SHERGARH: For the inmates of Aghosh AlKhidmat Home, a state-of-the-art orphanage in the flood-affected Buner district, this Sunday was not an ordinary day.
Away from the confines of their boarding facility, they were welcomed at a ceremony to give these orphan children not only a leisure trip but also a chance to meet inspiring figures from different walks of life.
The organizers, led by top officials of a seed company, Mohammad Ashfaq Safi, Mohammad Mushtaq Safi and Ishtiaq Safi along with their own children and staff personally served the young guests to make the day memorable.
The ceremony was brief but impressive. The guests on the occasion included Special Secretary Establishment Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Qadar Safi, Deputy Director Federal Investigation Agency, Syed Fazle Akbar, Deputy Superintendent Police, Noor Daraz, journalist Dr Yousaf Ali and educationist Khaista Khan. Each of them shared encouraging words and life lessons with the children.
“You are the hope of tomorrow. Your bright faces and glittering eyes assure me that the future of this country is in safe hands,” remarked Syed Fazle Akbar.
The speakers stressed the importance of education, discipline and respect for parents and teachers. Mushtaq Safi urged the students to remain committed to their studies and values. He said that success comes through focus and perseverance.
Beyond speeches, the day was filled with laughter and delight. Fun games drew enthusiastic participation from the children, while one student moved the audience with a soulful recitation of a naat.
Later, the students toured the company facilities and were given souvenirs to take back with them as tokens of the day.
The administrator of Aghosh Home, Sheikh Waqas Ahmad, expressed gratitude to the organizers and guests, saying that such gestures of care and encouragement go a long way in building the confidence of orphaned children.
Aghosh AlKhidmat Home Buner is a relatively new facility, inaugurated with the capacity to house 200 orphan children.
More than just a shelter, it provides education, boarding and a nurturing environment within its modern building. The project was made possible by the vision and generosity of noted cardiac surgeon Dr Abdul Malik, who donated land and contributed significantly to its construction and facilities. Dr Malik could not attend the event due to his involvement in relief efforts in flood-hit Buner.
For the children, the day was more than just an outing. It was a message that they are valued, cherished and seen not as dependents, but as the bright future of the nation.
Aghosh Homes is a unique project of the AlKhidmat Foundation for orphan children across the country. Currently some 22 Aghosh Homes are operational across the country where around 2100 children are provided boarding, education and other facilities.
Some nine more such orphanages are under construction and seven others are in the pipelines.
