Mobilink, TCF to provide hope through education for poor Children
'Pakistan Times' National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Mobilink, the country’s market leader in cellular communication services with more than 31 million customers and part of Orascom Telecom, today announced the inauguration of a school near Lahore in Nathoki village, as part of its commitment to the cause of The Citizens Foundation (TCF).

This is the first of two TCF-Mobilink schools and was inaugurated by Bilal Munir Sheikh, Vice President Marketing, Mobilink along with Gen. (R) S.P. Shahid, CEO of TCF. Also present on the occasion were members of the TCF committee for the construction of schools, members of the faculty of the new school, and the excited school children.

Inaugurating the school, Bilal Munir Sheikh said, “Our commitment to the TCF cause is strengthened with the foundation laying of every new school, as we continue to assist TCF in building schools in under-developed areas of Lahore and Karachi. These schools enable deserving children to acquire education in a clean and friendly environment under the guidance of trained staff.”

In December 2006, Mobilink announced a financial commitment of Rs. 20 million for the construction of schools in collaboration with TCF in under-developed areas of Lahore and Karachi. Their Lahore campus in Nathoki, is a single unit Primary school and the other school is a 2 unit Secondary school in Taiser Town, Karachi.

Mobilink’s agreement supports TCF’s nationwide education program in villages and urban slums across Pakistan. In addition to the construction of schools, Mobilink will also finance an advertising campaign with TCF through electronic and print media, advocating the cause of education for under-privileged children in Pakistan. An SMS donation campaign was already launched in Ramzan 2007.

“Educational facilities for the less-fortunate in the underdeveloped areas of the country are relatively non-existent. Pakistani children often don’t have access to schools in villages, towns and cities that can cater to their basic needs. TCF has moved swiftly in recent years to reach remote places and set-up schools, and Mobilink is proud to be associated with TCF in this noble cause,” Bilal Munir Sheikh added.

TCF is one of the largest non-profit organizations working in the field of education in Pakistan. It has at present expanded its network of purpose-built schools for deserving children to 311 units, educating almost 40,000 children all over the country. The 2,400 female teachers imparting education in these schools have been fully trained by TCF itself. TCF is also currently building schools for children in the earthquake affected areas.

TCF in partnership with Mobilink is also engaged in rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the Chamman Kotli Nawab Khan village in Asad Jammu and Kashmir. The rehabilitation includes the construction of 172 houses and the strengthening of infrastructure and provision of water supply system for the residents of the village.●