Khpal Kor Foundation, located in the midst of Gulkada, Saidu Sharif, Swat is a well-established orphanage for girls and boys of district Swat. The Foundation offers provides all the basic amenities to these children, along with providing them free education.
“This has been my home since I can last remember, “ said Ali, a 8 year old boy resident of the Foundation.
The devastating floods of 2010 majorly affected the vast majority of poor population of Swat, destroyed the infrastructure of the district, led to an outbreak of diseases and displaced innumerable people, including little children. Khpal Kor Foundation also fell prey to these torrential floods, forcing the 2509 orphan boys already residents at the Foundation to move to Peshawar, where they were alternative arrangements were made for their shelter.
Upon the subsiding of the floods and during the recuperating phase, Khpal Kor Foundation identified 150 girl orphans in the district whom they wished to provide a home and free education to. With USAID’s support through a grant of $92,896 awarded to Khpal Kor Foundation under the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund Program, construction project of the first floor of the building began and an orphanage was ready within 10 months. With these orphans residing in the Foundation, child labor and potential child marriages reduced greatly in the district.
Children at Khpal Kor Foundation are now living a comfortable life in a clean and hygienic environment, with all basic amenities available to them. These girls are residing in 13 hostel rooms, with each room accommodating 12 girls. These girls are also receiving free education by the Foundation in a school facility being operated by them in the basement of this orphanage. Here they learn Urdu, Maths, General Knowledge, basic English and participate in various extra-curricular activities.
” I can play, and I am also studying here!! Thank you USAID – you are the best!!!!” said Kashmala, a 7 year old sweetheart.
