Roshni Foundation was set up by two educationists to address the needs of special persons. I guess the definition of special person is pretty ambiguous, but suffice it to say that they face challenges from society that most people take for granted. I discovered them while actually buying bread at a stored in Lahore about two years ago; the bread is made by their students in their own bakery, then sold at nice places all around town. I just had to see who these people were, and then also meet their students up close. I have to say the trip was amazing, and the warmth with which I was received was humbling.

Roshni tends to deal mainly with mentally challenged persons, particularly those who are older; since everyone should have a chance at trying to sustain themselves. Roshni provides day care, as well as vocational training in three fields (they have their own baking, textiles and woodworking workshops) to their students, and the proceeds from finished products’ sale go towards their own welfare.

I think it’s an an amazing place- particularly because in a country smitten by so much civic and judicial malaise, we have gems like Shahida and Hellmut Hannesen (the founders), who prove to me that even when the night is darkest, Pakistan is full of smart, innovative and resilient people whose compassion goes unnoticed because of the other quagmires they’re afflicted with. Please take some time to visit their website, connect with them if you like, and possibly donate.

Roshni Foundation Website:  http://www.roshni.org.pk/

Here’s a video of my trip (camera battery was low by the time I got to the bakery- which is why it’s not featured in the video unfortunately…)