Providing Education and Healthcare to Underprivileged Children: A National Duty
Every citizen, regardless of their country of residence, bears a responsibility to contribute to education and healthcare for marginalized segments of society. According to UNESCO, over 260 million children worldwide are currently out of school. The global literacy rate for males stands at 90%, while for females, it is 82%. Such statistics underline a considerable segment of the global population lacking basic literacy, which impedes their day-to-day activities. Pakistan, with an overall literacy rate of 56%, trails behind countries such as Sudan, which has a literacy rate of 59%. This disparity underscores the urgent need for united efforts to ameliorate the existing conditions.
Education is transformative for a child, profoundly impacting their life trajectory and that of their families. A well-educated child is less susceptible to negative influences that might otherwise lead them to become a societal threat. The benefits of education are myriad, including crucial health awareness. From basic hygiene practices in preschool, like daily bathing and handwashing, to understanding pregnancy and prenatal care in later stages, education plays a pivotal role. Notably, the UNHCR has asserted that educating girls up to the secondary school level could decrease deaths from conditions like pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria globally by an impressive 49%.
A lack of education, especially among females, can plunge them into the “Violence Trap.” Such individuals often lack the confidence and self-esteem necessary to assert themselves and early marriages, often resulting in situations of domestic violence, become more prevalent. Moreover, the absence of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Without foundational literacy skills, individuals struggle to secure stable, well-paying jobs, inevitably leading their offspring into the same “Intergenerational Poverty Trap.” By offering education and healthcare to underserved children, we can restore their hope, reminding them they are valued in a world where they feel overlooked and forgotten.
Education also serves as a gateway to improved food security and living standards. With knowledge of agricultural best practices, individuals can cultivate healthier crops, both for sustenance and market sale. Education imparts the significance of clean water and sanitation, teaching practices like boiling water before consumption to prevent waterborne diseases. Importantly, it promotes gender equity, empowering girls with knowledge of their rights and the capacity to earn a living independently.
As citizens of Pakistan, it is our duty to spearhead this transformative movement, ensuring that every child, especially the underprivileged, receives quality education and healthcare. We must empower them with critical thinking, cognitive skills, communication capabilities, and employment opportunities. With our collective efforts, these children can grow into well-rounded adults, advocating for societal equity and empowerment.
For 23 years, Shakarganj Foundation has dedicated its efforts to providing education, healthcare services, and the promotion of arts and crafts. We primarily focus on the cities of Jhang and Bhone, as well as their adjacent areas in Pakistan’s Punjab province. We oversee 21 adopted government schools, operate two stationed free dispensaries, four mobile health units, and manage the Jhang Art Gallery. With the generous support of individuals from diverse backgrounds, we channel essential resources to those most in need. You too can join the Shakarganj Foundation family by contributing to our noble cause.
Together, let’s be the force that eradicates the Poverty Cycle by championing education and healthcare for all.
