Pakistan
In
September 2006 Aim for Change expanded with new projects in Pakistan. Ruth
James travelled 2000 miles around the country in a pick up truck, visiting
potential project sites. Pakistan has been through a great deal of turmoil
with the massive earthquake that struck the North of the country in 2005.
Aim for Change was able to provide help for some of the affected areas, as
well as supporting deprived families in Faislabad and Islamabad.
Ilma Iqubal
(Including video report)
Ilma
Iqubal is a Christian colony in a rural district on the outskirts of
Islamabad. There is no water, electricity or sewage, and many people live in
primitive shelters made of old plastic shopping bags and rags. Aim for
Change has provided much needed medicines for the volunteer doctor there, as
well as a further 12 beds and mattresses. The people here have lived in
absolute poverty for many years. We continue to support them on a regular
basis through our local contact. Medicines, bedding, tarpaulins and wood for
construction have been provided.
Bata Mori
Bata Mori
(meaning "hole") is in a mountainous area near Balakot in the North of
Pakistan. It is near the epicentre of the earthquake and many of the
villages had been completely fattened in the devastating earthquake. Many of
the people are still living in tents, facing a harsh winter. One whole
side of the mountain had sheered away with the force of the quake. Many
people are sleeping directly on the ground, with the risks of snake bites.
We were able to purchase corrugated iron sheeting to help roof five houses. Aim
for Change also purchased 18 metal beds with quilts and mattresses. Supplies
of medicine were also provided. Basic houses are now being built using
prefabricated materials and iron sheeting at a cost of only £58 per house.
These allow families to cook over a fire more safely than in a tent. We are
continuing to provide beds and cooking utensils.
Other projects
Aim for
Change was also able to visit the brick yards of Faislabad, where whole
families will make 1000 bricks a day, earning around £2.50. We were able to
start a small chicken project for these people- if successful this will be
expanded in 2007. Each family was given a sack of flour, several kilos of
rice, sugar, salt, beans and oil. We have provided a motorbike for a local
charity worker who is working with these families. We have been able to start
a goat project in a rural area and also provided a sewing machine for
leatherwork.
How can you
help?
