ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: As many as 1,300 children in Pakistan Baitul Mal’s (PBM) orphanage ‘Sweet Homes’ have been sponsored by private institutions and philanthropists, said Zamarud Khan, chairman PBM.

The chairman PBM spoke at an agreement signing ceremony with Baitul Kubra and Shah-e-Fazal Trust.

As per agreement 200 children would be sponsored by the two private institutions.

According to the agreement the two institutions will provide finances to PBM for 14 years, which includes upbringing, education and training of these children.

“All expenses for their education, lodging, food and other requirements will be borne by the institutions or individuals who have taken the responsibility to sponsor them.

Baitul Mal arranges quality education for these children by admitting them in institutions of repute”, added chairman PBM.

Chairman PBM Zamarud Khan said that the Sweet Homes project was attracting social workers, philanthropists and welfare organisations for the sponsorship of orphan children.

It is because of the transparency and performance of these orphanages that many philanthropists and welfare organisations were taking a keen interest, said Mr Khan.

In these Sweet Homes, every child is given attention individually and collectively, in order to connect them to the mainstream society.

They (orphans) are imparted education and training in a pleasant and friendly environment, he added.

The PBM head said that so far 3,000 orphan children have been enlisted through the Sweet Homes project.

Orphan children especially those whose parents died in bomb blasts and terrorist attacks and others who have no financial support were enlisted in the Sweet Homes, he added.

“They (orphans) will be imparted quality education and training in well-reputed institutions for 14 years till their graduation,” said Mr Khan.