Child charity supporter visits project in Lahore, Pakistan

Amara Sharif is an SOS Children supporter, from London, working for Deutsche Bank and holds fundraising events for orphan children through our annual fundraising campaign.

Here she tells us about her visit to the SOS Children's Village Lahore, Pakistan in Spring 2009.

Being born and raised in East London, it had been 17 years since my last visit to Lahore, Pakistan. I have always known at the back of my head that there were many children living without parents in Lahore, but never had I witnessed it before.

Before my trip, I got into contact with the director, Ms Almas Butt of SOS Children’s Villages Lahore, and mentioned that I would like to visit her and the children. When I arrived in Lahore I made my way to the village. Driving into the compound I was met by Ms Butt and her staff who kindly showed me around the Village. The staff were so very kind to me. As I was walked around the village, every child that walked passed me said “Salaam” (meaning peace be with you in Arabic) with a big bright smile. I was amazed to see that there were around 18 homes, in each home is a designated mother who looks after roughly 10-12 children each. The homes were kept in immaculate condition, all of the mothers were so friendly and inviting into their homes. Within the compound there was also a school, playground, mosque and a mini zoo!

As the children had just finished school for the day, the older children were tutoring the younger ones and helping them out with homework tasks. It was heart warming to see the orphans treat one another like brother and sister. I sat down with some of the children and saw that they were writing in English, and may I say their English was outstanding. I always believe that knowledge is power and SOS has given these children a gift that is truly invaluable.

Amazing work of charity

I was keen to see the youngest children of the village, as we walked to their home I was shown to where a new born baby was taken in by SOS. This child had been left at the gates of the village during a cold winter month. Fortunately the child was in good health when found, barely a few days old. I believe that this moment changed my life.

Looking at this child, I realised that living in London I take many things for granted, whilst I selfishly complain about insignificant things like the tube or the weather, these children have fought bigger battles in their lives, than I ever have.

My experience at the SOS Children’s Village Lahore is something that I think about everyday. I am in awe of the work that they are doing not just in Pakistan, but around the world. Next time I go to Lahore, I have made a promise to myself that I will spend more time with these amazing children. I would like to thank SOS for kindly allowing me to spend time in their village, to witness first hand the amazing job that they do.

Keep up the brilliant work SOS!

SOS Children has been working in Pakistan since 1977 and there are eight children’s villages giving a loving family home to more than 1,100 children and over 30,000 children and their families are supported through SOS Schools, SOS Vocational Training Centres and SOS Social Centres.

You can support children in need by sponsoring a child.