The Green Crescent Trust (GCT) has formally launched a Rs 900 million Ramazan fundraising campaign aimed at expanding quality education for disadvantaged children, coinciding with a large-scale recreational event for 777 orphaned students at the city’s historic Rani Bagh.
According to a GCT report on Tuesday, the day-long fun gala in Hyderabad brought together pupils from 65 GCT schools across 18 districts of interior Sindh, offering them joyrides and a special lunch. The event is part of a province-wide series designed to provide a sense of normal childhood for the 2,150 orphaned children enrolled in the Trust”s 173 charitable schools.
This gathering follows a similar function near the M-9 Motorway for over 1,300 students from Karachi and Thatta. The series of galas will conclude with a final event at Benazir Park in Sukkur, which is set to host more than 111 orphaned pupils.
In a statement, GCT Chief Executive Officer Zahid Saeed paid tribute to the Trust”s donors and patrons, whose sustained generosity enables the year-round care and education of the students. He gave special recognition to ICNA Canada (Islamic Circle of North America) for its comprehensive support of the orphan assistance programme.
“These children are being supported holistically-academically, socially and emotionally-so they can grow into confident, responsible citizens who contribute positively to Pakistan’s future,” Mr Saeed stated.
The CEO noted that GCT currently educates 34,660 students-over 40 per cent of whom are girls-across its school network in underprivileged areas of Sindh. He also highlighted recent fundraising successes, acknowledging that business communities in Lahore and Islamabad had pledged Rs 150 million towards the cause.
Mr Saeed pointed out that federal and provincial governments collectively spent a record Rs 3.2 trillion on education and health, emphasising that transparent use of these funds could rapidly transform the nation. He credited sustained philanthropic backing for establishing GCT as a key force for educational uplift in remote parts of Sindh over its 31-year history.
Looking ahead, Mr Saeed said the Trust is advancing its Vision 2030, with plans to expand its network to 250 charitable schools and reach 100,000 underprivileged children over the next five years. He also announced GCT”s intention to extend its educational mission beyond Sindh from 2026.
He affirmed the Trust”s commitment to collaborating with government bodies and non-profit organisations, mentioning existing partnerships with the Sindh Education Foundation and Mohammad Shafi Trust to jointly operate schools.
Volunteers from GCT’s Orphan Support Programme were present throughout the Rani Bagh event to ensure the safety and comfort of every child. The vital role of committed donors, many of whom remain anonymous, was warmly acknowledged for securing the education and well-being of the orphaned students in GCT”s care.