Introduction :

For our community service project in Civics, our group decided to work with an orphanage. Initially, we
faced challenges in reaching out to orphanages that would accept our help, as many of them did not
respond positively. However, we remained determined to make a meaningful contribution. We didn’t let
the distance or setbacks discourage us, and after persistent efforts, we finally found an opportunity at
Aghosh Foundation. This organization, located on Gauri Garden Street 3, Rawalpindi, is dedicated to
the care and support of orphaned children.

Our decision to work with orphanages came from a shared belief that children are the future of society
and deserve a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Orphanages provide a safe haven for
these children who lack family support, and we felt that it was our responsibility to contribute to their
well-being. By volunteering at an orphanage, we hoped to provide these children with not just material
support, but emotional encouragement and companionship. We understood that while they may not
have parents to turn to, they still have the potential to succeed and lead fulfilling lives with the right
support from the community.

After reaching out to Aghosh Foundation, we were introduced to the supervisor, Fayaz, who oversees
the organization’s operations. Fayaz was very welcoming and took the time to explain the foundation’s
mission, which is to provide care, education, and a sense of family to orphaned children. The foundation
has branches in several cities, expanding its reach and impact on children in need. Aghosh Foundation's
dedication to nurturing these children and providing them with opportunities to lead fulfilling lives
resonated deeply with us, and we were eager to get involved.

Once we met Fayaz and the team at the foundation, they outlined the specific needs of the children,
ranging from basic necessities to educational supplies and emotional support. They expressed their need
for volunteers who could contribute their time and skills to help enhance the children’s daily lives. We
immediately promised to support them in whatever capacity we could. We committed to working on
various aspects, such as organizing educational activities, helping with daily chores, and offering
companionship to the children.

Our group felt that by offering our time and skills, we could help make a difference in the lives of these
children. It was clear that, beyond just providing material support, we could also contribute to the
emotional well-being of the children by being there for them as role models and mentors. Despite the
foundation being located far from where we live, we didn’t hesitate to make the trip, understanding
that our effort could bring a positive change to the children’s lives.

We began our work with Aghosh Foundation with enthusiasm and dedication. Over the following weeks,
we worked closely with the children, learning from them as much as they learned from us. It was a
rewarding experience, one that allowed us to grow and reflect on the importance of giving back to the
community. Through our efforts, we were able to make a small but meaningful impact, and we hope to
continue supporting Aghosh Foundation in the future.

Interaction with the Kids:

At the beginning of our work at Aghosh Foundation, we were all quite nervous. This was our first
experience volunteering at an orphanage, and we didn’t know what to expect. However, when we met
the children, our nerves quickly disappeared. They were incredibly engaging and made us feel welcome
right away. It was heartwarming how quickly they warmed up to us, treating us as elder brothers. They
were so eager to interact with us, and some even made small requests, like asking for colors, just like
younger siblings would ask their older brothers. This created an instant bond and made us feel truly
special.

The children were much more well-behaved than we had anticipated. They greeted us with respect and
were excited to spend time with us. However, as we spent more time with them, we noticed that some
of the children lacked discipline. This was expected, as they were of varying ages, ranging from 8 to 16
years old. At this age, children are naturally curious and can sometimes struggle with following rules and
maintaining structure.

On the request of the supervisor, we took the opportunity to give them a brief lecture on the
importance of discipline. We explained how discipline plays a crucial role in personal growth and
success. Of course, we understood that they were still children, and we didn’t expect them to exhibit
complete discipline all the time. After all, they are at an age where they’re learning about the world and
testing boundaries. Despite this, we were happy to see that they were genuinely well-mannered overall,
and we felt grateful to be part of their journey in growing and learning.

Benefit on both side:

Working at the Aghosh Foundation has proven to be a mutually beneficial experience for both the
children and us. For the children, our presence and support offer them not only practical assistance but
also emotional and social development. Through our interactions, the children gain exposure to new
ideas, values, and ways of thinking. By engaging with them, we are able to introduce them to concepts
like discipline, teamwork, and responsibility—values that will help them as they grow older. Our
consistent involvement allows the children to feel valued, and it creates a sense of stability and trust,
which is essential for their emotional well-being. Moreover, the act of volunteering provides them with
positive role models, showing them that people care about their future and are willing to invest time
and effort in their lives. These experiences can help build their confidence and motivate them to strive
for success, knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

For us, working with the children has been a transformative experience. It has opened our eyes to the
challenges faced by orphaned children and the importance of community support in shaping their
future. We’ve gained a deeper understanding of empathy, patience, and responsibility. Working at the
orphanage has also enhanced our communication and leadership skills as we had to effectively interact
with children of different age groups and backgrounds. The bond we’ve created with the children has
been fulfilling, and the sense of satisfaction in knowing that we’ve made a positive impact in their lives is
truly rewarding. Additionally, the experience has encouraged us to be more compassionate and
proactive in contributing to our communities, teaching us the importance of giving back to those in
need.