Hira Children Homes resumes activities after 2013

20-year-old orphanage had to close down due to security threats

HARIPUR: Children can get hit the hardest when there is conflict in a region. In such situations, research suggests they need extra support, and for some, orphanages are the only safe shelter. Hira Children Homes was such an orphanage, which started in Bagra village in Haripur some 20 years ago. However in 2013, due to security regions, the orphanage had to cease operations. It has been reopened in September, 2015.

The decision to reopen the centre was shared by Hira Children Homes Director Raheem Bux at a meat distribution ceremony for Eidul Azha in Khalabat Township on Monday. While addressing the guests, he said the organisation used to house children from various places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir. However, now it is only catering to children from Pakistan and Kashmir.

The orphanage provides children with accommodation as well as education and technical training to empower them. The idea, according to the director, is to help them become independent once they move out of HCH. “It had to discharge over 2,000 children two years ago due to security reasons,” he said. “However, thanks to the support of Saudi government and philanthropists, HCH could resume its activities.”



Bux said Hira also has 350 children from the area enrolled in its primary school. He shared, “We hope to admit students up till matric – even college in future,” the director added.

He said hundreds of children who stayed and graduated from HCH were earning their livelihood honorably. “Some of our graduates have gone on to become doctors and engineers.”

Saudi Deputy Ambassador Marwan Bin Rizwan and Dr Ateen, a senior official from HCH, local bodies’ representatives, students and their relatives were among the guests at the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2015.