Annual Report 1[st] April 2023-24
Another year finds me writing another Al-Ansar newsletter in what has been a rather disappointing year for me personally as due to ill health I had to postpone a planned visit to Karachi. It really is hard to believe that Al-Ansar is now in the 23rd year! Some supporters with long memories will recall events from years ago but the focus on education remains a priority with not much changing the view I have long held that illiteracy is a curse on Pakistan. Fortunately long time supporter Dr Maqsood was in Karachi and able, in addition to giving invaluable support to Asif to give a firsthand report on the progress of our projects there. Being reliant for updates on regular Whatsaap chats with Asif is not the same as being there.
Funding remains a major issue as requests for assistance and the sharp rise in inflation often outstrip our ability to meet all liabilities so please do continue to support us – there are many in Karachi who have reason to be every grateful that Al-Ansar is there for them.
Provision of drinking water
-
The RO water treatment plant, located in the clinic, is currently able to produce around 1200 litres of drinking water per day. Due to a high demand this is taken up in a very short time with many families not receiving any water. Also due to a very high electricity cost at present, which is being increased all the time, it is becoming very expensive to run this plant where the power usage is high. Power consumption is the main component of the total cost of purifying raw water.
-
One possible solution to save on the high power cost is to use solar generated electricity. We already have a few solar panels and these. together with one or two new ones, will be able to generate enough power to run the water treatment plant independently without needing the grid electricity.
-
The total cost of this system is estimated at PKR 300,000.
-
Once again we would very much appreciate financial support to complete this project. A Solar system will also be able to provide power for the air conditioner used in the office where advanced computer training classes are held these days.
Dental OPD This is continuing in the clinic where on an average 10 patients are treated every day.
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
Sugar and Eye Clinic This clinic is held on Fridays. It starts at 6.00am when tokens are distributed to the first 250 eye patients and 300 sugar patients.
Cataract Operations These operations take place on Sundays when some 50 patients are treated each week
IT Courses
Basic IT Course As was mentioned in the last newsletter, Al Ansar has been running free Basic IT training classes for deserving pupils for almost three years. Three, one hour, sessions are held every day in the Hali Library. Each class has around 30 students making a total of 100 per day.
Since the start of this programme over one thousand students have successfully completed the course. It is worth mentioning that nearly 90% of the attendees have been female. Another significant feature has been a relatively low student dropout rate which has remained below 10%.
Before the completion of course each student is encouraged to prepare a CV and email it to at least 130 companies requiring these skills.
We have received reports that so far over 150 students have either secured better jobs elsewhere or managed to receive increase in their current salaries. In addition, quite a few others have been able to start successful online businesses from
Advanced IT course
To cater for a high demand Al Ansar has now started Advanced classes for selected students who have already completed our Basic course with merit .This course is being held on the first floor office of the Clinic.
Initially 30 students have been selected and they are due to finish the course shortly. The second batch of 30 has already started its course. In addition to teaching advanced computing skills the students are being trained in written and spoken English. This is to make them more suitable for better paid jobs with large employers both in Pakistan and abroad. Again we have been informed that 12 trainees of the first batch have already received offers of employment. The employers include the Citizen’s Foundation, banks and food manufacturers in Karachi.
Distribution of Blankets
This winter Asif and his team distributed blankets to known deserving families , many of whom are still struggling to rebuild after the last years devastating floods Som of the blankets purchased at a knock down price were handed to rough sleepers more of who appear on the streets of Karachi each year. In all a total of 175 blankets were distributed and I feel sure the recipients will b e very grateful to Al Ansar donors.
Ramadan Food Rations
With the help of generous donations by our supporters, both in Pakistan and overseas, each year Asif and his team have been providing Ramadan food rations. This will be the fourth year when we hope
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
rations will be given out to deserving families of Orangi Town.
Last year over 900 ration packs were handed out. Each pack contains sufficient quantities of flour,rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar and tea. This year one pack is estimated to cost Around PKR5,500.These are normally distributed discreetly after dark to preserve the identity and self-esteem of the recipients.
Eid Clothes for Children
A very excited Asif called the other day with the news that he had received confirmation that supporters in Germany would again be sponsoring the distribution of Eid outfits
For the last three years new clothes for Eid have been distributed to children of Orangi Town. This has been made possible with the help of substantial donations from our supporters in Germany.
They pay directly to the suppliers and Asif and his team collect the clothes from them.
Last year over 6000 children received new clothes of their choice which they were allowed to selectbefore Eid. Clearly this presents a major logistical challenge. With the help of several volunteers it takes at least a week to complete this process efficiently.
This year we are expecting to distribute in excess of 7000 outfits.
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HPII ISY
Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure) for the year ending 31st March 2024
| Incoming Resources | £ | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Donations 20658.45 |
20658.45 | 20658.45 | 20658.45 | |
| Inland Revenue Tax reclaimed (Gift Aid) | Inland Revenue Tax reclaimed (Gift Aid) 3946.25 |
3946.25 | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 24604.70 |
24604.70 | |
| +b/f from 2022/23 |
10206.16 | 10206.16 | 10206.16 | 10206.16 |
| TOTAL DISPOSABLE FUNDS | 34810.86 ~~fe~~ |
|||
| Charitable Expenditure | ||||
| Expenditure in Pakistan* 32050.00 | Expenditure in Pakistan* 32050.00 | Expenditure in Pakistan* 32050.00 | Expenditure in Pakistan* 32050.00 | |
| Secretarial expenses 00.00 | Secretarial expenses 00.00 | Secretarial expenses 00.00 | Secretarial expenses 00.00 | |
| Other UK expenses 98.00 |
98.00 | 98.00 | 98.00 | |
| Miscellaneous | 950.00 | |||
| Bank Charges | Bank Charges | Bank Charges | Bank Charges105.00 | |
| TOTAL CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE | 33203.00 |
| Total disposable Funds - | 34810.86 |
|---|---|
| Total Charitable Expenditure | 33203.00 |
| Carried Forward to 2024-5 | 1607.86 |
- Please see attached sheet for details for details of expenditure in Pakistan
Al-Ansa Education and Welfare Trust Reg.Chorlty No. 1 089280
Annual Report 1[st] April 2023-24
Another year finds me writing another Al-Ansar newsletter in what has been a rather disappointing year for me personally as due to ill health I had to postpone a planned visit to Karachi. It really is hard to believe that Al-Ansar is now in the 23rd year! Some supporters with long memories will recall events from years ago but the focus on education remains a priority with not much changing the view I have long held that illiteracy is a curse on Pakistan. Fortunately long time supporter Dr Maqsood was in Karachi and able, in addition to giving invaluable support to Asif to give a firsthand report on the progress of our projects there. Being reliant for updates on regular Whatsaap chats with Asif is not the same as being there.
Funding remains a major issue as requests for assistance and the sharp rise in inflation often outstrip our ability to meet all liabilities so please do continue to support us – there are many in Karachi who have reason to be every grateful that Al-Ansar is there for them.
Provision of drinking water
-
The RO water treatment plant, located in the clinic, is currently able to produce around 1200 litres of drinking water per day. Due to a high demand this is taken up in a very short time with many families not receiving any water. Also due to a very high electricity cost at present, which is being increased all the time, it is becoming very expensive to run this plant where the power usage is high. Power consumption is the main component of the total cost of purifying raw water.
-
One possible solution to save on the high power cost is to use solar generated electricity. We already have a few solar panels and these. together with one or two new ones, will be able to generate enough power to run the water treatment plant independently without needing the grid electricity.
-
The total cost of this system is estimated at PKR 300,000.
-
Once again we would very much appreciate financial support to complete this project. A Solar system will also be able to provide power for the air conditioner used in the office where advanced computer training classes are held these days.
Dental OPD This is continuing in the clinic where on an average 10 patients are treated every day.
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
Sugar and Eye Clinic This clinic is held on Fridays. It starts at 6.00am when tokens are distributed to the first 250 eye patients and 300 sugar patients.
Cataract Operations These operations take place on Sundays when some 50 patients are treated each week
IT Courses
Basic IT Course As was mentioned in the last newsletter, Al Ansar has been running free Basic IT training classes for deserving pupils for almost three years. Three, one hour, sessions are held every day in the Hali Library. Each class has around 30 students making a total of 100 per day.
Since the start of this programme over one thousand students have successfully completed the course. It is worth mentioning that nearly 90% of the attendees have been female. Another significant feature has been a relatively low student dropout rate which has remained below 10%.
Before the completion of course each student is encouraged to prepare a CV and email it to at least 130 companies requiring these skills.
We have received reports that so far over 150 students have either secured better jobs elsewhere or managed to receive increase in their current salaries. In addition, quite a few others have been able to start successful online businesses from
Advanced IT course
To cater for a high demand Al Ansar has now started Advanced classes for selected students who have already completed our Basic course with merit .This course is being held on the first floor office of the Clinic.
Initially 30 students have been selected and they are due to finish the course shortly. The second batch of 30 has already started its course. In addition to teaching advanced computing skills the students are being trained in written and spoken English. This is to make them more suitable for better paid jobs with large employers both in Pakistan and abroad. Again we have been informed that 12 trainees of the first batch have already received offers of employment. The employers include the Citizen’s Foundation, banks and food manufacturers in Karachi.
Distribution of Blankets
This winter Asif and his team distributed blankets to known deserving families , many of whom are still struggling to rebuild after the last years devastating floods Som of the blankets purchased at a knock down price were handed to rough sleepers more of who appear on the streets of Karachi each year. In all a total of 175 blankets were distributed and I feel sure the recipients will b e very grateful to Al Ansar donors.
Ramadan Food Rations
With the help of generous donations by our supporters, both in Pakistan and overseas, each year Asif and his team have been providing Ramadan food rations. This will be the fourth year when we hope
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
rations will be given out to deserving families of Orangi Town.
Last year over 900 ration packs were handed out. Each pack contains sufficient quantities of flour,rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar and tea. This year one pack is estimated to cost Around PKR5,500.These are normally distributed discreetly after dark to preserve the identity and self-esteem of the recipients.
Eid Clothes for Children
A very excited Asif called the other day with the news that he had received confirmation that supporters in Germany would again be sponsoring the distribution of Eid outfits
For the last three years new clothes for Eid have been distributed to children of Orangi Town. This has been made possible with the help of substantial donations from our supporters in Germany.
They pay directly to the suppliers and Asif and his team collect the clothes from them.
Last year over 6000 children received new clothes of their choice which they were allowed to selectbefore Eid. Clearly this presents a major logistical challenge. With the help of several volunteers it takes at least a week to complete this process efficiently.
This year we are expecting to distribute in excess of 7000 outfits.
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1SY
4 Victoria Gardens, High Wycombe, Bucks, HPII ISY