Pakistan Update: Overview by Bishop Samson Shukardin
In a unique collaboration, Leprosy Aid Schiefbahn and the Pakistani Bishops' Conference are working together to enhance education and break the cycle of poverty for youth in rural Pakistan. This partnership, aimed at disadvantaged children, including those affected by leprosy, focuses on providing access to quality education, vocational training, and holistic support to empower young people.
The initiative, supported by donations to the account number DE40 3205 0000 0042 1109 08 with the reference "Pakistan", aims to help young people gain skills and opportunities for a better future. The chairman of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference recently visited Schiefbahn to discuss the project's progress.
The bishop, who oversees a diocese with 50,000 Catholics among 24 million Muslims, believes that education is key to improving the lives of the young population. He plans to offer additional computer courses for young people in rural communities, in partnership with Leprosy Aid. These courses are designed to help young people start an independent life.
It is worth noting that education in the bishop's diocese is inclusive, with church schools teaching Muslims, Hindus, and Christians together. However, Christians, a minority in Pakistan, often face hostility. Despite this, the partnership is committed to addressing barriers to education such as social stigma, economic hardship, and lack of infrastructure, thereby fostering sustainable development and social inclusion in rural areas.
During a recent gathering, the chairman reported on the daily life in Pakistan to numerous guests, highlighting the impact of the collaboration and the improvements it has brought to the lives of the children it serves. The project, while not a repeat of earlier initiatives, is making a significant difference in the lives of many young people in rural Pakistan.
- The Bishop, overseeing a diocese with a diverse population, aims to leverage this unique collaboration between Leprosy Aid Schiefbahn and the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, not only for education and self-development but also to navigate the complexities of politics and general news in Pakistan.
- In addition to the existing focus on quality education, vocational training, and holistic support, the Bishop plans to introduce political awareness programs to empower young people, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities, bridging the gap between education-and-self-development and politics.
