PAKISTAN: Families impacted by Jaranwala attacks receive aid
Salesian past pupils launch food distribution program
(MissionNewswire) The National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils of Pakistan, with support from the local Don Bosco Lahore Association, launched a food distribution program to support 130 families in five Christian areas affected by the attacks in Jaranwala. Reports say that on Aug. 16, a mob of 7,000 people went on a rampage, attacking 26 churches and chapels, a cemetery, and hundreds of homes.
The Salesian past pupils distributed more than 8,800 pounds (4,000 kilograms) of food parcels containing more than 15 nutritious products to provide relief. Asif Daniel Tasleem, president of the National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils, thanked all those who contributed to this cause through donations, volunteering or spreading the word.
Bryan Magro, president of World Past Pupils, congratulated the Pakistan federation for showing concrete solidarity in its work. He said, “This initiative is another best practice of our worldwide organization that shows the commitment of past pupils to be truly active citizens who express solidarity with those most in need. Solidarity is our hallmark that reflects our identity of our love and gratitude to Don Bosco.”
Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational services to poor youth and their families in centers in Lahore and Quetta. Salesian schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the poorest families so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school.
According to the World Bank, 31.3% of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Pakistan – Past Pupils show solidarity with victims of Jaranwala attacks
AP – Pakistan hands out cash to Christians who lost homes in rioting over alleged desecration of Quran
World Bank – Pakistan
