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RAWALPINDI, Feb 01 (APP):The Punjab Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department is running three government children homes in Rawalpindi that provide shelter, care and real opportunities to orphaned, destitute and other vulnerable children. This silent service is, on one hand, a symbol of societal beauty and a magnificent example of serving humanity on the other hand.
According to Deputy Director Social Welfare, Rukhsana Mazhar Awan, these facilities function as genuine caring centers where children are raised in a family-like atmosphere rather than an institutional setting.
One of the homes, established in 2009, currently looks after twenty-eight boys between the ages of six and eighteen.
“The boys receive regular nutritious meals, secure accommodation, formal schooling coupled with religious education, sports and recreational activities and routine medical check-ups and treatment”, she said maintaining that the emphasis remained on giving them a structured yet caring environment that supports their physical health, emotional well-being and overall development.
For the very youngest children there is a separate early-years home that cares for boys and girls from birth up to six years of age. All services here are completely free.
“Abandoned, orphaned or otherwise vulnerable infants and infants are provided institutional care, nursery-level early education, balanced and nutritious food, full health and hygiene support, medical treatment whenever needed”, Rukhsana explained. The atmosphere being provided to these youngest groups also includes occasional recreational outings and seasonal clothing. The focus is on early intervention so these children get a stable, healthy and developmentally rich start in life instead of facing the dangers of growing up without family protection.
The third home serves girls and currently facilitates 42 residents. It offers shelter along with continuous education that begins at the preparatory level and continues right up to intermediate. The girls also receive religious and moral guidance, good meals, clothing, medical care and various recreational activities aimed at helping them grow into confident individuals. The Deputy Director said that the long term objective of the homes is to equip them with enough education and life skills to break free from poverty and build independent futures.
Rukhsana Mazhar explained that these three homes together create an important safety net covering every stage of childhood, from infancy through adolescence. While the Social Welfare Department bears the main responsibility for running expenses, contributions from individuals, families and community groups provide valuable additional support.
Rukhsana invited anyone who wishes to help, contribute whether through donations, sponsorship or other forms of assistance to contact the Social Welfare Department directly. Every contribution, she said, strengthens the effort to give vulnerable children in Rawalpindi a genuine chance at a better and more secure life.
APP learned that sufficient staff, furniture, utilities and rooms are available for these three homes. The teachers, guide and the supporting staff are committed and disciplined in their kids and assignments.
During brief separate interactions with the heads and staffers, it was revealed that these shelter homes are being run by dedicated specialists.
“We are doing what we are assigned for, this makes us proud in this world and afterwards “, said a teacher at one of the homes.
The homes are decorated with beautiful sceneries, curtains, and painting giving true home sense.
“Besides beautifying the environment, these drawings and writings give a message to the residents of these homes as well as reminder for us to remain committed”, said another teacher.
From small toys to compact lawns, all the three homes reflect the Punjab government’s priority policies for the orphans and other vulnerable children.