As I grew up, I became aware that there are people with special needs out there, and I have a real connection with them.” The above statement by an athlete summarizes my aim in life. I have highlighted on various platforms about the need to educate, empower and provide guidance to our youth and children especially with special and vulnerable needs. I am glad that even the political affiliation I have gives special treatment to these beautiful creation on earth.
Back in 2011, an idea struck my mind, the idea of providing a life, a better life with all the equal facilities and livings standards we breathe. So I presented a model “Apna Ghar” which aims to provide a better future to orphan girls living amongst us, these are the girls whose parents have abandoned them or are either divorced or separated. This Apna Ghar later on became an integral part of me and besides my other social initiates such as ongoing donations and support to The Rising Institute, health care activity at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital; this one is close to my heart.
Apna Ghar looks after orphan girls from the day they become a part of our family till they get married or have grown up to work in a professional environment. During their time at Apna Ghar, these girls achieve quality education at our School which has the same curriculum as most the good schools in Lahore. Currently, few of them are appearing for their matriculation board examinations. And it feels so good.
Apart from the education, there are two housing facilities where they live comfortably, our school vans pick and drops them. Recently, few of our girls got married and moved on in their lives. Our residential facilities are equipped with air-conditioned rooms with bunk beds, TV Lounge, a kitchen, healthy potable water, stand by generator for load shedding, and have spacious lawns with slides and swings for the children to play with. It also provides boarding, lodging, food, clothing, books, and stationery for school. All this with no cost at all. Currently we have close to 80 of these bright children who are counting on us and are living a much better lives than they were actually in and are on a verge to become a good human being and contribute positively to the society.
I hope that one day; I will take it forward and make more “Apna Ghar” across Punjab and Pakistan and provide a better future for all the deserving children out there looking for a better future.
Abdul Aleem Khan 