The IHH executive committee officially opened an orphanage in Pakistan, that was the result of the hard work of a group of students who have given themselves the name “Help Street”.

 

Completed last month in the Haripur district, the “Dar-ul Erkam Orphanage” was opened with prayers by the executive comitte and the donors of the “Help Street” group of students. The council mayor of Haripur, Omer Eyup Khan and Chamber of Commerce President Ahmet Khan also took part in the opening.

 

 

The university student group starting selling handmade felt covered notebooks through fundraisers in 2012. This was the result of a vision that came together during World Orphan Solidarity day after the worst flooding of the century and its aftermath was witnessed by Hatice Yildirim Nac. Hatice Nac initially approached her teachers at the European Islamic University who at first advised her that the amount needed would have been far too high however they took the first steps towards the fundraising through an initial campaign.

 

Despite the high cost involved, those who were willing took on board the task of making and selling original hand made items. One of the students made a notebook from felt, which received a lot of attention, and through the power of social media also shared the idea with other university students. After opening more than 30 stands, the combined brotherhood grew and after two years succeeded in raising enough money to open a large orphanage.  To reflect the message of aiding each other, they chose the name “Help Street” for their group.

Housing 250 children between the ages of 5 and 12, the double story oprhanage was constructed with the support of IHH and the Kubaib Foundation in Pakistan. Taking two years to build, it cost 1million TL.

 

With its modern  and clean design through the kitchen, bathrooms, dining hall, offices, playroom, health clinic and tv room it provides a sense of home for those who can live their with the mothers.

 

Those living in the nearby district have shown great interest with their attendance at the official opening and the IHH representatives gave a tour and provided details to the mayor Omer Eyup Khan.

 

 

IHH team also distributed toys sent to the children from families in Turkey and provided food packs to the mothers of the children. The executive board also distributed toys to the children visiting the ceremony from nearby neighborhoods. After the distribution the executive team spent time playing with the children.