Education for Child Laborers

Child labor is a significant problem in Pakistan. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), an estimated 12.5 million children aged 5-14 years in Pakistan are engaged in some form of child labor.

Children are employed in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining, and domestic work. Many of these children work long hours in hazardous conditions and are often subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

The Pakistani government has taken steps to address the issue of child labor, including passing laws prohibiting child labor and establishing a national child labor monitoring system. However, enforcement of these laws remains weak, and the problem persists.

Poverty is a significant factor driving child labor in Pakistan. Many families living in poverty rely on their children’s income to survive. In addition, limited access to education and healthcare services also contributes to the prevalence of child labor in the country.

International organizations, including the United Nations and the ILO, are working with the Pakistani government and civil society organizations to address the issue of child labor. These efforts include supporting education programs for children, promoting awareness of the harms of child labor, and advocating for stronger legal protections for children. However, the problem remains a significant challenge in Pakistan.

Our main objective is to rescue children who are trapped in child labor, provide them with an opportunity to receive an education, and empower them for a brighter future. In Pakistan, children engaged in labor typically earn Rs. 5000-10,000 per month, which is approximately $20-40/month. By breaking down our tuition costs below, it can be seen that the monthly education expense is around Rs. 5000. This implies that for $40 a month, a child can go to school while still supporting their family. We have established partnerships with several school systems in Faisalabad, Pakistan, to obtain discounted rates on transportation, tuition, supplies, uniforms, admission fees, etc. Our aim is to enroll 30 students in March 2023.

Building Wells

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and it is facing an acute water crisis that is worsening with each passing day. The country has a rapidly growing population and an increasing demand for water due to industrialization and urbanization. Meanwhile, the availability of freshwater resources is declining due to climate change, deforestation, and overuse of water resources.

The situation is especially severe in the arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan, such as Balochistan and Sindh, where water scarcity has led to widespread poverty, malnutrition, and disease. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, has been hit hard by the water crisis, as farmers are unable to irrigate their crops, leading to lower yields and food shortages.

Moreover, the water quality is also a major concern in Pakistan, as the untreated discharge from industries, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sewage treatment have resulted in water pollution. The contaminated water is causing health problems such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.

The government of Pakistan has implemented several measures to address the water crisis, such as building dams and reservoirs, improving water management practices, and promoting water conservation. However, much more needs to be done to ensure the availability of clean and safe water for all citizens.

We primarily focus on constructing wells in regions with limited or no access to water. Many remote villages in Pakistan face a lack of accessible water sources, and the available supplies are contaminated with pollutants and diseases. Our objective is to establish wells and desalination stations to enable impoverished communities to obtain clean drinking water. The cost of one well is approximately $2,000, while a desalination station ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The drill for the well has a starting cost of $15,000. By donating to our cause, we can provide access to clean drinking water throughout Pakistan. Remember, dehydration can hinder the learning process.

Disaster Relief

In the summer and fall of 2022, Pakistan faced one of the most devastating floods in its history, resulting in the loss of 1,739 lives and displacing millions of people. The floods caused damages worth around $14.9 billion and disrupted countless lives. The Haque Foundation acted promptly by providing one full shipping container of clothing and resources, along with relief funds, to assist the flood victims.

In February 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, causing a death toll exceeding 40,000, with a range equivalent to the distance between Washington DC and Boston. In response to the crisis, The Haque Foundation collected supplies and clothing to ship to Turkey with the aid of Turkish Airlines. With your support, The Haque Foundation aims to send volunteers to help with disaster relief efforts on the ground and provide essential supplies and resources to victims of future natural disasters.