Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with around 1 in 3 people living in poverty. This equates to over 55 million people living on less than $30 monthly.

Despite Pakistan’s strides in improving core development challenges, natural disasters and volatile conflict continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as the poor, women, the elderly, children, refugees, and people with disabilities. Recurring natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, have left more than 1.2 million people needing healthcare services, 1.1 million needing WASH assistance, and 1.2 million needing shelter. Most recently, in 2022, floods affected at least 33 million people, leaving over 20 million needing humanitarian assistance. 

Furthermore, Pakistan is home to more than four million orphans. Being a vulnerable population, orphans are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, food insecurity, and physical/mental abuse compared to children living with their parents. Through the Orphan Sponsorship Program, Islamic Relief donors are supporting almost 2,000 children.

Since 1992, Islamic Relief Canada has reached over 560,000 individuals through water, sanitation and hygiene assistance, health services, the construction of shelters, winterization kits, livelihood development projects, and food distribution (including Ramadan and Qurbani programs). 

In addition, development projects seek to economically empower and uplift communities, such as orphans and widows, through livelihood initiatives with both gender and climate considerations. Islamic Relief Canada also responded to the flood emergency in 2022 by providing humanitarian aid and shelter.

The Inspire Program in Islamabad, Pakistan aims to provide psychosocial support to orphan children in a summer camp that is affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program.

Check out a previous Inspire Pakistan experience! 

Volunteers will organize a summer camp affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program to facilitate learning and psychosocial programming. Psychosocial programming is crucial for orphans and vulnerable children as it provides a structured framework for emotional support and mental well-being, helping them navigate the challenges of loss, trauma, and instability. By addressing psychological and social needs, such programming fosters resilience, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging, essential for their overall development and integration into society. 

This is carried out through a variety of activities, such as:

1. Activities focusing on team building and developing self-confidence

2. Educational and fun learning activities to foster their creativity and develop 21st-century skills in a fun and engaging environment.

3. Personality development and character-building activities.

4. Planned visits to scientific, and educational institutions to experiment and learn.

Volunteers will also pack and distribute food items and hygiene boxes to refugee families and gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the refugee communities.

Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:

1. Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear and learn from their stories.

2. Participate in organized educational sightseeing activities, including visits to King Faisal Mosque, the National Museum, and other historical sites and landmarks.

All accepted applicants are required to raise a minimum of CAD 3,500 each one month prior to their departure date. All funds raised will be going towards Islamic Relief projects in Pakistan. We will provide each volunteer with a fundraising session that includes tips on fundraising, engaging your network, etc. Islamic Relief Canada will also set up an online fundraising page for each volunteer to raise funds for their project. 

Donations will be allocated towards the Inspire program components and contribute to ongoing, long-term projects in the region. None of the donations will go towards the personal costs of the volunteers.

The Inspire program aims to give volunteers a unique and eye-opening experience where they can immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas while learning and growing skills in an enriching environment. After completing the program, letters of reference will be given to participants upon request. Participants will also be encouraged to continue volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada following the trip to continue their humanitarian efforts. 

Islamic Relief Canada will cover your stay in Pakistan, including accommodation, transportation, food, and scheduled sightseeing activities. Please note that flights are NOT included in this, thus, the volunteer is responsible for purchasing their flights to and from Pakistan, as well as mandatory health insurance. 

Once accepted into the program, volunteers must complete mandatory virtual and online training sessions. There will be about 3-4 sessions, with an average duration of 2 hours each. The training will cover Fundraising, Team Building, Country Profile, Islamic Relief History, Field Safety and security, Activity Planning, Humanitarian Standards, and Passion Projects. The schedule will be released upon being accepted into the program. These training sessions are mandatory to attend.