Months after unprecedented floods wreaked havoc across Pakistan, more than 10 million people remain deprived of safe homes and a healthy environment.
An estimated 20.6 million people, including 9.6 million children, need humanitarian assistance according to UNICEF. Many of the affected areas were already some of the most vulnerable districts in Pakistan, where children are suffering from high malnutrition, poor access to water and sanitation.
In the aftermath of a disaster, accessibility can prove difficult as a multitude of individuals surge forward to offer their assistance. During such crises, the profound influence of community support and volunteerism becomes evident, underscoring the urgent necessity for such collective action. However, we should not wait for disaster to strike to recognize the value of volunteerism. Proactively integrating volunteering into our daily lives can create a resilient, caring society that is better equipped to handle crises when they arise.
“As a volunteer who actively participated in the flood relief efforts in Pakistan, I can attest to the initial difficulties and obstacles that confronted both the affected communities and our team”, narrates Haya who was helping victims in Tando Muhammad Khan.
Amidst the seemingly insurmountable challenges, our faith in humanity was brilliantly restored by witnessing genuine empathy and unwavering commitment to helping others proving that even in the face of adversity, compassion and solidarity can create powerful waves of change and hope.” She adds.
Volunteering and community involvement are vital for thriving economies and societies. The essential activities that contribute to personal fulfillment and social impact. Engaging in these activities allows individuals to make a positive difference in their communities, help others in need, and experience personal growth.
Advantages:
Volunteering in Pakistan offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on communities and individuals in need. If you are interested in getting involved in volunteer work in Pakistan, here is a guide to help you navigate the process and some examples of organizations and areas where you can volunteer:
Identify Your Passion and Skills:
Consider your interests, skills, and the causes you are passionate about. This will help you find volunteer opportunities that align with your values and allow you to make the most meaningful contribution.
Research Volunteer Organizations:
Look for reputable volunteer organizations in Pakistan that work in the areas you are interested in. Explore their websites, and read about their mission, projects, and impact to ensure their work resonates with you. Some well-known volunteer organizations in Pakistan include:
Contact Volunteer Organizations:
Reach out to the organizations you are interested in volunteering with. Inquire about their volunteer programs, requirements, and application process. Some organizations may require you to fill out an application form, provide references, and undergo a background check.
Explore Local Community Centers and NGOs:
Besides established volunteer organizations, many local community centers and NGOs in Pakistan welcome volunteers. These smaller organizations often work closely with specific communities and address local needs. You can search for these organizations in your local area or contact local government authorities for recommendations.
Engage in Disaster Relief Efforts:
Pakistan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. During emergencies, local and international organizations conduct relief efforts. Consider volunteering with reputable disaster response organizations that provide immediate aid and long-term support to affected communities.
Utilize Online Platforms:
In recent years, online platforms and apps have emerged that connect volunteers with organizations and projects. Explore platforms like “Pak Volunteers” and “iVolunteer Pakistan” to find volunteer opportunities across various sectors and regions in Pakistan.
Remember, before engaging in any volunteer work, it is essential to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the organizations or initiatives you choose to support. Take necessary precautions, communicate with the organization, and follow their guidelines to ensure a positive and impactful volunteering experience.
Note: The mentioned organizations are what we at WTA have selected, and there are many other reputable and impactful organizations and initiatives in Pakistan. Conduct thorough research and reach out to multiple organizations to explore various opportunities that match your interests and skills.
HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATIONS
The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
TCF is a renowned nonprofit organization focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children in Pakistan. Volunteers can contribute by teaching, mentoring, or participating in fundraising activities.
Edhi Foundation
The Edhi Foundation is one of the largest welfare organizations in Pakistan, providing a range of services, including healthcare, education, and assistance to the needy. Volunteers can assist in various activities, such as supporting orphanages, ambulance services, and hospitals.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre
This renowned cancer hospital welcomes volunteers who can contribute in different areas, such as patient support, administrative tasks, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.
SIUT Pakistan
The Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation is a dialysis & kidney transplant center located in Pakistan. SIUT was founded by Dr. Adibul Hasan Rizvi and it is Pakistan’s largest kidney disease center, as well as Pakistan’s largest public sector health organization
https://siut.org/join-us/volunteer-program/
ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS
ACF, Karachi
ACF Animal Rescue is home to the first-of-its-kind animal shelter and rescue service in Pakistan, based in Karachi for injured, abused, and neglected stray animals such as dogs, cats, kites, and working animals such as donkeys, horses, and camels.
ACF Animal Rescue is a rescue organization and not an activist organization that uses education to create awareness at the grass root level to change mindsets that would essentially create empathy and compassion for all living beings.
https://www.acfanimalrescue.org/about/
PAWS
Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) coordinates help for animals in need by putting people in touch with each other through social media. They find homes for rescued animals that are up for adoption, advocate humane stray dog management, legislation for animal welfare laws and work towards increasing compassion towards all sentient beings.
http://pawspakistan.org/about/
Stray Rehab Animal Shelter, Islamabad
Strays home animal rescue foundation is a registered Not for profit organization working for the welfare of stray animals and equines since 2017. Stray’s Home is the first-ever rehabilitation facility and shelter in Islamabad. Animals with critical injuries, systemic diseases, and terminal disabilities are treated, fed, and rehabilitated at the shelter under professional supervision and veterinary care.
https://strayshome.com/about-us/
JFK shelter, Lahore
JFK animal rescue and shelter focuses on all abused, neglected, and tortured animals not only focusing on a haven for them but treating them emotionally and physically too. They prioritize keeping them in our shelter rather than releasing them back on the streets while trying our best to get them adopted in nice homes where they are treated as family.
https://www.jfkanimalrescueandshelter.com/
Lucky Animal Protection Shelter (LAPS), Peshawar
Laps provides shelter for injured, abused, abandoned & stray animals in KPK province, Pakistan
ENVIRONMENTAL WELFARE
WWF Pakistan
For its first fifteen years, WWF-Pakistan was a small organization, which relied on individuals for financial support and honourary scientific input. It was in the late 1980s that the first formal project for environmental education was initiated. Since then, the programs of WWF-Pakistan have expanded rapidly to increase its conservation efforts.
The Last Earthlings
The Last Earthlings are fighting ocean plastic pollution with direct environmental action and have removed 25 tonnes of trash from the coastlines of Karachi
https://www.instagram.com/thelastearthlings/?hl=en
Garbage Can
GarbageCAN (Pvt.) Ltd. was established in Karachi in 2017 after carefully studying the inefficiencies, and gaps within the existing system. They started with Karachi due to its lacking waste management facilities, as well as to counter its informal industry, which also leads to other social ills such as child labor, drug addiction, mafia, etc.
GarbageCAN aims to make sustainable practices commonplace amongst Pakistanis by taking the buzzword ‘sustainability’ and enabling people to implement it in their daily routines.
“Volunteering has made me more conscientious and empathetic. I am far more aware of what the ground realities are for the less fortunate in our country. I worry more about the country and its people” Bassam Memon, a Development Sector Professional narrates.
“But I get a sense of achievement from trying to do my best to help others. It gives me some form of hope,” he adds, “Volunteering has been eye-opening, an uneasy window into the darkness of the real world. But it also provides a ray of hope, watching others like myself fighting for the right causes. It’s tough work but extremely rewarding. My advice would be to start small and the satisfaction derived from helping others will keep you motivated.”