OUR MISSION
SUPPORTING WIDOWS AND THEIR FAMILIES
The Zohra and Abdul Foundation is a non-profit organisation supporting widows in impoverished communities. By creating economic stability using creativity and the traditional craft of stitching, many of the widows we help become self-sufficient and able to provide for their families. With this in mind, the initiative provides the training, financial assistance, materials and communal space to empower women, help their families and ensure they have access to training, healthcare and an opportunity to earn.
OUR STORY
We are the Zohra and Abdul Foundation, devoted to the cherished memory of our late mother, Zohra Bi, who passed away due to COVID-19 in November 2020 and our late father, Abdul Karim, who also passed away in August 2023. Zohra, a woman of great stature and dignity, dedicated her whole life alongside her beloved husband Abdul to helping impoverished widows and their children in Pakistan and India. This foundation is testament to Zohra and Abdul's love, kindness and generosity toward helping the poor. Their legacy shall live on through the continuous endeavours by their daughters pursuing their dying wish - to set up a women's welfare centre that will empower all widows and single mothers with children in Pakistan and India.
Women's Welfare Centre
In the heart of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, stands a beacon of hope and empowerment for women from remote and impoverished communities - the Women's Welfare Centre. Founded with a vision to uplift and support marginalized women, particularly young widows and orphan girls, this center has become a sanctuary for those seeking to break free from the shackles of poverty and societal constraints. With a comprehensive approach to skill-building and education, the center offers a range of specialized courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students.
Sewing School
The sewing school at the Women's Welfare Centre in Bahawalpur stands as a testament to the transformative power of skill-building and education. Offering a comprehensive 12-month course, the school provides girls with a deep dive into the rich tapestry of local embroidery techniques, instilling in them not just practical skills but also a sense of cultural heritage and pride. The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover every aspect of garment construction, from the basics of machine operation to the intricacies of pattern drafting and dressmaking.
Beauty School
Within the Women's Welfare Centre in Bahawalpur, the beauty school stands as a gateway to empowerment and self-expression for its students. Offering a flexible 6-12 month course, the beauty school provides a comprehensive education in the art and science of beauty care, equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving beauty industry.
Creative Arabic School
At the heart of the Women's Welfare Centre in Bahawalpur lies the Creative Arabic School, a sanctuary where the beauty of language intertwines with spiritual enlightenment. Offering a flexible 6-12 month course, this school provides a holistic education that transcends mere linguistic proficiency, delving deep into the spiritual and creative dimensions of the Arabic language.
Graduation
The culmination of each course at the Women's Welfare Centre in Bahawalpur is marked by a joyous celebration of achievement and empowerment - the graduation ceremony. It is a momentous occasion where students, mentors, and community members come together to honor the dedication and hard work of the graduates and to celebrate their journey towards independence and self-sufficiency.
Annual Charity Projects
Throughout the year, the Women's Welfare Centre in Bahawalpur orchestrates a series of annual charity projects that embody the spirit of compassion and community service. These projects serve as pillars of support for impoverished families in the local area, providing essential resources and assistance during times of need.
