Zahra’s story
When Zahra Batool lost both her parents within months of each other, her world came crashing down.
Her mother, a respected Qaria who had dedicated her life to teaching the Qur’an, fell ill with a mysterious disease that baffled doctors. Despite every effort, she passed away, leaving Zahra, her siblings, and their father in deep grief.
But tragedy struck again.
Zahra’s father, who worked tirelessly as the in-charge of a local bus stop to provide for his family, suffered a fatal head injury after a fall. In an instant, five young children were left without parents, their lives thrown into uncertainty.
A Family Torn Apart
With no one immediately able to care for them, Zahra and her siblings were separated. Their grandfather, hoping to find support for their education and well-being, reached out to READ Foundation.
Through the Orphan Sponsorship Programme, Zahra and her younger sister were given the chance to continue their education in Bhimber, while their other siblings stayed with their grandmother in Gujranwala.
Despite the heartbreak of separation and loss, Zahra remained determined to honour her parents’ memory. She focused on her studies with quiet resilience and faith, supported by her grandmother’s care.
But just as Zahra was preparing for her exams, her grandmother sadly passed away.
“I felt as though my entire world had collapsed,” Zahra recalls. “For a moment, I considered giving up on my education.”
A Lifeline Through READ Foundation
During this difficult time, READ Foundation helped Zahra stay on track with her education and regain a sense of normalcy.
The staff reminded Zahra of her grandmother’s dreams and gave her the encouragement she needed to keep going.
“Their unwavering support became my strength,” she says. “They helped me believe that I could still build a better future.”
Today, Zahra lives with her grandfather’s sister in a modest home, continuing her education with hope and purpose.
Thanks to READ Foundation’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme, her school fees, uniforms, books, and even a quarterly stipend are fully covered.
This support allows her to study without worrying about survival.
Thousands of orphaned children like Zahra are waiting for the same chance to study, to dream, and to thrive.
Through your support, READ Foundation can continue providing education, care, and stability to children who have lost everything.
Sponsor an orphan today and become part of their story of hope.
