SAMAA TV Raises Urgent Need for Educational Support of Orphaned Children To Counter the Rising Number of Street Children in Pakistan.

“Educating our children is our prime responsibility, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Although access to quality education is still being strived towards, we simultaneously need to focus on those children who have been abandoned by their parents or become orphans, as they are more vulnerable and prone to being swept into the world of crimes and terrorism and to a life on the streets. We need to promote initiatives, which will provide them with a system through which they can get a fair chance in life. We need to support our children to make them become a better citizen of Pakistan”.

Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer, SAMAA TV

ISLAMABAD, September 14 – Providing equal opportunities of education and personal development for orphaned and abandoned children in Pakistan was the main theme at a special iftar program held at the SOS Village Rawalpindi.

SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading urdu news channels arranged this special iftar program, where more than 300 children and families of SOS Village, the Executive management of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and other distinguished guests from the business, government and academia were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer SAMAA TV shared that the process of globalization in developing countries has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. Coping with ever-increasing prices of necessities, such as food, health and shelter has made the lives of the poor a burden, making the situation in Pakistan no different. Amir Jahangir also said that in addition, the ever-increasing unemployment rates in the low-income communities are creating acute further hardship for them, making the children of low-income group the biggest victims of Pakistan’s deep-rooted economic crises. He said that one of the major results has been the increasing number of children running away from their homes in search of peace and money or the parents feeling compelled to leave their children at orphanage homes in hope of better care. Jahangir further added that due to the lack of proper resources and systems of these orphanages, most of these children run away and found dwelling on pavements, parks, under bridges and in abandoned buildings.

Mr. Jahangir said “We have chosen to come to SOS village today to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan, as we want to spread the message of this Holy month which is about humanity and about contributing to our community to develop prosperity. We feel very proud about the work which SOS Village is carrying out for the better future of our children and feel that the SOS village is a role model for other organizations to adopt, as here the child is not only being provided shelter but also a home and family. Without any safe shelter or without being under the wings of family, these children are exposed to many brutalities including ranging from abject neglect to victims of violence, sexual and religious exploitation, chemical addiction and other human rights violations. We commend the work being done by SOS Village and assure you that SAMAA TV will be supporting this mission of an educated nation providing equal opportunities for all”.

Participants of the event were unanimous that local philanthropists, corporate sector and group of citizens sensitized enough about the plight of the vulnerable children, need to move in and support the critically needed facility.

In his message for the occasion, Mr. Walid Irshaid, President PTCL said, “SOS is doing a remarkable job by providing these children with shelter and all necessities of life. As leaders in the communication industry, it is our responsibility to understand the needs of the people of our country, especially the children of Pakistan”. He appreciated SAMAA’s efforts for initiating responsible media activities and realizing the importance of sharing this Holy month with the most deserving and assured the support of PTCL for any activity, which was for the benefit of Pakistan. He also said, “The family-like structure promoted by the SOS Children’s Village is exemplary and innovative.” And that today’s event further endorses the need to bridge the gaps between the social development sector groups, the business sector, and focus on establishing quality partnerships to address the social needs and issues of Pakistan.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited also distributed gifts and sweets amongst the children at SOS village.

While talking at the occasion to the audience, Anwar Ullah Sheikh, Executive member of SOS Village Rawalpindi stated that “Family is the heart of society. Within a family, every child is protected and enjoys a sense of belonging. Here at the SOS Village, children learn values, share responsibilities and form life-long relationships. We provide them with a family environment, which gives them a solid foundation on which to build their lives. We believe that every child grows with love, respect and security.” Mr. Sheikh further said that the work, which SOS Village has been doing since its inception was very important and had shown tangible results. He acknowledged SAMAA’s initiative in sharing its business success and network to promote the cause of SOS Village and support the quality of life for underprivileged children in Pakistan and thanked PTCL for being part of the event.

This special event was held under the banner of SAMAA TV special Iftar Program, “Iftar Ka Samaa.” Iftar Ka Samaa is produced specially in the Holy month of Ramadan and aims at sharing its spirit with the various communities across Pakistan, who through their hard work and dedication have made great contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation. The program also aims at working as the catalyst for voicing their concerns and issues and to promote the values of Unity and Humanity.

SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan.

SAMAA TV has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

*** THE END ****