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		Special Children at Ujala School laugh and shine with Citibank DHA Branch Volunteers

Karachi- Our emotional fabric is nurtured to help loved ones. It’s quite instinctive to experience some sort of empathy when a close friend or relative suffers. It’s also quite normal to reach into your pockets and heart to free them of that suffering.

Indeed there are many unfortunate children that need your support and help. For a lucky few, however, there is hope in the form of Ujala School, which in its literal translation means ‘Ray of Light’. A school for approximately 80 special students which caters to their educational needs.

Today, 20 Citibank DHA Branch staff had the pleasure of volunteering for a day with the students of Ujala School, also known as “Parents Voice”. Preparations to collect donations and organizing drawing competition, spending value time with children helping them to learn, sing along songs and lunch boxes were well underway with generous help from everyone. Also, the school staff was in dire need of an electric water cooler, which was provided through Citi employee donations.

Ujala School like any other charity catering for humanity does need donations. More importantly however, they need volunteers to help and spend time with the residents. One teacher caters for two dozen or more children.

A few hours a week was well worth the effort. Sentiments of joy and satisfaction were shared by all the volunteers. This volunteer day is the launch of the “Branch Community Day “program initiated by Citibank, in line with its commitment to being a socially responsible organization and demonstrating support towards its surrounding communities.

Vaqar Hussain Khan, Branch Manager, Citibank DHA Shahbaz Branch said: “It was a great experience for all of us to spend quality time with the special children and be able to bring a smile to their faces. The personal satisfaction gained from this opportunity to share your blessings with the deserving is truly priceless. This school is in our branch neighborhood and even a little bit of difference we can make in their lives makes us feel honoured.”

Ms. Suraya, Principal, Ujala School, said: “The children were very excited to spend time with the volunteers and it was a day full of fun and excitement for them. We cannot thank the Citi volunteers enough.”

Citibank has a footprint of 21 branches in Pakistan in the following cities: Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Gujranwala. The goal is to undertake a similar community effort in the vicinity of many of our other branches.