Akram and Razia
About Akram & Razia
We met Akram and Razia through strong references of great character and a determined work ethic.
Barely literate and without any formal education, both of them were working unskilled jobs desperately trying to provide for their family.
They are a typical example of the many hard-working, low-income families in Pakistan.
Akram worked the entire day, 6 days a week, but was still only able to make $100-120 every month, half of what the family needed to survive.
Razia was often preoccupied with looking after their two young daughters, unable to work or supplement the family income.
Trying their best to make ends meet, they took on many roles, such as maid, gardener, handyman, housekeeper, cook, or chauffeur. These
are low-paying, dead-end jobs that provide very little and, along with the rising prices of basic goods, their family faced extreme poverty.
Donate for Self-Reliance
Akram and Razia.
Rickshaw donated by Sadaat Aid
Our Impact
The family was only able to rent a small room, and even after immense cost cutting, Akram and Razia would need to skip meals to ensure their children do not go hungry.
Putting their children first meant both of the parents started to lose weight and were in generally poor health. On more than one occasion,
Razia had to mix water into her daughters' milk so that it appeared as a full glass and comforted her children.
They needed immediate assistance, before the onset of malnutrition begun to affect their daughters.
Sadaat Aid researched many options for Akram and Razia, with the goal to make sure that they were able to educate their daughters, as well as
being able to financially support themselves. After much research, SAF decided the best option was to purchase a second-hand rickshaw that Akram
would use to earn a living taxiing passengers around Karachi. Initially, the rickshaw would be owned by SAF, and once Akram had proved his proficiency
as a rickshaw driver, ownership would be handed over to him and his family.
Why a Rickshaw?
Upon surveying and interviewing many rickshaw drivers in the city of Karachi, the unanimous answer by all of them was that an average
rickshaw driver would be able to make $12 per day, and $250-370 per month, two to three times what the family usually makes.
There are some expenses in running the rickshaw, but it would still allow enough left over for the family to eat well and send their children to school.
We decided to purchase instead of rent, because many 'investors' who rent rickshaws in Karachi have explotative methods, usually demanding 50% of the drivers earnings
for the day. This negates any benefit for drivers, and those who rent rickshaws aren't any better off.
A new rickshaw costs around $2000, while a rickshaw in fairly used condition with possible maintenance hurdles costs $1000. We opted to acquire a lightly-used
1-year old rickshaw for $1600 in very decent condition, through the generous and wholehearted contributions of our donors.
Inside the rickshaw.
Conclusion
Akram had always worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and now his efforts with rickshaw driving are providing much better compensation. Razia continues to work part-time to supplement the income, while taking time to attend to her children. Both of them are looking forward to provide their children with a healthy diet, living essentials, and schooling. Their children are now able to afford education that will allow them to live a better, healthier life!
Our Short Appeal
This is one of many families whose future has been changed from bleak to hope-filled, an undertaking that required countless man hours and immense effort from SAF volunteers. We hope to continue helping one family or one person at a time, so if you ever feel like changing fate, giving hope to a child through education, or simply like what we do, donate to us. Akram & Razia's family, and many others, are forever grateful for people like you!
Update from January 2015
It has been over an year since we first met Akram, Razia, and their two wonderful daughters. We are ecstatic to tell you that they are all doing well! Akram has properly used this opportunity to earn a respectable living, and has been able to meet his family's expenses. Education is finally manageable and the eldest daughter is attending school! She goes after eating a breakfast and with a packed lunch. With the added income, the family is even able to save for an emergency fund, which is crucial when it comes to avoiding falling back into poverty. SAF has handed over the complete ownership of the rickshaw to Akram & Razia. We can barely contain our happiness, and wish them all the best in the future!
Akram's family with his rickshaw.