A contingent of RCK New Central executive members, the media and representatives of GEAR (Generating Employment Alternatives for Self Reliance) gathered at Juma Goth village in Ibrahim Hyderi to mark the successful completion of the housing project for the rain-affected families of Juma Goth. The event was graced by the present District Governor of Rotary District 3271, Dr Prof Farhan Essa Abdullah.

Gathering at a community hall in the area where GEAR provides vocational training to those interested in learning, club President Alia Hasan spoke about the plight of the residents of the area who had suddenly found themselves without a roof over their heads. She said, “After an initial survey by us, our club decided that funds would be raised to rehabilitate these families, and I am proud to say we did it through our own resources. The completion of 25 homes within a month of the survey, however, could not have been possible without the untiring and selfless efforts of the GEAR team.”

Mr Farooq and Mr Zameer Hussain from GEAR also shed light on the ongoing need for support and relief work, as did the community leader of the area. DG Farhan Essa appreciated the efforts of the club and offered to sponsor two more houses. Representatives of a few of the rehabilitated families were also present on the occasion – invitees to the event had been restricted owing to Covid-19 — and were presented quilts for the oncoming winter months as well as hygiene packages, and gift bags for children, while the others would be delivered the same to their homes.

After the briefing, everyone was taken into the village to see the completed homes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with DG Farhan Essa doing the honours.

RCK New Central is a relatively new club in District 3271 having come into existence only last year, founded by charter president Shanaz Ramzi. District 3271 is one of hundreds of Districts governed by Rotary International, the longest running professional service organisation in the world. There are more than 35,000 clubs worldwide with an upwards of 1.5 million members, known as Rotarians.

GEAR (Generating Employment Alternatives for Self Reliance) is a registered Welfare Trust in Pakistan. Their ideology is to provide financial support to skilled individuals for their self-survival with honour and dignity. GEAR not only provides financial support but also helps people earn their own livelihood. Their main aim is to achieve long term social stability and business sustainability of the family.