Completing Omoding School
Location: Serere District, Uganda
Global Partner: The Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Resilient Villages Uganda
Project year(S): 2025-2026
Completing classrooms
Fr. Omoding Nursery and Primary School in Serere District, Uganda, recently overcame a major hurdle. With over 500 students—many of them orphans—the school struggled for years with an unfinished four-classroom block that lacked floors, doors, and windows. This vital completion was made possible through a partnership between the Luena Foundation and the Sumar Lakhani Foundation. Local support was equally critical: Resilient Villages Uganda (REVU) provided bricks and sand funded by their own fish farm, while parents and teachers stepped in to provide the manual labor needed to finish the job.
Improvements
The construction focused on turning skeletal structures into safe, functional learning spaces. Workers used 200 bags of cement for plastering and flooring, and installed 16 windows and 4 heavy-duty metal doors. A standout feature of the project is the addition of a new veranda equipped with accessibility ramps. These ramps ensure that students with physical disabilities can enter their classrooms safely and independently, making the school a local leader in inclusive education.
Work in Progress
The Impact
The impact is already being felt by more than 250 students, who now have a clean, weather-protected environment in which to study. By eliminating the dust and rain that previously disrupted lessons, the new classrooms have boosted both student concentration and teacher morale. This project has done more than just lay bricks; it has restored community confidence and created a dignified space where every child, regardless of their physical ability, has the chance to succeed.
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Dental Health Initiative in Karachi Suburbs
Location: North Nazimabad and Landhi Schools
Global Partner: Early Education to End
Local Partner: Sakhra Educational Society
Project year(S): 2026
Promoting Oral Health in Karachi
A dental outreach project recently brought critical oral healthcare to underserved communities in the schools in the suburbs of Karachi, Pakistan. This initiative was a collaborative effort led by Dr. Dilshad Sumar Lakhani of the Sumar-Lakhani Foundation, working in partnership with the Dallas-based nonprofit Early Education to End (EE2E). The project also received heartfelt coordination from Aziz Rajpari and his dedicated team of doctors, who volunteered their time to organize and execute free dental camps. Local support was provided by the Sakhra Educational Society, which helped facilitate the outreach within the school system.
What was accomplished
The primary goal of the project was to provide essential preventive dental services to children who might otherwise lack access to such care. During the camps, the medical team focused on two key clinical interventions: the application of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to stop existing cavities from progressing and the application of fluoride varnish to strengthen teeth against future decay. Beyond clinical treatment, the project emphasized long-term habits by distributing toothbrushes to every child and advising teachers to incorporate dental health awareness and tooth-brushing sessions into daily morning assemblies.
The Impact
The impact of this mission was significant, reaching approximately 400 students across three specific institutions: Human Foundation School in North Nazimabad, South East Elementary and Secondary School in Buffer Zone, and Sakhra Educational Institute in Landhi. These schools, operated by NGOs, serve some of the region's most vulnerable populations. By providing both immediate treatment and the tools for future hygiene, the project successfully raised vital awareness about dental health, leaving the students and staff "truly grateful" for the noble service rendered to their community.
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Building a Girl’s Hostel
Location: Chikwawa District, Malawi
Global Partner: The Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation
Project year(S): 2025-2026
Building a Girl’s Hostel
The construction of the girls’ inclusive hostel at Chifundo Secondary School is a collaborative effort led by Petro Chifundo and the generosity of the Luena Foundation and the Sumar Lakhani Foundation. This vital infrastructure is being built on land which was graciously allocated by local chiefs to support the school’s mission. The project exemplifies deep community ownership, as local youth and residents have provided free labor and mobilized essential resources, such as sand and quarry stones. To bridge funding gaps, the school even engaged in selling 10,000 bricks to purchase cement, demonstrating a resilient and self-sustaining spirit.
Construction in Progress
The Need
The need for this hostel is urgent and life-saving. For girls with epilepsy, the daily commute to school is fraught with danger, as frequent seizures while walking alone put them at risk of injury or exploitation. Furthermore, in a region where students with albinism face severe threats due to harmful misconceptions and violence, a secure on-campus residence provides a necessary "safe haven." Currently, many girls must navigate long distances or reside in insecure environments, which creates a significant barrier to their education and physical safety.
The Impact
Once completed, the hostel will provide a transformative environment where girls can live with confidence, dignity, and security. By removing the physical and safety barriers to attendance, the project ensures that these students can focus entirely on their studies. The expected impact is a generation of empowered young women who are equipped to break the cycle of poverty and segregation. This hostel represents a permanent legacy of inclusion and global collaboration, thus ensuring that education remains accessible to the most vulnerable learners of Malawi for decades to come.
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Establishing Health Center
Location: Buea, Cameroon
Global Partner: The Luena Foundation
Local Partner: The Umbrella Foundation
Project year 2026
Establishing A Health Center
This project was initiated in response to a clear and pressing need for accessible healthcare within the local community of Bolifamba in Cameroon. Many residents, including internally displaced persons and vulnerable families, face significant barriers to receiving basic medical services due to distance, cost, and limited facilities. Led by Dr. Edwin, a highly committed local physician, the clinic is envisioned as a welcoming and reliable space where patients can receive essential care close to home. The project reflects a strong partnership between community leadership and supporting organizations, united by a shared goal of improving health outcomes.
Current Status of the Building
The Plan
The project involves establishing and equipping a functional community clinic that can provide outpatient services, basic procedures, and referrals when specialized care is needed. Initial funding by the Luena Foundation and Sumar Lakhani Foundation supports facility preparation, essential medical equipment, and staff salaries during the start-up phase. In addition to delivering care, the clinic is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating a mixed model of low-cost paid services and free care for those unable to pay.
The Impact
The impact of this clinic on the community is expected to be significant and far-reaching. By bringing healthcare closer to those who need it most, the project will reduce delays in treatment, improve maternal and child health, and provide dignity and care to displaced and underserved populations. Beyond medical services, the clinic strengthens community trust, creates local employment, and lays the groundwork for a sustainable healthcare resource. Ultimately, this project represents an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the well-being, resilience, and future of the community it serves.
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Upgrading Health Center
Location: Bolifamba, Cameroon
Global Partner: The Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Action for Change (AFC)
Project year 2025/2026
Upgrading the Health Center
The project targeted the Bolifamba village community, a slum area of over 12,000 people, including many internally displaced persons fleeing civil conflict. The primary goal was to address critical infrastructure gaps at the local health center, where a lack of basic furniture forced pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and other vulnerable patients to sleep on the floor when existing beds were occupied.
Birthing Facility Before Upgrades
Upgrades
Funded by the Luena Foundation, the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, and AFC, the initiative successfully increased the facility's capacity by providing 10 iron beds and 10 waterproof mattresses. Additional improvements included the installation of new hospital benches for visitors, 30 stools for caregivers, 22 linens for beds, and the provision of malaria test kits to improve local diagnostic capabilities.
Building Lasting Impact
The project's impact has been immediate and profound, directly benefiting over 5,000 community members by ensuring that no pregnant woman or patient has to sleep on the floor during their stay. Beyond physical infrastructure, the initiative has boosted staff morale and efficiency, improved diagnostic speed for hundreds of malaria patients, and fostered a stronger spirit of cooperation between the Bolifamba community and developmental organizations. AFC anticipates that the durable beds and benches will continue to serve the health facility for decades, providing a long-term foundation for improved healthcare in the region.
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Fistula Surgeries in Guinea
Location: Guinea, Africa
Global Partner: The Fistula Foundation
Local Partner: Artemedis
Project year 2025
Enabling Free Fistula Surgeries
With the support of the Sumar Lakhani Family Foundation and Fistula Foundation, Artemedis Guinea was able to train three new fistula surgeons and six healthcare providers, including nurses and midwives. These professionals received hands-on, immersive training at multiple hospital sites, gaining experience in diagnosing, treating, and providing post-operative care for women suffering from obstetric fistula.
Surgeons being trained to perform fistula surgeries
Results
As a result of this training, 114 women received life-changing fistula surgeries, which were performed free of charge at four hospital sites and surgical camps across Guinea. The surgical teams were able to treat women who had long suffered in isolation and shame due to obstetric fistula. The project also included four community outreach events that educated approximately 1,000 people about fistula symptoms, treatment options, and the availability of free surgery, ultimately helping to dispel harmful myths and encouraging women to seek treatment.
Two of the women who returned to normal life
Fatumata Mariame
Impact
The project's impact goes beyond the surgeries themselves. By expanding the trained healthcare workforce and strengthening local hospitals, this initiative has helped build long-term capacity for fistula care in Guinea, a country with limited resources and a high need for trained professionals. The stories of women like Mariame and Fatumata, who regained their health and dignity after receiving treatment, highlight the transformative power of the project.
2025 Report to SLF by Fistula Foundation
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Preventive Dentalcare in Tribal village of India
Location: Villages in Mokhada, India
Global Partner: The Gabriel Foundation
Local Partner: Grameen First Foundation, Mumbai
Project year 2025
Preventive Dental Care Reaches Tribal Villages in Mokhada
In collaboration with the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, The Gabriel Project Mumbai, and the Grameen First Foundation of Mumbai, Dr. Dilshad Sumar, a pediatric dentist with over 40 years of experience in the USA, recently traveled to the remote tribal villages of Mokhada, India. The Mokhada region, home to approximately 150,000 people—93% of whom are members of “Scheduled Tribes” such as the Katkari—faces severe challenges in accessing basic healthcare, especially dental services, which are almost non-existent. Isolated by geography and burdened by historical marginalization, many children in Mokhada had never been examined by a dentist before this visit.
A Focus on Prevention and Education
During the visit, Dr. Sumar partnered with the Grameen First Foundation’s medical team as well as the school teachers to provide preventive dental care to schoolchildren in Mokhada. Over 2.5 days, approximately 180 children from local schools were screened and treated. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) was applied to halt the progression of cavities, and fluoride varnish was used to strengthen teeth. The team also delivered oral hygiene education, demonstrating proper brushing techniques, and distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste to each child. Teachers were trained to help reinforce these habits long after the visit.
Building Lasting Impact
Beyond the dental treatments, the project emphasized sustainable health education. Children learned about the importance of daily brushing, the dangers of excessive sugary food and soda, and the value of seeking early dental care if possible. The initiative not only addressed immediate dental needs but also planted the seeds for better long-term oral health. With strong partnerships between Dr. Dilshad Sumar, the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, Gabriel Project Mumbai, the Grameen First Foundation, and local schools of Mokhada, this project demonstrated how targeted outreach can make a lasting impact in underserved communities.
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Impact Summary
• Children screened & treated: ~180
• Project duration: 2.5 days
• Partners involved: Dr. Dilshad Sumar, Sumar Lakhani Foundation, Gabriel Project Mumbai, Grameen First Foundation, schools of Mokhada
• Treatments provided: Silver Diamine Fluoride application, fluoride varnish, oral hygiene education
• Supplies distributed: Toothbrush & toothpaste kits for every child
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Cleft Palate Surgeries
Location: Devota, Rwanda
Partner: Smile Train
Project Description: Provide Cleft Surgeries
Project Year: 2025
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Khadijha Gets Her Life Back
Location: Nigeria
Global Partner: The Fistula Foundation
Project year 2025
A Postcard Says it All
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Healthy Smiles in Bansbari, Nepal
Location: Bansbari, Nepal
Global Partner: The Rukmini Foundation
Local Partner: Tribhuvan Adarsha Awasya Secondary School
Project year 2025
In April 2025, the Rukmini Foundation had the privilege of partnering with Dr. Dilshad Sumar, a pediatric dentist and global health volunteer, for a special dental health initiative near Kathmandu, Nepal. Over the course of three days (April 24–26), students at Bal Sudhar Basic School in Bansbari received professional dental screenings and preventive treatments that will help protect their oral health long-term.
Bal Sudhar, one of Rukmini’s 17 partner schools, was selected for this pilot due to its accessibility and manageable size—72 students from Grades 1 through 8. With the help of Executive Director Usha Adhikari, Program Officer Deepa, and the dedicated Rukmini staff, the event was organized smoothly and efficiently.
Dr. Sumar conducted dental screenings for all students present, treated early-stage cavities using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and applied fluoride varnish to protect healthy teeth. The team also held a session on oral hygiene, teaching the children how to brush and floss properly—simple skills with a lifelong impact.
This collaboration is a model for community-led, health-focused partnerships. Connecting global expertise with local leadership, it created a sustainable impact on children’s oral health and education. There is potential for expanding this initiative to other related schools, and for training the local staff to conduct regular screenings and oral hygiene education. Dr. Sumar has provided similar services in Cambodia, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
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Classroom Desks and Construction of a Toilet at the Rosa Academy
Location: Bonlifamba Village, Cameroon
Global Partner: The Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Action For Change
Project year 2025
The project, implemented by Action for Change (AFC) with funding from the Luena Foundation and the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, focused on improving sanitation and classroom infrastructure at Rosa Academic Nursery & Primary School in Bolifamba village, located in the Buea municipality of Cameroon.
The initiative had two main components:
1. Construction of a Gender-Sensitive Toilet Facility
A four-compartment toilet block was built—two stalls for girls, one for boys, and one for teachers. This addressed a critical need, as the school previously had no proper sanitation facilities. Students often resorted to open defecation, creating serious hygiene and safety risks.
2. Provision of Classroom Furniture
AFC supplied the school with 40 benches, 2 teacher tables, and 2 chairs, replacing the unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where children had been sitting on stones or bare floors. This significantly enhanced the learning environment, promoting better attention and participation in class.
The project aimed to improve public health, learning conditions, school attendance, and student dignity, while also strengthening community involvement in education. It was designed with a community-centered approach, involving parents, teachers, and local leaders from planning through implementation. Despite some challenges during construction, like children attempting to use the toilets before they were ready, the project was completed successfully and has already yielded positive impacts.
Desks in Classroom and new toilets
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Construction of a Washroom at Standard Primary School
Location: Zzana, Uganda
Global Partner: The Global Uplift Project
Project year 2025
A New Washroom Brings Dignity to Standard Junior Primary School
At Standard Junior Primary School in Zzana, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda, 198 boarding students and resident staff have been bathing in an open-air brick structure. They carried buckets of water, and there was little privacy or protection. Recognizing the urgent need for better facilities, the Global Uplift Project (TGUP) and the Sumar Lakhani Foundation (SLF) partnered to fund the construction of a proper washroom.
With partial funding from the SLF Foundation, TGUP built a brick building with four private bathing stalls. Wastewater from the washroom drains safely into a soak pit located 120 feet away from the facility. The new structure provides students and staff with a clean, ventilated, and private space to bathe — dramatically improving hygiene, personal dignity, and overall well-being of the resident students and staff.
The Sumar Lakhani Foundation is proud to support sustainable infrastructure projects like this, which deliver immediate and lasting benefits to communities in need.
Before
Construction Phase
After
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Construction of the first Classroom at the Kwezi School
Location: Kayunga District, Uganda
Global Partner: Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Kwezi Child Foundation, Uganda
Project year 2025
Building Hope: A New Classroom in Uganda
At the heart of rural Uganda, an inspiring story of transformation is unfolding—one fueled by community spirit, international partnership, and a shared commitment to education. Through the collaboration of the Kwezi Child Foundation, the Luena Foundation, and the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, a new classroom was planned, marking a significant step forward in the local school’s development. Thanks to the tireless efforts of community members, the classroom project has reached an important milestone. The speed and efficiency of construction were matched by the heartwarming sight of local residents coming together to move desks into the new space—an inspiring act of community ownership.
A commemorative plaque installed on the classroom honors the shared efforts of the Kwezi Child Foundation, Luena Foundation, and Sumar Lakhani Foundation. It stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when grassroots leadership is supported by global partnerships.
Community Empowerment Through Education
The impact of the classroom is already rippling through the village. According to Eddie Kwezi, founder of the Kwezi Child Foundation, the project has sparked a deep interest in learning, even among older members of the community. Elders have begun asking about opportunities for adult education, a testament to how education can inspire across generations.
Eddie emphasized the foundation’s continued focus on securing a strong future for the youth—believing that nurturing the next generation is the first step toward broader community transformation.
Next Steps: Laying the Foundation for More
With the first classroom complete, attention has turned to expansion. On February 21st, Eddie shared that the community would begin laying 20,000 bricks as part of the next construction phase. This will help advance the long-term goal of providing complete primary education in an area where access to quality public schooling has been limited.
This next phase continues to build on the momentum created by the strong collaboration between community members and the three foundations. Eddie expressed sincere gratitude for the continued support, emphasizing the importance of transparency, partnership, and shared vision. The classroom, while simple in structure, represents something far greater—a commitment to dignity, opportunity, and a better future for the children of Uganda.
BEFORE
AFTER
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Construction of Toilets at Kwezi School
Location: Kayunga District, Uganda
Global Partner: Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Kwezi Child Foundation, Uganda
Project year 2024
Project Partners
The Kwezi School latrine and septic system project was supported by two key funding partners. The Sumar Lakhani Foundation (SLF) and The Luena Foundation, reflecting their commitment to educational and community development initiatives Together, these organizations provided crucial financial support to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The project was implemented by the Local Community and Eddie Kwezi. Eddie is the local leader and founder of the Kwezi Child Foundation (KCF). His engagement with the community has been key in mobilizing resources and labor for the project. Eddie's background as an engineer ensured a level of expertise in the design and construction processes
The Project
The project involved the construction of modern latrine facilities and an efficient septic system for the Kwezi School in Kayunga District, Uganda. This initiative aimed to install five toilets and urinals, which replaced inadequate existing facilities. A significant improvement over past sanitation solutions, the new septic system ensured effective waste management and enhanced safety. The involvement of the local community, particularly through labor contributions and material support, was a fundamental aspect of the project, fostering local ownership.
Impact on the Community
The impact of this project on the Kwezi community is multifaceted. Firstly, improved sanitation facilities will enhance health and hygiene, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases among students. This, in turn, is expected to improve school attendance and academic performance. Secondly, the project promotes community empowerment, as local leaders like Eddie Kwezi mobilize residents to participate actively in the initiative. The collaborative effort not only strengthens community ties but also lays a foundation for sustainable practices in future projects. Overall, the latrine and septic system project is set to create a healthier, safer, and more supportive educational environment for the children of Kayunga, Uganda.
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Community Dental Clinic
Location: Chapakot, in the Pokhara Area of Nepal
Partner: Jevaia Foundation
Project Year 2024
Project Summary: Chapakot Rural Dental Clinic Initiative in Nepal
The Chapakot Rural Dental Clinic Initiative is focused on providing accessible oral health care to the community of Chapakot, located in the Pokhara region of Nepal. With a population of approximately 4,244 people, Chapakot has been identified as an area with a significant need for dental services, prompting the establishment of this new clinic.
Location
- The clinic is situated in Chapakot, a village in the Pokhara Area of Nepal. The existing health facility serves as a vital health resource for the surrounding communities of Pokhara. This initiative aims to establish the availability of oral healthcare for residents.
Population Impact
- The clinic is expected to serve the entire population of Chapakot and the surrounding area, providing essential dental care to both children and adults. The clinic aims to address the existing gaps in dental services and preventive care to improve overall health outcomes in the community.
Service Model
- The clinic is staffed by a qualified dental hygienist, Sonika Gurung, and a trained assistant, Man Maya Dhungana. They provide services aligned with the Basic Package of Oral Care (BPOC), as endorsed by the World Health Organization, ensuring that dental care is culturally appropriate and community-focused.
- Services offered include routine check-ups, preventive care, basic treatments, and referrals as necessary.
Outreach and School Programs
- As part of its commitment to public health, the Chapakot clinic will implement systematic outreach programs, including annual oral health screenings and basic treatment provisions in local schools. This initiative aims to ensure that every child in Chapakot receives proper dental care and education, promoting preventive health practices from an early age.
Funding Structure
Local government funding has supported the clinic's establishment, facilitating the hiring of the dental technician and operational costs. The Sumar Lakhani Foundation has provided crucial financial backing for the clinic's setup.
- Jevaia plays a key role, co-funding the project and overseeing the training and certification of clinic staff, ensuring high standards of care through their established expertise.
Training and Competency Certification:
- Both Sonika Gurung and Man Maya Dhungana have undergone specialized training in the BPOC model, and they are equipped to provide quality dental care. They will continue to receive ongoing technical support and supervision from Jevaia to maintain the highest standards of service.
Quality Assurance and Support:
- Jevaia will provide ongoing support and supervision to ensure quality assurance across all clinic activities and outreach. This ensures that all aspects of care are people-centered and responsive to the unique needs of the community in Chapakot.
Conclusion
The Chapakot Rural Dental Clinic Initiative represents a significant advancement in oral health care accessibility for the local population. By establishing this clinic and incorporating outreach programs, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for residents, promote preventive dental health, and enhance overall community health. The collaboration between the Sumar Lakhani Foundation and Jevaia is vital for the successful operation and sustainability of the Chapakot dental clinic, positively impacting thousands of individuals in the region.
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Wings of Hope Education Center
Location: Turkana County, Kenya
Global Partner: Luena Foundation
Local Partner: Turkana Community Foundation, Lodwar Kenya
Project Description: Construct school toilets with modern septic tank
Project Year 2024
Turkana tribe’s ancestral lands are located West of Turkana Lake in northwest Kenya. For centuries the Turkanas have led a nomadic life, moving from place to place in search of fodder and water for their livestock. Even though education is free in Kenya, it is a challenge to establish schools to serve the children of the nomadic Turkana. Most government schools are not readily accessible to the children of nomadic families. To address this challenge, the Turkana Community Foundation (TFC) was established and registered as a community-based organization in 2015 with one of its missions to make education available to the local children.
The Turkana Community Foundation established a one-room classroom called “Wings Of Hope Education Center” in Kanamkemer. Kanamkemer ward of Turkana County is ranked among the poorest counties in Kenya. Kanam ward has approximately 50,000 people, with the majority being young children. Most residents live a nomadic lifestyle, and children routinely drop out of school to search for pasture for their livestock.
The Wings of Hope Education Center initially provided only preschool education in a one-room school. The students sat on the floor. This early education, like a pre-K, was so successful that with the financial support of The Luena Foundation and Sumar Lakhani Foundation, an additional classroom was constructed to provide Grade 1 education. Both enrollment and attendance went up substantially when the primary Grade 1 was offered in the newly built classroom equipped with desks gifted by our partner The Luena Foundation and lunches provided by Mary Meals.
Click Here to Read the Full Report
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Bulidling Homes for Flood Victims
Location: Dadu, Sindh Pakistan
US Partner: Relief and Rehab Asia Inc.
Global Partner: The Pravalli Welfare Trust, Pakistan
Project Description: Build Flood resistant homes of flood vistims
Project Year 2024
What happened?
The floods in Pakistan in 2022 submerged one-third of the country, affecting millions of people. Sindh in the south, received 450 percent more rain than normal. With flood basins saturated with water, the natural drainage system was overwhelmed and a vast area of farmland and human settlements was devastated. Local and International agencies rushed in to provide temporary shelter, food, water and healthcare.
Flood victims
Those displaced families whose homes remained standing later started returning to their villages. However, in remote parts of the Sindh Province, homes are traditionally made of mud and straw. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), some 20.36 million people have been affected by the floods, with over 1.9 million houses damaged or destroyed. Many dwellings were completely washed out and the residents had nowhere to go even 2 years after the floods. Housing for these flood victims will require funding and procurement of shelter and construction materials on an unprecedented scale. The Sumar Lakhani Foundation in partnership with the Pravelli Welfare Fund of Pakistan have initiated the building of one room and a kitchen for the homeless families in Dadu in Sindh. Preference is given to widows with small children still living in tents and temporary shelters made of wood and grass, followed by disabled men who cannot earn. These homes are being built on a solid foundation with brick/block walls to be able to withstand another major flood.
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Epilepsy Center
Nagabu Chikwawa District, Malawi
Local Partner: Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation Malawi
International Partner: Luena Foundation
Project Year: 2024
This project in Malawi was in partnership with the Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation and the Luena Foundation. The funds were used to complete the five-room building to treat patients, a school room and a safe house. The nearest secondary school is 18km away. The community has made 40,000 bricks, sold half of them and used the funds to purchase cement and other supplies to start the construction of the community Center. The community members provided all labor to date. This grant was used for windows, doors, plastering, and completion of the floor.
Chifundo reports on the opening and expected impact on the Nagabu Chihwawa Community
July 2024
We greatly appreciate Luena Foundation and Sumar Lakhani Foundation for your commitment and generosity towards transforming our rural community. We had no secondary school, Epilepsy clinic and safe room. People Including children women and elderly had to walk 18 kilometers to access these, but now it is a different story. With greater and much Donation from Luena Foundation and Sumar Lakhani Foundation, we built this in two months just like dreaming. The school is now ready to open on the next term, on 16 September, 2024 targeting 100 kids. And we look forward to having further opportunities for desks or chairs which we further appeal for your ongoing support. Children can't wait on 16 September to start attending their classes.
An Epilepsy Clinic is now in use as hundreds of children battling Epilepsy are accessing their free medication which have been provided by Luena Foundation near them and once gaining their milestone of seizures free, they will attend the school on the same campus.
Yours faithfully,
Chifundo Petro.
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Solar Lights and water pump
Location: Hingoroja Sind Province
US Partner: Relief and Rehab Asia Inc.
Global Partner: The Pravalli Welfare Trust, Pakistan
Project Description: Install Solar Lights and a community water well
Project Year 2024
Hingoroja is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is a low-lying region at the same elevation as the sea level with an average temperature of 93F. It receives less than 0.7 in rain a year. This area is inhabited by the Hingorja or Hingorjo (Sindhi: هنگورجو) a Sindhi Muslim tribe. They are one of several communities of pastoral nomads found in the Banni region of Kutch. There is no nationally built electrical power grid in this region because the tribes are geographically isolated. With so little rainfall each year, access to a reliable source of water supply can be challenging. One asset of this region is the fact that there are clear skies for about 95% of the days each year.
Deep Water Well Pumped by Solar Panels
The Sumar Lakhani Foundation partnered with US-based RRAI and the Pravelli Welfare Trust of Pakistan to install solar lights in ten homes in Hingoroja, Sind Province. Additionally, the Pravelli Welfare Trust installed solar panels to operate a submersible deep well pump to provide a steady source of water to the Hingorjo community and their livestock.
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Cleft Palate Surgeries
Location: Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Partner: Smile Train
Project Description: Provide Ten Cleft Surgeries
Project Year: 2024
Field Report by Ruth Monalisa
The outreach program in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province operated on 22 children to repair cleft palate. These surgeries were performed at St. Carolos Borromeus Hospital in Kupang. Many more children are in need of this life changing surgery. However, many challenges due to the remoteness of the islands of Indonesia as well as limited resources limits the number of patients that can be treated.
Susannah Shafer, CEO of Smile Train wrote
“We recently heard from a hospital in Indonesia where over 20 children received new smiles! Your donations made that incredible work possible, but there are still 446 children in Indonesia alone who are waiting to receive their life-changing treatment.. To help address these children waiting for their turn to have life-changing cleft treatment, we are turning to generous donors like you - members of our Premier Circle.”
Our grant will provide ten cleft surgeries in Kupang, Indonesia.
