Alumnus Empowers Widows in Bannu for a Better Tomorrow

Lying in bed with a three day old baby by her side, Sogida Anar Gul felt like the roof was caving in when her husband died and she became the sole breadwinner of the family. Life had not been easy before, but after his death, even getting two square meals a day proved a challenge.  She had no choice but to send her children to work (instead of school) to provide for the family.

Finally help arrived in the form of Mutawakkil Ahmad Abbasi, who had an innovative idea to help underprivileged women like Gul. The UGrad Alumnus designed a micro-entrepreneurship livestock program for five struggling widows in Bannu, so that they could sustain their families by selling the milk and send their children to school. About 26 people benefited in total from the project.

“I was motivated to help the widows because my own father passed away in 2012,” said Abbasi. “I can relate to the children and understand the financial crisis that their families are going through.”

UGrad Alumnus Mutawakkil Ahmad Abbasi

Before embarking on the UGrad program, Abbasi was studying for his B.S. in economics in Pakistan and was also involved in volunteering.  His U.S. exchange experience helped him polish his skills to give back to the community.

“The U.S taught me how to lead volunteer work and think on a broader scale, while before I would just carry out the work under an organization,” he said.

This experience coupled with his business background led the Abbasi to design a micro-entrepreneurship project to help generate employment opportunities for widows and reduce child labor.

The Pakistan-U.S Alumni Network (PUAN) stepped in to fund Abbasi’s initiative through an Alumni Small Grant.  All alumni of U.S sponsored exchange programs in Pakistan are eligible to apply for the grant to help them to give back to their communities.

Mumtaz Umer Ali Shah was one of the widows who benefited from Abbasi’s project. Her husband died three years ago leaving her and her four young children dependent on charity. The livestock she received has enabled her to become more self-reliant. “I feel very happy, when I earn something for my house and make a living,” Shah said.

Zainab who hopes to become a doctor when she grows up, showing off her new school bag

Abbasi selected the beneficiaries through a detailed application and interview process.  The second step entailed identifying and buying the right livestock. Abbasi’s uncle, who owns a farm, helped the alumnus identify the milk-producing buffaloes.

And then came Abbasi’s favorite part. At 8 a.m. on one cold morning in December, he took 13 children shopping. First they purchased shoes and school uniforms and it was quite an experience getting the perfect color and fit for everyone, Abbasi says. “All the boys wanted Superman and Spiderman bags,” said the alumnus chuckling.

Sogida’s daughter Nazia Anar Gul used to sell soap powder to support her family, before Abbasi stepped forward to help. But now she enjoys going to school.

“I felt very happy when we bought new clothes and shoes because I looked very beautiful in my new uniform,” Gul said.

For seven-year-old Mehrana Umer Ali Shah going to school has helped open new avenues and he hopes to become a doctor someday.

Suleman Anar Gul who benefited from Abbasi’s project happy to be going to school

“I really enjoy going to school because I like studying,” said Shah.

Seeing these children have the chance to go to school as a result of the micro-entrepreneurship program makes Abbasi proud of his efforts, because he can see the difference the project has made in his community.

“I feel very satisfied as I have achieved a milestone. At the same time, I also feel emotional as I have been able to help out families like my own,” he said.

The alumnus has since been contacted by more than 200 widows asking if he can help—an overwhelming, figure, but Abbasi has a plan to make the project sustainable. When the calves of the five original cows mature, he plans to place them with five more needy widows. Then when those calves give birth, 10 more families will benefit, proving that an Alumni Small Grant can go a long way in creating meaningful positive change in society.

For more on Mutawakkil Ahmad Abbasi’s ASG project, visit:

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