REACHING FLOOD AFFECTED CHILDREN IN PAKISTAN

“Khamosh Umeedon Ka Safar: The Hamara Kutub Khana Journey”

The Hamara Kutub Khana initiative continues to quietly expand the world of reading for children across Pakistan. Through the establishment of well-equipped, child-friendly school libraries, the project is cultivating a culture of curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning in communities that have long lacked access to quality educational resources. This quarter, the initiative progressed steadily across Jamshoro, Sukkur, and Buner, each region witnessing renewed engagement, strengthened literacy practices, and deeper school-community involvement. In Jamshoro, seven libraries established with the support of the Indus Resource Center remain fully functional and well-maintained. These spaces have become central learning hubs where students gather each week for read-alouds, group reading, and structured literacy activities. Schools with enrollments ranging from 140 to 400 students now benefit from regular sessions that support vocabulary development, comprehension skills, and collaborative learning. The consistent use and upkeep of these libraries reflect the strong commitment of teachers and school leadership to nurturing reading habits. Similarly, seven libraries in Sukkur continue to operate successfully, offering children engaging environments filled with books, visual learning materials, and opportunities for creative expression. Weekly activity days have strengthened reading fluency and comprehension, while class-based sessions have helped teachers tailor instruction to varying grade levels. The structured routine of storytelling, guided reading, and foundational writing activities has contributed to noticeable improvements in confidence and participation across classrooms. In Buner, the progress carries an even deeper significance. Following the cloudburst and floods that damaged several schools, the establishment of four Hamara Kutub Khana libraries has played a vital role in restoring learning opportunities. After essential repairs and rehabilitation, these libraries have re-energized school environments, offering students a renewed sense of normalcy and joy. They now function as vibrant learning spaces where educational activities have fully resumed. Ongoing monitoring by Dr. Siddiq ur Rehman and active data collection have also paved the way for two additional libraries to be established in the coming months. Across all three regions, more than eighteen static libraries are now functioning effectively, offering thousands of children consistent access to books, structured literacy activities, and supportive learning environments. The project has strengthened school engagement, enhanced reading practices, and provided communities with reliable educational spaces, especially significant in post-disaster areas where continuity of learning is crucial. The Hamara Kutub Khana initiative remains a testament to the power of quiet, steady investment in children’s futures. These libraries are more than physical spaces, they represent opportunity, stability, and the promise of a better educational landscape for underserved communities. With continued support from our donors and partners, Alif Laila Book Bus Society is committed to expanding this work and ensuring that every child has a place where stories, knowledge, and imagination can flourish.

Flood Relief Report – Buner Floods 2025

In August 2025, unprecedented floods devastated several villages in District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The hardest hit were:

1. Daggar
2. Gokund
3. Pir Baba

Entire families were displaced, homes and schools washed away, and thousands left without basic necessities. Hospitals were overwhelmed, crops and livestock destroyed, and children and women remain the most vulnerable, facing risks of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and unsafe shelters.

Amidst this tragedy, what began as a small effort to send the basics for survival grew into a much larger mission of compassion and solidarity.

Our Relief Mission

With the trust and generosity of family, friends, and kind donors, we packed and loaded 5 tonnes of relief goods (50kg family bags) that will directly reach 100 families across the three most affected villages.

We leave tonight, August 22, 2025 (IA), with a dedicated team to personally deliver these packages in Buner. Goods are being transported by truck overnight, and distributions will begin at dawn.

Immediate Impact

Each family package contains essential food, clothing, medicines, and survival supplies—enough to provide immediate relief and help families begin the rebuilding process.

Supplies Delivered

From your donations, the following items were collected and packed:

Food & Essentials

• Sugar (29 packets)
• Roasted Chana (42 packets)
• Biscuits (120 boxes)
• Dry Milk (17 packs)
• Dates, Almonds, Cashews, Figs
• Bottled Water (48 small bottles)
• Tinned vegetables & fruits (Pineapple, Corn, Peas)
• Dry food packs
• 72 full sets of clothing
• 12 pairs of chappals (slippers)

Health & Hygiene

• Medicines: Panadol (18 packs), antibiotics, antiseptic, bandages, anti-allergy tablets
• Soaps (54 bars)
• Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
• Women’s sanitary supplies (10 reusable sets)
• Wipes
• Mosquito repellents (9)
• Disposable Glasses (244)

Emergency Items

• Charging lights, Extension leads
• Fire lighters, Matchboxes
• Rope, Scissors
• Shoe donations, small electronics for survival

Additional Family Aid (Carton Distribution)

Alongside the large family packages, we prepared an additional 155 kg relief carton containing targeted support for families:

• Clothes for 70 people, including women and children
• Medicines for 25 families
• Soaps for 54 families
• Sugar for 35 families
• Dry milk for 10 families
• Matchboxes for 30 families
• Dry rations for 25 families
• Chickpeas (chana) for 40 families

Human Impact – Who Was Affected?

Based on local reports and our field contact teams:

• Thousands of residents of Daggar, Gokund, and Pir Baba have been directly affected.
• Families have lost homes, livelihoods, livestock, and farmland.
• Children and women remain the most vulnerable—requiring urgent food, medical care, and safe shelters.

While our effort will bring some comfort to 100 families, the scale of need is immense—entire communities require long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation.

As of mid-August 2025, the floods in Pakistan have claimed 360+ lives, including 164 deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with major losses in Buner and Battagram. Over 700 people have been injured, while thousands have been displaced from their homes. The disaster has also destroyed buildings, roads, and vast agricultural land, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Spirit of Giving

This mission is not backed by any government, political party, or large organization. It is a purely humanitarian effort, built on your trust and generosity.

“This may be just a drop in the ocean, but for the families receiving it, it is life-saving.”

We represent you, all those who extended their kindness, prayers, and support.

With heartfelt thanks, we acknowledge each donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this possible. Together, we are not just sending aid, we are sending hope, dignity, and solidarity to the people of Buner.

On behalf of the flood affectees of Daggar, Gokund, and Pir Baba, thank you for standing with us.

With prayers and gratitude,
Team Alif Laila Book Bus Society
(On behalf of all friends and families who contributed)