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March: Honoring our staff in Pakistan

March 2, 2008
Plan works with local communities in Pakistan on improving health care and education as well as promoting the rights of children. Plan played a leading role in Pakistan in the relief effort following the 2005 earthquake. PHOTO: Michael Diamond Plan USA eNews: Honoring our staff in Pakistan

In This Issue
More than just money in the pocket
10,000 water tanks — one united message
Meet one of the interns at Plan USA

Plan USA staff would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to all of our friends, family and coworkers in Pakistan.

Last Monday, February 25, three of our friends and colleagues, as well as a community volunteer, were killed in an attack by armed gunmen — a number of others were injured, some seriously. The men entered the office in Mansehra, before opening fire indiscriminately and then setting off three explosive devices. The office building was burned to the ground.

The outpouring of sympathy from our supporters has been truly heart warming. If you would like to add your voice to theirs, please write to DonorRelations@planusa.org. We will ensure that all condolences reach the staff and families in Mansehra.

While Plan operations in Pakistan have been suspended for the time being, our staff remains dedicated to the children and families we work with. In recognition of that dedication the following article tells the story of one of the many families benefiting from Plan programs in Pakistan.

Information for sponsors:If you sponsor a child in Pakistan, you will receive a separate update on the situation.

The Rasool family's income has tripled since Ghulam began his new career, allowing for the purchase of a motorcycle and other household assets. Most importantly, according to Ghulam, their children are now in school. PHOTO: Plan staff More than just money in the pocket
For years, Ghulam Rasool earned his livelihood by looking after the farm animals of a wealthy landowner. In return, he received 1,500 rupees (US$ 25) a month and the use of a two room mud hut for himself, his wife and his six children. Also housed in the hut were the landlord’s two cows. Ghulam barely earned enough to feed his family and could not afford to send any of his children to school. The only item his family could call their own was a bicycle.

Without regular income (his pay was often late) and assets, Ghulam found he was unable to access credit – even from the local shopkeeper. With a wife, six children and two elderly and ailing parents he shared responsibility for looking after, Ghulam knew he had to improve his family’s financial situation.

How did Plan help Ghulam increase his family's monthly income almost seven-fold?

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Plan Kenya and Roto Moulders have teamed up to ensure that 10,000 water tanks to be distributed across Kenya over the next year will bear a message calling for united action on violence against children. PHOTO: Alf Berg 10,000 water tanks — one united message
Plan Kenya has teamed up with leading water tank manufacturer, Roto Moulders, to have every water tank sold in Kenya over the next year bear a sticker with a message calling for united action on violence against children.

Do you support “Tukomeshe dhuluma dhidi ya watoto”?

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Meet one of the interns at Plan USA
After an eye-opening visit to Nepal following highschool, Kira Munk-Wells knew she wanted to work in the non-profit development world.

"I think a single event can change your life. I believe this because it happened to me. I went to Nepal at the end of high school, to do an independent project about poverty and its effects on children. I visited a community for lepers, an orphanage, a hospital and a school – all run by the same nonprofit. The things that I heard and saw had a great impact on me."

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