May 2011 : The Midland Doctors team visits the plot for the village on the 1st May 2011. Construction is due to begin the following day. |
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May 2011 to Dec 2012 : During these 20 months, the building work was undertaken. As with other Midland Doctors projects, care was taken to use donors money wisely and efficiently, aiming to product the maximum effect for each pound donated. At the same time, there was also a strong focus on ensuring that the homes were of a high standard and earthquake resistant. In addition, the entire site was raised by 2 feet to improve its resiliance to flooding in the future. The Pakistan Medical Association were also partners in the project, and handled the on-site project management. In additon, the project was also very honoured by a donation of £105,000 from the Edhi Foundation, who came on board with the project following a viewing of the buildings under construction. |
Site Project Manager Dr Shoaib highlights the allocation process of the houses. “A social worker was employed who carried out a detailed survey of the surrounding areas and after an extensive review process around 100 families were selected to be most deserving. It was emotionally very difficult to choose the most deserving ones amongst the desperately poor families.” |
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The naming of the village : This email from Dr Javed Ahmed tells the story of how the village was given the name “Nur Goth” (literally “Place of Light”) |
“I write this email with mixed emotions of joy, Gratitude, pride and happiness. |
The first glimpse of Nur Goth was a very emotional and surreal experience. This village has been named after my beloved daughter Nur who we sadly lost following a heart operation on 19th July 2012. We were very touched and honoured when Dr Iftikhar announced that Midland Doctors and PMA had decided to name this village to honour the memory of our daughter. Nur was a truly blessed soul who always had a smile on her face, and had the ability to brighten up the most darkest and bleakest hour through her smile. She had the enormous ability to carry on in the face of worse adversity. Nur symbolised hope and Light. |
It was very heart-warming to see families already settling into their new homes. I could see smoke coming out of the kitchens and children running around in their new homes with their very own boundary wall and a proper gate. It is likely that for the first time in their lives, these families have experienced the luxury of running water in taps , attached bathrooms, electric fans and light bulbs. |
Dr Javed Ahmed
Consultant Surgeon and father of our beloved Nur |
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Dec 2012 : This week, the team at Midland Doctors oversaw an historic milestone – the inauguration of the Nur Goth Village project in Pakistan; built and supported by Midland Doctors, the PMA and the Edhi Foundation. |
The creation of a village and community was born in response to the devastating 2010 floods, which destroyed many lives of men, women and children – in particular the poor and vulnerable who could afford it least. Now, thanks to our generous Midland Doctors supporters, the village has been released to 100 poor families who will benefit from housing, solar power and amenities such as a medical centre and schooling. |
The inauguration’s guest of honour was Mr Abdul Sattar Edhi – philanthropist who is best known for humanitarian work throughout Pakistan. The Edhi Foundation runs the world’s largest ambulance service and operates free nursing homes, orphanages, clinics, women’s shelters, and rehab centres for drug addicts and mentally ill individuals. |
Dr Javed (Midland Doctors Vice Chair) gave his perspective on the Village, “It was very heart-warming to see families already settled into their new homes. I could see smoke coming out of the kitchens and children running around in their new homes. They probably for the first time in their lives experienced the luxury of running water in taps, attached bathrooms, electric fans and light bulbs (powered by Solar Panels). |
Dr Shoaib (Nur Goth Village Project Manager) shared his thoughts, “Seeing the school full of children is so heartening to see. I hope all the donors see how they have impacted so many families and how their support will endure for many years as these children get an opportunity that would not have been even conceivable 2 years ago. Theirs is the future.” |
The final words of thanks must go to the dedication of Dr Shoaib. The last fifteen months of his life were completely devoted to the construction of Nur Goth. It has been a true Labour of love for him. No construction company was involved. There was no compromise on quality; there were no short cuts. Between looking after his own business and family commitments he managed to Travel between Karachi and Gujju several times a week (sometimes twice a day). We all thank you! |
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“We are very happy here particularly because we are able to educate our children here” |
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“Education is essential to improve our lives and is the only way to eliminate poverty” |
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