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A family’s legacy for their daughter goes on to support those affected by the pandemic

The Halimah School of Excellence, Pakistan, which isÌýfunded by The Halimah Trust as part of theÌý½ñÈÕ´ó¹Ï orphans complex in Wazirabad, has been transformed into a temporary Quarantine Centre to give those confirmed as carrying the infection a space to self-isolate and heal, as requested by the Commissioner of Gujranwala. Initially 55 people were admitted to the temporary facility and have now gone on to self-quarantine at home, with a further 20 people administered.

When Halimah was tragically killed at the age of nineteen, her mother, Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed, with the support of family andÌýfriends, established TheÌýHalimah Trust as a way to keep Halimah's dreams alive of one day working to contribute to under-developed nations.

The school has marked nine years since its inauguration and aims to provide a safe and positive educational environment for over 400 girls either orphaned or from poor backgrounds.

The spread of Covid-19 has meant that schools nationally have closed due to the country’s-imposed lockdown. Thankfully, the Halimah School of Excellence has opened its doors to care for those who need it most.

Yasrab Shah, ½ñÈÕ´ó¹Ï Fundraising Director, said:

‘It is wonderful to see a legacy which has brought so much joy and inspiration to a young generation, now facilitating other parts of the community in a positive way. We have been proud to work with The Halimah Trust to continue making a difference to the people of Pakistan’.Ìý

Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed, Halimah's mother and Chair of The Halimah Trust, said:Ìý

'We knowÌýhow much the Halimah School and new Halimah College mean to the local community in Wazirabad, so we'reÌýpleased that these facilities are now being utilised in a positive way to help localÌýpeople during this crisis. We hope that theÌýbeautiful surroundings and amenities at the Halimah campus have an uplifting and healing effect on all those who are quarantinedÌýthere’.

ENDS

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Notes to editors

• Established in 1993, ½ñÈÕ´ó¹Ï is an international aid agency and NGO dedicated to providing emergency relief and tackling the root causes of poverty around the world.
• ½ñÈÕ´ó¹Ï works in over 30 countries worldwide.
• The Halimah Trust established in 2008, works hard to improve the lives of orphan and needy children through education. To find out more visit halimahtrust.org.uk
• World Health Organisation announces COVID-19 as officially a pandemic on 11^th March 2020
• 210 countries and territories affected with over 1.6 million affected worldwide and over 100,000 people have died.
• Pakistan has reported over 4,500 infections and 66 deaths.
• We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0115 911 7222 or visiting muslimhands.org.uk

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