In the heartlands of Pakistan, where poverty often casts a long shadow over hopes and aspirations, there exists a beacon of hope–the Bunyad Literacy Community Council (BLCC) also known as the Bunyad Foundation. Established in 1994, this non-governmental organization has been tirelessly working to combat poverty and champion empowerment through the power of literacy. Far removed from the realm of governmental or political influence, BLCC operates with a singular mission: sustainable development and social justice for all. Collaborating with both public and private sectors, the organization ensures that present community needs are met without compromising resources for future generations.
At the core of Bunyad Foundation’s endeavours lies an aim to elevate the Human Development Index (HDI) by focusing on literacy, education, health, and livelihood; pillars upon which vibrant and resilient communities are built. With a vision of a society where enlightenment, tolerance, and justice prevail, the organization aims to provide equal opportunities to all individuals, with a special emphasis on empowering rural families, women, and children.
BLCC is dedicated to empowering marginalized groups, particularly rural women and children, through literacy, education, gender equality, and economic empowerment. By enhancing their quality of life and fostering self-reliance, BLCC catalyzes social development in communities through comprehensive programs.
The organization’s objectives are multi-faceted, aiming to uplift lives and communities sustainably. Through a network of initiatives, BLCC spreads literacy far and wide, empowering women and children and elevating their living standards across administrative levels. Combining income-generating activities, skill training, and financial assistance with literacy programs, BLCC effectively tackles the roots of poverty.
Motivational campaigns inspire communities and non-governmental organizations to unite in achieving Education for All (EFA) goals. Collaborating closely with government and civil society partners, especially in rural areas, BLCC initiates projects that address diverse community needs. Additionally, the organization supports local partner NGOs in implementing sustainable development initiatives.
Bunyad Foundation extends financial support to individuals and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) through credit and loans, aligning terms and conditions with organizational interests and community benefit. Through these efforts, the organization plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty and creating lasting positive impacts on communities.
Aligned with the global objectives of Education for All (EFA) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), BLCC strives to eradicate poverty through education. Over one million individuals have been empowered with literacy through various initiatives, including Non-Formal Education, Adult Education, Community Learning Centers (CLCs), Formal Education, and Mobile Phone Literacy programs.
In the journey towards a more equitable and prosperous society, the Bunyad Foundation stands as a testament to the transformative power of literacy and empowerment. With unwavering dedication, BLCC continues to light the path towards a brighter future for all. BLCC has successfully implemented 177 projects, with a high percentage dedicated to youth development and child protection. Notably, UNICEF has awarded Bunyad with the Best Coordination & Implementation Award for its efforts in eradicating illiteracy in Pakistan.
Education – A Cornerstone of Transformation
At the heart of Bunyad’s endeavours lies a steadfast commitment to education, recognizing it as a potent force for societal transformation. For the Bunyad Foundation, education isn’t just a priority, it’s a guiding principle. With a commitment to providing education to children from marginalized backgrounds, Bunyad has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals. To date, the foundation’s achievements stand as a testament to its unwavering dedication, having educated and empowered over 2.6 million participants, predominantly women and children.
With a focus on marginalized communities, Bunyad has reached 835 schools in remote regions, positively impacting 78,980 children through improved enrollment, retention, and academic performance.
Drawing from its diverse engagement across various sectors and deep-rooted connections with grassroots communities spanning 28 years, the Bunyad Foundation asserts its comprehensive technical, administrative, and financial capabilities in managing large-scale projects. Through collaborative partnerships with local communities, Bunyad operates in 14 districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, Layyah, Rajan pur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Mandi Bahud-Din, Khushab and Lodhran, addressing the educational needs of vulnerable populations. With Punjab grappling with an estimated 40 million illiterate individuals, BLCC is on a gradual trajectory to expand its reach province-wide, ensuring equitable access to education and combatting illiteracy at its core.
One such formal educational initiative for the underprivileged includes the Bunyad-e-Fatima School, Theater Village, Lahore. This village is predominantly populated by daily wagers. Situated near the Bunyad Foundation’s headquarters, this school caters to the most deserving segment of society within the village. The village population predominantly consists of daily wagers who struggle to afford even necessities, let alone their children’s education. The Bunyad-e-Fatima School is the only hope for these underprivileged families. It offers completely free education, replicating the facilities and quality found in government schools across Pakistan. During a visit to the school, the positive impact was evident. Students expressed immense satisfaction with the learning environment and the quality of education. Their confidence and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring. The teaching staff also reflected the dedication of the Bunyad Foundation and they appeared well trained and committed to providing these deserving students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Bunyad’s outreach strategy revolves around strengthening school councils in alignment with government policies, with the ultimate goal of establishing councils in every school. Collaborating with esteemed partners such as UNICEF, UNESCO, Grammar Aid, and DFID’s Ilm Ideas Program, Bunyad implements a range of education-focused projects and programs, ensuring that the light of knowledge reaches even the most marginalized communities.
Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education
The Bunyad Foundation’s strides in Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE) in Punjab Province are nothing short of remarkable. With 5,526 Non-Formal Education (NFE) centers established across 1,800 villages spanning 22 districts, Bunyad has brought the light of literacy to even the most remote corners.
Moreover, the foundation’s outreach efforts have touched the lives of 353,999 direct beneficiaries, with a significant emphasis on empowering women and children. Notably, Bunyad’s commitment to female empowerment is evident, with 77% of all beneficiaries being women, adults, and children combined.
One notable example of Bunyad Foundation’s non-formal educational (NFE) endeavours for the underprivileged is the Bunyad Foundation Khurshid-Zaman School of Vocational Training & Skills Development for Girls, situated adjacent to the foundation’s head office. This school grants them access to high-quality vocational training and skills development programs. Recognizing the significance of equipping girls with practical skills for securing employment and achieving financial independence, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower them to lead fulfilling lives.
The school adopts a holistic educational approach, blending technical training with personal development and empowerment initiatives. Its curriculum is carefully crafted to address the specific needs and aspirations of disadvantaged women, offering a diverse array of vocational courses tailored to local market demands. These courses encompass sewing and tailoring, embroidery and handicrafts, beauty and salon management and computer literacy.
The Bunyad Foundation ensures accessibility to these vocational training programs for women/girls from all walks of life, including those facing educational or financial constraints. Through its concerted efforts, the organization not only transforms the lives of individual girls but also uplifts entire communities, as they emerge as empowered and confident young women prepared to make meaningful contributions to society. The School is a commendable initiative promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion in Pakistan. Through its innovative educational approach, the foundation is paving the way for a brighter future for girls and women across the country.
Protecting Childhood – Fight against Child Labor
In the bustling streets and quiet corners of Punjab, where the sound of children’s laughter should echo freely, reality often paints a darker picture. Child labor, entrenched in various industries like carpet weaving, soccer ball manufacturing, and brick kilns, robs countless young souls of their right to a childhood. Yet amidst these challenges, the Bunyad Foundation is actively engaged in combating child labour through a series of impactful projects. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, it has initiated 20 projects aimed at rescuing children from the clutches of labour and ushering them into both formal and informal educational settings. These projects serve as lifelines for children trapped in the cycle of exploitation, offering them a chance at a brighter future. Moreover, BLCC established 10,815 informal education centers between 1995 and 2013, serving as safe havens where children not only receive education but also essential resources like food, stationery, books, and sports equipment. These centers go beyond the confines of traditional education, nurturing young minds and bodies, and ensuring that no child is left behind.
The impact of Shaheen Attiq-ur-Rahman (Founder of BLCC) efforts is tangible and profound. Through these initiatives, a total of 417,756 children have been enrolled in schools, marking a significant step towards breaking the chains of child labour. What’s more impressive is that 79% of these children have attained basic literacy and numeracy skills, empowering them to chart their paths towards a brighter future. In the fight against child labour, the Bunyad Foundation stands as a shining example of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination. With each project, each initiative, the foundation brings us closer to a world where every child can dream, learn, and thrive, free from the shackles of exploitation.
Empowering Women – Bunyad Foundation’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Bunyad Foundation advocates for the fundamental rights of women, with a dedicated focus on their educational and economic well-being. With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, The Bunyad Foundation has initiated nineteen projects across eighteen districts in Punjab. It has transformed the lives of 212,698 women. These efforts are concentrated in remote rural areas, where women often face several barriers to accessing opportunities and information. Through a holistic approach that addresses both educational and economic empowerment, Bunyad Foundation seeks to break down these barriers and pave the way for a brighter future.
Since its inception in 1996, BLCC has secured grants from esteemed organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), UNESCO, UNDP, USAID, DFID/PSDF, and Cardiff University. These grants have been instrumental in enabling the foundation to execute its projects effectively in targeted regions, bringing tangible change to the lives of women in need.
At its core, Bunyad Foundation’s work in women empowerment is about more than just numbers or statistics, it’s about transforming lives, fostering resilience, and igniting hope. Through education, economic opportunities, and access to resources, BLCC empowers women to reclaim their voices, fulfill their potential, and shape their destinies. In a world where gender equality remains a distant dream for many, the foundation is guiding women towards a future of dignity, strength and empowerment.
The Bunyad Foundation also works for environmental conservation and climate action. With a keen understanding of the pressing need to address environmental issues, it has launched environment-based projects in six different districts of Punjab. These initiatives to fight against environmental degradation and climate change, spanning across various regions including Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, and Sheikhupura.
From reforestation efforts to water conservation projects, Bunyad Foundation’s environmental endeavours encompass a wide array of initiatives aimed at safeguarding our planet for future generations. By engaging with local communities, raising awareness, and implementing sustainable practices, it is making strides towards creating a greener and more resilient Punjab.
Minority Rights
Pakistan faces significant challenges from sectarian violence, religious extremism, and systematic mistreatment of minority groups. To address these issues, Bunyad implemented an action research tool called ‘Photovoice’ in the Rahim Yar Khan district between 2014 and 2015, aiming to document and shed light on minority rights issues. The program involved 70,000 individuals, with 65% female and 35% male participants, and engaged in small-scale social action projects to address community issues. The initiative aimed to address underlying community issues and promote peace in the region.
Capacity Building Unit
The Bunyad Foundation has a training unit with field experts with diverse professional backgrounds and specialized skills. The unit provides training to project staff and specific target audiences as outlined in contracts with partner organizations. It also oversees capacity-building sessions and activities across all projects. Project staff coordinate logistics and communicate plans to the central capacity-building unit, which conducts training sessions in the field. 2,979 training sessions have been successfully conducted by the Bunyad Foundation’s training unit since its inception in a variety of project locations. These sessions have covered a wide range of themes, including literacy and non-formal basic education (22,825 sessions), child protection (4,307 sessions), reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (51,534 sessions), women’s empowerment (21,347 sessions), environment and climate change (945 sessions), and disaster relief and risk reduction, totalling 13,217 sessions. These training efforts have already helped 114,175 people.
Microfinance
With a dedicated loan program of an impressive 359,786,978/- PKR amount in total, Bunyad’s microfinance loan program has touched the lives of 29,523 individuals, with a remarkable 95 per cent of beneficiaries being women. Each loan, averaging 12,187 PKR, symbolizes economic stability, economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. Standing tall as the Bunyad Foundation’s second-largest initiative, this microfinance program seamlessly intertwines with its flagship literacy and non-formal basic education programs. Operating across 14 districts of Punjab, including bustling cities like Multan, Lahore, and Hafizabad, its impact resonates far and wide. In these vibrant locales, the microfinance landscape is adorned with 18, 17, and 16 projects, respectively, each meticulously orchestrated and nurtured by community activists. Spanning 6 to 7 districts per project, this expansive network fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and financial inclusivity, paving the way for sustainable development.
At the helm of this noble endeavour stands the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), serving as Bunyad Foundation’s esteemed partner. With unwavering support, PPAF’s contributions cover a substantial 81 per cent of the total microfinance budget, amounting to a staggering 303,339,038 PKR. The remaining 19 percent is a testament to collaborative efforts, sourced from esteemed entities such as the Women Development Division, Khush’Haali Bank Pvt. Limited, and Orix Leasing.
Financial Transparency of Bunyad Foundation
Bunyad is a well-established and stable financial organisation capable of obtaining and distributing funds at both the macro and micro levels. BLCC was rated as Low Risk in the 2022 PCP Assessment, with an overall score of 87 per cent and a programme delivery score of 90 per-cent. Furthermore, UNICEF’s micro evaluation categorises BLCC as Low Risk. Additionally, it received noteworthy ratings from the PCP Evaluation in several categories, including programme delivery (95 percent), internal governance (87 percent), and financial management (76 percent). In their dedication to transparency, BLCC has enacted a robust internal financial control mechanism. This mechanism encompasses a requirement for joint signatories on financial documents, computerized accrual-based accounting, and a dual signatory protocol for heightened security in banking transactions.
Moreover, annual audits conducted internally and externally ensure impartial oversight, while separate bank accounts are upheld to segregate funds from diverse donors. Beyond financial transparency, BLCC boasts a substantial asset portfolio. Operating across 14 districts within Punjab, they possess ownership of 78 kanals of land. Within this expanse, five offices have been constructed, including a central training hub in Lahore and district-level sub-offices. These assets bolster BLCC’s capability to contribute to the government’s endeavour to\ combat illiteracy in Pakistan.
KEY AWARDS
- • Cash Grand Competition in support of Innovative Projects for the Elimination of Child Labour in Pakistan, 01st August 2016 – UNICEF & Ombudsman.
- • Best Community Work at National Level, AGAHI Awards Beyond 2015, 25 April 2015.
- • Picture Literacy Award, November 2015.
- • Best Performance on Inclusion Award PM IFL Scheme – 2016.
- • Comenius Medal, UNESCO, Paris, 1998, for innovative work in literacy.
- • King Sejong Prize, UNESCO, Paris, 2002, for the best NGO for promotion of literacy.
- • Presidential Award of Aizaz-e-Fazilat 1998, for literacy promotion, Government of Pakistan, Education Department.
- • Best Provincial NGO Award, 2002, Punjab Commission for Literacy for EFA.
- • Aizaz-e-Fazilat, a Presidential award was given to Shaheen Attiq ur Rehman, 1996.
- • Special Award for Promotion of Literacy, 2001, Pakistan Literacy Commission, Govt. of Punjab.
- • UNESCO has bestowed 2 awards to Bunyad for outstanding work in the field of literacy and non-formal education.
- • Bunyad’s outstanding work countering child labor has been recognized by the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development (NCCWD).
- • The Prime Minister of Pakistan bestowed Leadership Award to Usman Bilal, one of the learners at Bunyad Hope Surgical Center, Bagwal Awan, Sialkot.
- • Best Coordination Award was given to Bunyad by UNICEF for its outstanding working in Flood affected areas, Muzzafargarh, 2011.
