We all think about giving back to the society by contributing towards a noble cause, but only those of us who are determined enough are able to convert their ideas into action. Rarer are people, who not only commit to a cause but also donate fortunes of their lifetime to charities that they believe in.
Mr. Salim Ahmad Zubairi, a former prominent banker, is one such individual who has donated earnings of his lifetime to The Hunar Foundation (THF), an NPO working to empower the marginalized youth with technical skills through six THF Institutes across Pakistan and making them gainfully employed.
Mr. Zubairi has donated to THF his share holdings in multiple listed companies as well as an apartment in Clifton. The total worth of the stocks and the apartment, which is located at a prime location in Clifton, Karachi, is around Rs.130 million.
The contribution was made by Mr. Zubairi in a gracious event held at THF’s Delhi Mercantile Society Technical Institute on Friday, December 22nd, 2017 in Karachi. The contribution would go towards establishing a state-of-the-art vocational training institute in Karachi and would benefit the deserving students of Pakistan for years to come.
Speaking on the occasion, THF Chairman Mr. Aslam Khaliq lauded Mr. Zubairi’s remarkable act of generosity and urged every good citizen to come forward and follow on the same footsteps.
About The Hunar Foundation (THF)
The Hunar Foundation (THF) is one of the largest non-profit organisations offering state-of-the-art technical and vocational training across Pakistan.
The Hunar Foundation (THF) was founded in 2008, by a dedicated group of individuals, some of whom are among the pioneers of The Citizen’s Foundation, The Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture, The Kidney Centre, Karachi Relief Trust, Chal Foundation and Indus Hospital.
Recognising that human resource development is the essential first step towards sustainable economic growth, THF initiated a movement to skill the motivated literate and semi-literate to provide training ‘with a difference’. The vision of the organisation is ‘A Skilled Pakistan’ with the goal of creating a new cadre of skilled Pakistanis, having better work ethics and improved moral and social values, with ‘Internationally recognized’ technical qualifications, to open up a new world of opportunities. The aim is for THF to act as a ‘catalyst’ for alleviating unemployment and accelerating economic growth.
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With 6 institutes already established and another set to be starting in July 2018 with an institute for girls, a boys’ campus and Teacher Training centre, THF plans to increase the number of purpose built ‘institutes of excellence’ and introduce more Teacher Training Institutes across the country by the year 2030, graduating 100,000 students annually. Even with 80% employability, this would make a contribution of over Rs. 35 billion per year to the economy.
The vision is to provide training of International Standards so that graduates can seek employment in local industries, as well as outside Pakistan. In addition to offering courses that are accredited by the Sindh/Punjab Trade & Testing Board, many of the courses/curriculum are approved by City and Guilds (C&G) UK, along with their certifications.
To date, more than 4,000 young adults have graduated from Hunar Institutes. Research shows that each employed person economically supports 7-8 other persons; as a result, over 30,000 lives have been positively impacted whose education and health are now catered for.
Most courses are approved by the London City and Guilds UK and qualifying students receive C&G Diplomas which are recognized in over 80 countries worldwide.
Hunar Foundation is in fact the pioneer in bringing international certification of vocational skills to Pakistan. Alongside vocational training, Hunar Foundation also includes courses on Life Skills, Etiquette, English Language and IT training, ensuring a well-rounded education…..a life changing experience for students.
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]To give your Zakat and donations call (021) 111-843-000, 0336-8288777 or visit our website: www.hunarfoundation.org. THF’s Zakat process is Shariah Compliant and accounts are audited by Ernst & Young.[/box]