three years ago, the only breadwinner in my family passed away suddenly and left me alone with three kids and a small house. When my husband left this world, my life became exceedingly difficult. Because of the cost of basic necessities, my children's happiness was put to the stake. In order to fulfill our basic daily needs, everyone was forced to sacrifice. My mom used to give me this advice, that while I had my own honor [unless absolutely necessary], I should not be on the receiving end from anyone. This teaching came true for me in the form of HOPE, where my dreams received a home [in which to grow]. I put in a little effort and received the fruit of my struggles from HOPE. It is absolutely true that those who have no one have Allah, and the reach of Allah encompasses all souls. HOPE has made many stories just like my own a reality. HOPE, hope is the right of the world."
HOPE is proud to have partnered with Procter & Gamble whereby which we have positively impacted the lives of over 11,600 young girls throughout Pakistan. We have established 6 (building a 7th) Vocational Centers in Pakistan in which young adults are given income-generating training in either computer languages or sewing/embroidery. 80% of our students are females.
Once again, thank you to all our supporters for celebrating these success stories with us!
Best regards,
Ambereen Siddiqui
Director - HOPE North America & Europe