STC Faculty Heads Pakistan Earthquake Relief Efforts

It is difficult enough for a child to be torn away from a parent for a few hours or even days, but imagine the confusion of a child who has lost both parents and everything they called home in a matter of seconds. Statistics are still vague but the earthquake that shook Pakistan in October claimed over 85,000 lives and left hundreds and maybe thousands of children without parents.

The entire world mobilized efforts to provide relief to the injured and homeless. The Rio Grande Valley also took part with STC child development instructor Rubina Azhar leading the effort. Azhar set out on a mission to help the children of her native country.

In December, she traveled to Pakistan for several weeks with over $9,000 that was raised through donations from STC employees, students and community members. The local Pakistani Women’s Committee headed fundraisers, raffles, sales and auctions held at The Smoke Shack in McAllen. Through friends and family, people outside the Pakistani community came forward to donate money. Many STC club advisors also mobilized student organizations to hold fundraisers.

During the first few days in Pakistan, Azhar surveyed several relief camps to determine people’s needs. “My main concern was the destitute women and children that were left orphans after the earthquake,” noted Azhar.

After a couple of days, Azhar came across a relief camp that needed additional help. Daily essentials were the priority. Diapers, milk, food and clothing were provided to the destitute women and children in a relief camp near Aabpara, Islamabad.

Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, noted that the global mobilization of relief efforts seems even more urgent now since people are still living in tents and winter is approaching.

“The Pakistani government is doing its part to help out its people, but the effects of the earthquake are so widespread that they can’t do it alone,” Azhar said.

After the initial needs were met, Azhar developed a makeshift child development center and trained teacher volunteers. She purchased textbooks and toys for the center.

“The Pakistan government is working hard to reinstate a sense of normalcy,” said Azhar. “Providing the people with daily necessities keeps their minds off their unfortunate situations, at least for a while.”

The effort also served to break stereotypes of Americans. “People were surprised that Americans had sent over so much,” added Azhar. “They were clearly thankful that Americans had Pakistan in their hearts.”

The women and children of one relief camp sent a hand written letter to Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president, thanking her for allowing Azhar to visit them and bring so many things they desperately needed.

Money is still trickling in to the STC account set up for relief efforts.  “My goal is to get enough money to build a brick and mortar child/parent center,” noted Azhar. “Hopefully enough money comes in to allow for that.”

The Pakistani government’s efforts are currently focused on rebuilding homes for its people and Azhar hopes to add to that by building the center. Azhar has returned to STC in time to welcome students for the spring semester, but if donations increase from now until summer, she plans to return to Pakistan and see her goal come to fruition.

“I have received many calls from other organizations and foundations from out of state that want to contribute,” she added. Recently, the Stupski Foundation of California donated $1,500. The foundation funds efforts that allow children access to quality education.

Azhar extends her appreciation to Dr. Margaretha Bischoff, dean of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences division, Mike Shannon, director of Student Life, Jenny Cummings and the public relations staff and the many student organizations and advisors who contributed their efforts and donations.

“It was a gratifying experience to be able to help the women and children of Pakistan,” Azhar said. “But I wouldn’t have been able to experience this feeling without the support of all the people involved.”

For more information on how you can contribute to the Pakistan Relief Fund at STC contact Azhar at (956) 872-2188.

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Last Updated June 20, 2007