August 16, 2003

Cool drops of rain poured down as one entered the SOS Children’s Village premises. Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) had organized a week long summer camp for more than 150 orphan children of SOS Children’s Village recently. The camp was full of daily exciting and inspirational activities, as well as learning opportunities such as arts and crafts, sporting events, painting, photography competition, educational and recreational excursions, horse back riding, special snacks and meals, musical programmes, and more. This was the 5th consecutive year that FESF hosted a camp for the children.

It was visible from the faces of the young children that they really appreciated and enjoyed the camp. More than fifty volunteers, most from different schools and colleges all over Karachi, participated and provided a helping hand all through the week-long event. “It is always mesmerizing to see how loving these children are. I have been coming here for the past five years and as one gets to know these children, he or she develops a bond, a relationship with them,” said Henna, a zealous volunteer.

The last day of the Camp was most exciting as few of the children from the village, the volunteers and HeartBeat, FESF’s lively show troupe performed for the rest of the village. The children and the volunteers performed little skits and dances while HeartBeat sang some of their famous numbers as well as some popular Pakistani songs. “What we get out of an event like this is lots of love, appreciation and respect from these unfortunate kids. We try to provide them with a platform where they can have fun and learn at the same time. Seeing them happy and smiling is what gives us encouragement and satisfaction,” said Mary from FESF.

As for FESF, it is a non-profit, educational, volunteer organization established in Pakistan in 1984. Unlike other non-profit organizations in Pakistan, their mission is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community, specially those who are disadvantaged.

The credit of this rather well organized summer camp goes to Mr Richard Geary, Director FESF, Mary and their entire team. Organizing a summer camp is not that big a deal but organizing one which is meant specially for these unfortunate children with the aim of putting a smile onto the faces of these children who need extra love, hope and encouragement in their lives, is a very generous thought.