Lahore : A delegation from the United Kingdom visited a khana badosh community nomadic settlement in Jutt Chowk, Thokar Niaz Baig, on the outskirts of Lahore. The visit was led by Dr. Javed Iqbal Gondal, Chief Executive Officer of Brooke Pakistan. The delegation from UK-Brooke included Emma Buckley, Howard Mundy, Steve, Klare, Daniel, Dr. Manuchahar and Dr. Imran Kabir.
Upon their arrival, the guests were warmly welcomed by the staff of Godh. They were presented with bouquets, while flower petals were showered over them and they received a traditional welcome to the beat of drums.
During the visit, the guests inspected an eye camp organized at the settlement, where hundreds of residents living in makeshift shelters benefited from eye disease screening, medical consultations, treatment, preventive guidance, and free medicines.
The guests also visited the makeshift homes of the nomadic community and learned about their daily lives and living conditions. Director Godh, Nazir Ghazi, briefed the visitors on the importance and usefulness of recycled bags and their role in promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Later, the guests visited a school for children of equine owners, including horse, donkey, and mule owners. At the Equine Welfare Centre, they were briefed on the treatment and welfare services provided for working animals.
During the school visit, the guests were shown portraits and information displays placed in the school courtyard, featuring the contact numbers and addresses of organisations providing services to citizens. The initiative aims to ensure that local residents can easily access these organizations and services whenever needed.
The visitors also toured different classrooms and interacted with teachers and students, asking them various questions. They expressed great happiness and appreciation when the children responded correctly.
The British guests also noticed various educational charts displayed on the classroom walls and asked the children to identify the flag of the United Kingdom. The children correctly identified the flag, which brought great joy to the visitors.
The school teachers also highlighted the shortage of certain facilities and essential items at the institution and requested the guests to pay attention to these needs.
A cultural programme was also organised as a special feature of the event, during which local nomadic artists showcased their traditional skills and performances. Participants were also briefed about various initiatives being launched through the collaboration between Brooke and Godh. These projects aim to promote education while also enabling local communities to ensure the welfare and protection of their animals.
As part of the effort to promote local culture, peace, love, and brotherhood, the guests were presented with traditional turbans. The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the distinguished guests as a token of appreciation and honour.
