Fahmida Begum Foundation

Who we are

The Fahmida Begum Foundation, a non-profit, privately owned welfare organization, is a beacon of hope and compassion situated in the heart of Mehran Town, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi.

With the mission of ‘Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives,’ the children of Mr. Sheikh Abdul Rashid (late) and Mrs. Fahmida Begum (late) established the Foundation on December 27, 2014, to pay homage to the legacy of their late mother, Mrs. Fahmida Begum.

At the core of the Fahmida Begum Foundation lies a profound sense of purpose – to extend a helping hand to those in need. In its humble beginnings, the Foundation’s focus was to provide shelter and nourishment to families struggling to make ends meet. Over the years, its activities and support expanded, encompassing a broader spectrum of educational, food, and medical assistance, financial aid, skill development, women’s empowerment, vocational and occupational training for the poorest sections of the community and their families, ultimately striving to break the cycle of poverty that often traps them.

The Foundation owes its existence, in part, to the unwavering support of the COSARAF Charitable Foundation, UK.

The Fahmida Begum Foundation is a registered and certified entity under:

  • Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860
  • Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP)
  • Sindh Health Care Commission, Government of Sindh, Pakistan
  • Shariah Compliant by Alhamd Shariah Advisory Services (Pvt.) Limited
  • Tax Exempted Entity by the FBR, Government of Pakistan

Our project

Fahmida Begum Foundation

The Fahmida Begum Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the underprivileged residents of Mehran Town. Their primary objectives are to uplift their social and economic status by granting them access to a range of essential services, including:

  1. Food Security
    • Monthly Food Parcels
    • Ramadan Food Parcels
    • Breakfast and Lunch Meals
  2. Education and Literacy
    • Fahmida Begum School
    • Foundation Assisted School
    • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
    • Scholarships
  3. Medical and Pharmacy Services
    • Health Clinics
    • Laboratory Services
    • Consultant Clinics
    • Mental Health Awareness and Assistance
    • Milk Malnutrition Programme
  4. Women’s Empowerment Programmes
    • Imarah Women’s Empowerment Programme
  5. Technical and Vocational Training Programmes
    • Textile Machines Operations and Quality Control
    • Sewing and Tailoring
    • Beautician
  6. Hardship Grants
  7. Microfinance Loans
  8. Disaster Relief and Response
    1. #BanoWaseela 2022 Flood Activities
  9. Care & Support

At the core of the Fahmida Begum Foundation’s approach, their mission is not merely to provide short-term relief to the impoverished but to establish a physical centre that serves as the foundation for developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure the long-term prosperity of the local community.

The COSARAF Foundation continues to prioritise and support the Fahmida Begum Foundation. They are presently in the process of constructing a purpose-driven flagship centre to serve as the foundation’s permanent home.

Activities

In the heart of low-income areas, where many struggle to put a single meal on the table, FBF have embarked on a mission to combat hunger and promote nutrition. They are dedicated to providing wholesome and hygienic food to these vulnerable communities, the students attending FBF schools, and their dedicated staff. It’s disheartening to see children arriving at schools without the promise of a meal, and that’s why they’ve taken the initiative to provide nourishing lunches. In doing so, they’re not just tackling hunger; they’re ensuring food security and bright futures for these young minds.

FBF firmly believe in the power of gender equality and women’s empowerment as catalysts for change. Their commitment to this cause is reflected in their diverse array of programs designed to uplift women in their community.

They deliver a Digital Literacy Program, equipping illiterate women with basic literacy skills and technological proficiency through the provision of tablets for learning. Additionally, they offer vocational training to empower women economically.

FBF is committed to fulfilling the educational needs of their students by ensuring they have access to all the essential resources they require. Their primary goal is to alleviate any financial concerns so that students can wholeheartedly concentrate on their education and eventually become responsible members of society. In addition to providing textbooks, notebooks, and stationery, they also supply students with school bags, shoes, and uniforms.

FBF is actively combatting the critical issue of child malnutrition in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh province, which has witnessed alarmingly high rates of malnutrition. In Pakistan, nearly 40% of children under five years of age suffer from malnutrition. To address this ongoing concern, FBF conducts regular malnutrition screenings for children, identifying those at risk. Through their Malnutrition Milk Program, they ensures that these children receive a consistent supply of milk. As of today, this initiative has positively impacted 44 children.

Collaborating with UNDP and Artistic Milliner, a prominent garments industry, FBF have launched a joint venture to provide industrial work training for young women within the community. This training paves the way for these women to secure jobs within the same industry, creating new opportunities for economic independence. Their efforts have already seen the successful graduation of 30 women from these programs, with a second group currently underway.

FBF is dedicated to its Quality Education Program, operating in vulnerable areas and low-income communities through two schools: one established by FBF itself and the other adopted by the government.  In Pakistan, there is a considerable number of children, especially girls, who are out of school. Recent statistics indicate a significant gender disparity in access to education, with girls often facing more significant barriers to schooling. The dedicated FBF team goes door-to-door, actively mobilising parents, especially those of girls, to encourage them to send their children to school. The primary goal is to empower these children with quality education, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty. Presently, FBF’s initiative has a positive impact on over two hundred girls and boys from underprivileged communities, providing them with resources on par with those offered by prestigious private schools.

FBF, tirelessly dedicated to uplifting impoverished communities, has embarked on a mission that places healthcare at the heart of its operations. A comprehensive survey revealed alarming rates of diseases in these underserved areas. Along with limited access to healthcare facilities and constrained incomes, this has created a dire situation. Unattended minor health issues, along with a general lack of awareness regarding hygiene and healthcare, have further exacerbated these challenges. In response to this critical issue, FBF has established a Health Clinic, staffed with qualified male and female doctors and healthcare professionals who provide regular care.  FBF not only offers free health check-ups but also provides essential medicines and pathology services to patients in need. An impressive 34,067 patients have benefited from these high-quality healthcare services. For the Mehran Town communities, this initiative represents the realization of a long-awaited dream, addressing their medical needs and fostering a healthier future.

FBF recognize the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with special needs within their community. They provide essential resources that enhance quality of life, such as tailor-made wheelchairs and specialised footwear, addressing unique mobility challenges. They offer nutritional support to ensure their well-being. They also conduct two special sessions for children with special needs, focusing on both learning opportunities and engaging activities. These sessions not only foster a conducive environment for learning but also provide a space for these individuals to enjoy their time and contributes to their mental well-being.

FBF & Artistic Milliners: Women Breaking Barriers

An excellent project delivered by FBF in partnership with United Nations Development Programme and Artistic Milliners to support women’s empowerment.

Testimonial

“Education became my weapon, and self-belief my armor. I realized that by empowering myself, I could empower other girls in my community to dream, to hope, and to break free from the chains of limitations.”