Pakistan > Islamabad > Help ISOI help Pakistan: Flood relief
30 March 2011
Even though flood waters have receded, and Pakistan is no longer making headline news, it still needs help.
The remarkable and resilient International School of Islamabad (ISOI) has been a stalwart beacon of stability through national turmoil, riots, earthquakes and now the flood - remaining open and offering top notch education, no matter what.
Knowing ISOI would have organised sound and reliable channels for flood assistance, the GSGI contacted the school in September to see how our readers could help.
For information on direct donations to flood efforts and other ISOI projects (such as an international Readathon) to generate funds and relief goods, visit the ISOI Flood Relief page. Don't miss the excellent school-produced video on the right, featuring narration by the students, stunning facts, and appalling pictures.
Letter from the ISOI Principal
1 September 2010
We have been hearing from several international schools and US based donors who want to be sure their funds are used for those in need. Many, understandably, want to be sure the supplies are going to those truly in need and that the students are able to at least see photos that show what their efforts produced. Unfortunately, ISOI has had an abundance of experience with relief work. We are honored to be trusted to ensure that the funds are used to benefit those most in need.
We have found that unlike the earthquake and the Internally Displaced Millions, we are unable to send our own personnel to distribute the supplies…at least not yet. There are serious warnings concerning terrorist attacks on those distributing aid, and the people are so desperate, they have been attacking supply vehicles.
We have thoroughly investigated the best way to reach those beyond the main distribution centers. We are using funds to purchase hygiene and household supplies to put together into backpacks. Food distribution seems more organized; however, necessary hygiene supplies are not being addressed for many.
We are also supporting an NGO that has arranged for the goods to be directly delivered to people stranded on the river banks. We know that as the weather gets colder, the need for warm blankets, shoes and clothing will become critical as well. We are hoping to have school personnel deliver these supplies. I doubt our students will be able to do so because of security concerns.
We have several initiatives going here at school to raise funds and accumulate relief goods. I have no way of accepting donations in kind, since getting anything that could be sold for profit out of the airport is impossible. If you would like to participate in our relief efforts, I can assure you that your help will go far and will reach those more in need, especially as the cold weather sets in north of us in October.
I know we will be able to ensure that people in need directly receive materials purchased with these funds without incurring “administrative costs”. Our own procurement department will purchase the materials. This will be a long range relief project. We are a small school and welcome all those willing to help us help others.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts, care and concern for the people of Pakistan.
Letter from Rose Puffer, Superintendent of the International School of Islamabad