Need of an orphanage in Twin Cities: –

Every year, thousands of children from all over Pakistan migrate to the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). A significant number of these students come from the northern regions of the country, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The main reasons for this migration are the improved security situation, the availability of resources, and a lot of new opportunities. In these cities, students can access better teachers, a healthier environment, and adequate facilities, including accommodation, all of which are easily accessible. These factors make the twin cities an attractive place for students.

However, children whose parents cannot afford the expenses, as well as orphans and deprived children, are left out of these facilities and opportunities. Establishing a project in Rawalpindi that provides education, development and adequate living facilities for orphaned children would be a significant step for their future.

With this idea in mind, a project named Saiban Abu Talib has been planned in Gulshan-e-Shamal on Adiala Road. This institution, equipped with the best facilities, will provide shelter to more than 300 orphaned children from across the country. The institution will take responsibility for their education and upbringing up to the intermediate level. During this time, these children will be prepared to seek scholarships for further education in good universities.

The institution will be divided into two parts. The residential section will be exclusively for orphans, where these children will live under the supervision of teachers, engaging in both academic and extracurricular activities to prepare for a better life. The second section will be the school, which will be open to all children. Orphans will attend the school provided by the institution, while other children from the area can enroll by paying a reasonable fee. This arrangement will ensure that orphans do not grow up in an isolated environment and can thrive in a competitive and healthy atmosphere, just like other children.

Saiban Abu Talib will not only be an orphanage but rather a shelter for orphaned children, a place where they can nurture their talents and fully blossom by utilizing the abilities granted by God. It will be an institution where orphaned children are not just raised but are nurtured in a way that they can become leaders of society. Our aim is not only for these children to become productive citizens but to prepare them as leaders and guides. History bears witness that when God takes away the shadow of a father from someone, He bestows them with many abilities so that they can alleviate the sufferings of those like themselves who are afflicted by sorrow.

This Saiban (shelter) is named after the personality who raised the greatest orphan of this universe, made sacrifices for him, endured wounds, and then became a support for orphans themselves. On one hand, there is Imam Ali (A.S.), who is known as the “Father of Orphans,” and on the other hand, there is the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who was a support for orphans.

Modern Skills Alongside Education:

Since the children will be residing here full-time, managing their routine and training will become easier. During this period, along with education, modern skills can be introduced to the children as extracurricular activities. For example, healthy sports, painting, literature, public speaking, computer programming, and other activities that fall under STEM, helping to fulfill all the dimensions of the children’s intellect. This will instill in them a desire to prepare themselves for the future through playful learning.

The Concept of Mentor-Teacher:

Institutions that operate with hostels often face the challenge of gaining children’s trust and taking care of them. In such situations, the concept of a mentor-teacher proves very helpful. A mentor-teacher is someone who, besides being a teacher, is also a guardian and mentor to a small group of children, guiding and caring for them as an elder brother, teacher, and father figure.

The Three-Parent Program:

Quality education for children undoubtedly requires extensive expenses, which no institution can bear on its own. For this, the Three-Parent Program is under consideration. In this program, three individuals will collaborate in the care of one child, enabling the institution to better look after the children. This will include the child’s mother or guardian, a mentor-teacher, and a donor who will bear the expenses for the child. We will encourage donors to take full responsibility for the children, and by full responsibility, we do not only mean financial expenses. Donors will also be entitled to inquire about the child’s progress with the school administration, as though they are considering the child a part of their own family.