PWDs
The story of Umeed Gah begins long before the organization was founded. It begins with Ms. Salma Bahadur, a polio survivor since the age of three, whose life challenges shaped her into a woman of extraordinary courage and compassion. In 1993, a compassionate Dutch volunteer, Mr. Cees Wijnands, arrived in Pakistan to complete three years of service with the Franciscan Order. During one of his visits to Trahatgah, where Salma received treatment, he noticed something unusual despite struggling with her own physical challenges, Salma showed deep love, attention, and care for the disabled children around her, especially those who were mentally or physically challenged.
Mr. Cees was already training and guiding various NGOs working for disabled children in Karachi. He saw something in Salma that she herself had never recognized. He asked: “Salma, would you like to work with me? We are conducting a survey to find out how many special children live in our nearby communities.” Salma had never done a job before, but her heart said yes. With her mother’s permission, she began the journey that would transform her life visiting different areas of Karachi with Mr. Cees, identifying children who urgently needed support. The survey opened her eyes to the massive, hidden suffering of thousands of special children. Seeing her dedication, Mr. Cees trained her personally, took her across different cities of Pakistan, and motivated her to grow. During this time, Salma would attend therapy sessions in the afternoon and NGO training sessions in the morning. With his guidance, they first established a small initiative called Umeed-e-Nau.
PWDs
In 2007, Salma told her mentor: “Brother, I want to establish a proper organization for these children. There are so many who need us.” Mr. Cees didn’t hesitate. “Salma, start the institution. I will support you financially. But you must run it with the strength and support of the people of Pakistan.” And with this promise, Umeed Gah Rehabilitation Welfare Trust was born. Since that day, Mr. Cees has remained Salma’s mentor, guardian, and guiding light, helping her grow personally and professionally.
With his encouragement, Salma traveled across Pakistan and internationally attending seminars, visiting NGOs, receiving specialized training, and even visiting the Netherlands in 2017, where she studied different rehabilitation models. Every step she took, every training she completed, was for one purpose: “…so that I can serve these children better.” Today, after decades of struggle, learning, and sacrifice, Ms. Salma Bahadur stands as a symbol of hope a woman who dedicated her entire life, including her youth, dreams, and personal choices, to uplift children with disabilities. Through her leadership, Umeed Gah has grown into a holistic welfare trust providing therapy, rehabilitation, education, food, medical support, empowerment, and community outreach to countless families. Her journey is not just inspiring — it is a reminder that true change begins with a single brave heart.
The other hand we denounticy with righteou indg ation and le men who are so beguiled an moment.Dislike men who care by the charms of pleasur
The other hand we denounticy with righteou indg ation and le men who are so beguiled an moment.Dislike men who care by the charms of pleasur
The other hand we denounticy with righteou indg ation and le men who are so beguiled an moment.Dislike men who care by the charms of pleasur
The other hand we denounticy with righteou indg ation and le men who are so beguiled an moment.Dislike men who care by the charms of pleasur
In publishing and graphic design, Lorem ipsum is a placeholder text commonly used to demonstrate the visual form
In publishing and graphic design, Lorem ipsum is a placeholder text commonly used to demonstrate the visual form
In publishing and graphic design, Lorem ipsum is a placeholder text commonly used to demonstrate the visual form
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