REF Community Uplifting Program (REFCUP): March 2011

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Public Appeal for Community

Dear Friends of Renaissance Education Foundation:

Quality public education is a cornerstone of our democracy.

For almost 200 years, we have counted on public schools to develop engaged citizens, train competent employees and inspire innovative thinkers. Every day our schools are open their doors to welcome and educate all of our children - all the while struggling with shrinking budgets, dwindling resources and students who need more support, not less. Now more than ever, excellent public education must become the responsibility of all of us - and community-based organizations like Renaissance Education Foundation are leading the charge.

But we can't do it without you! Renaissance Education Foundation(REF) is on a mission. For almost fifteen years, REF has been quietly changing the paradigm of how neighborhood public schools work. Our model of cooperation and collaboration among schools; community and parent involvement; and efficient program delivery is innovative and groundbreaking - and getting results for our students with our vision that-

Renaissance Education Foundation is aim to provide better health care, quality education, educational facilities to the needy in Youhanabad Lahore Pakistan

Most Rev.Bishop Paul with REF Founder Mr.Gian Gill during exchange their views about Education in Pakistan

Most Rev.Bishop with REF Executive Director

during Mothers Day of St.Mary's Convent Higher

Secondary School.

Community Uplifting Through Education (CUTE)

LAHORE: Meet Josephine, a 34-year-old divorced mother of two. She runs an orphanage outside Lahore, where she gives shelter to children and has become a savior to those bonded by labour. “I visit brick kiln factories, where single parents and the elders of orphans make these little ones work to pay the debt they have taken,” says Josephine Her task is not an easy one, as she has to convince the guardians that they are better off with her. “I am currently pursuing a mother of five to give her children to me because her husband died and now she has to work day and night along with her children to pay his debt.” Brick kiln owners are the main hurdle and have threatened her. “They say if I can pay their loan, I can take the children, otherwise they will work till the loan is paid.” In Pakistan, although illegal, slavery in brick kiln factories is common knowledge and it originates from a vicious circle of debt which sucks in labourers. Josephine has surveyed these factories for a year and has been able to convince almost 20 families to give their children to her. She only helps the Christian minority currently because she feels they are more marginalised. “Most of the workers at these places are of Christian faith, and that is why I contact the local pastor of the area and take him along too, to get easy access.” Trained to be a nun but not allowed by her parents to leave the country, Josephine now uses what she has learnt to mother the orphans. She has rented an upper portion of a house, 20 kilometers outside Lahore, for Rs5, 000 per month, where she lives with her own two offspring plus another 10 boys and 7 girls. “I do not have any funding source. I teach at a local private school, and with whatever money I get, I try to give these children their lives back.” Along with this, she receives help from her brothers and the school principle where she is employed, but things are still hard. “Thankfully the principle has acknowledged my efforts, and has waived off fee for these children.” Surprisingly, ever since she started the orphanage, she has been asked by a number of parents to take their children away. “People are so poor in these villages that they want to get rid of the children even they are not in debt.” But she rejects them saying that she doesn’t want those who are orphans to feel different while living with such children who have parents. The children in Josephine’s care were not allowed to go to school due to their slavery status, Now they have learnt how to read and write. Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2012.

REF Community Uplifting Program (REFCUP)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Education Article :: Inside Education Blogging with John Spencer

Monday, March 14, 2011

Renaissance Education Foundation - Google Profile

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Worlds Womens Day 2011

Executive Speech!

Good Morning

Praise the Lord!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Together We Welcome!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Public Appeal for Community