The distribution took place yesterday at the St James School Primary School, in Gharo. Education is the path to economic and social redemption for young people and their families. Christians and Hindus are among the beneficiaries without distinction in the name of fraternity. Christian charities plan further cooperation.
Karachi (AsiaNews) – The Focolare team in Karachi (Sindh province), the local Caritas, and the Mission Commissions of the local archdiocese handed out books, stationery and food to poor children from the St James Primary School, in Gharo, a town in Thatta district.
Manzoor Masih, George Noronha, Shahzad, and Fabian Clive, with the help of other team members reached out to the poorer but deserving children for whom education represents a way up the social and economic ladder.
St James pupils are largely from Christian and Hindu farming families who live in the village of Gardi Bit, Gharo, about 70 km from Karachi, along the coastal strip of Keti Bandar.
Yesterday’s gifts were a source of joy for the children, who can count on this aid to continue their studies in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Inspired by Pope Francis’s ideal of fraternity, Christian charities have handed out food without distinctions of faith.
About 40 pupils received colouring books, stationery, rice, cold drinks and fruit juices, along with sweets. Catechists, priests and activists promoted moments of encounters and prayer, with people from different communities sharing their experiences.
In some cases, the poverty of some families and children, who are barely surviving, left a deep impression. For them, education is the means to improve their quality of life.
Focolare team leader Fabian Clive stressed the beauty of helping the poor and needy, and hopes they can continue this work in the future.
Mansha Noor, Caritas Karachi executive secretary, praised the movement’s work in favour of the weakest groups in society.
“Even these poor children can make a great contribution to the country’s development and the well-being of their families, if they are given resources and opportunities,” he said.
He hopes that Caritas and the Focolare team can strengthen their cooperation in the future in education and help for the poor.
One the beneficiaries of yesterday’s event was a 10-year-old 5th grade pupil, Ramo Hero, who said that “giving and sharing” are important.
“One day,” he explained, “I too will share all my possessions with other poor children and help others, just as I received the help of Caritas and the Focolare Movement.”