Written by Ayman Farooqui, Edited by Heiko Schrader

Dear Friends of the Hope Project, July, 2026 No. 50

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support towards The Hope Project. It is you who enable us to continue our work of upliftment of the marginalized communities through education, health and live-lihood programmes. Your selfless support creates meaningful opportunities for children and families from underprivileged communities.

We are pleased to share some important updates of activities of past six months and the upcoming activities.

Leadership Transition and Continued Commitment
A significant chapter in the journey of The Hope Project has come to a close with the retirement announce-ment of Mr. Samiur Rahman, whose dedicated leadership and service from June, 2010 until now have played a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the organization over the years. His vision, professionalism, com-mitment, and backbreaking efforts have contributed immensely to the growth of programmes that continue to benefit thousands of community members. Samiur: we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts and hope that you will give us further advice.

As The Hope Project enters a new phase, until a new ED will be found, operations and programme activities continue under the guidance of an Interim Management Team. The team remains committed to upholding the values and mission of the organization, ensu-ring that the needs of the communities served remain at the centre of all interventions. So far, the team has conducted 3 meetings and it will make sure to meet once in a fortnight for the smooth functioning of the office. It is in close connection with the Board of the HP.

Kids In Nature: News from the Construction Site in Rajasthan
A major milestone has been achieved with the completion of the boundary wall around the entire KIN property, except for the disputed portion of land. This wall has considerably enhanced the safety and security of the campus protecting the space for future educational and environmental initiatives.

Landscaping work is continued to transform KIN into a learning space with vibrant greenery. During the previous rainy season, it was experienced that uncontrolled water flow resulted in damage to parts of the landscape due to inadequate drainage arrangements.

In response, the landscape architect has been engaged to guide the ongoing development of the campus. Appropriate measures have been designed and implemented to address drainage and water-flow management issues. This will help to protect the landscape from future damage. This will also support the long-term sustainability and development of the site in ecological manner.

The KIN campus also welcomed 5 students and 2 teachers from the German School and 1 teacher and 4 students from Hope Non-Formal School this year. The visit provided opportunities for interaction, cultural exchange, and crea-tive expression. As part of the activities, students collaborated in painting colourful murals on doors adding beauty, creativity, and a sense of ownership to the environment.

Annual Day Celebration: Dedicated to the Founder of the Hope Project

Annual Day was celebrated on 17th June with great enthusiasm on the occasion of the Urs of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan.

The commemoration began with a visit to the Dargah of Hazrat Inayat Khan, followed by a Chadar Ceremony at the shrine of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan followed by prize distribution to the students, kids, and community women under the criteria of attendance, performance and behaviour.

Preparing for the 100th Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan (05 Ferb, 2027)

The year 2027 will mark the 100th Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan. This is going to be a historic and deeply significant occasion commemorating a century of his enduring legacy of love, peace, harmony, and service to humanity. It was Pir Zia‘s and Gulrukh‘s initiative to make Hope more visible in this event.

The Hope Project is preparing to actively engage its beneficiaries, staff and volunteers for this landmark event. It will ensure a series of educational, cultural, and creative initiatives inspired by Hazrat Inayat Khan‘s teachings and values.

Children and youth from various programmes will be encouraged to participate through:
• Skits and Plays reflecting the life of Hazrat Inayat Khan and his teachings of peace, unity, compassion, and social responsibility
• Drawings inspired by the message of harmony among people of different cultures and faiths
• An exhibition showcasing student creativity, learning journeys, and community achievements
• Music and cultural presentations celebrating diversity and shared human values
• Community Walks for the visitors and interested people.
• Alumni Meets for beneficiaries who have benefited from various educational, vocational training and youth forum will have the opportunity to share their stories of transformation.

We also plan to showcase the impact of The Hope Project‘s work over the years through displays, presentations,
and interactions with visitors from India and abroad.

Through meaningful participation and community engagement, The Hope Project hopes to make this historic occasion a memorable learning experience for all involved.

Excellence in Higher Education

A noteworthy achievement has been recorded in the area of higher education with two of our students securing admission to regular undergraduate courses in colleges affiliated with the University of Delhi, marking an important milestone not only in their individual journeys but also in the educational advancement of the communities we serve.

One student has been admitted to the B.A. (Honours) Hindi programme at Janaki Devi Memorial College, while another has secured admission to the B.A. (Honours) History programme at Swami Shraddhananda College, University of Delhi.

Over the years, the early marriages in girls in this community have reduced to a significant number. The awareness spread by The Hope Project for education of girls and their upliftment through professional courses, livelihood skills and higher education have borne fruitful results. Year by year, students add up to the tapestry of higher education supported by us who are pursuing regular courses from prestigious colleges.

EWS Admissions Through Support Classes
It is heartening to share that this is for the first time that 12 students secured admission under the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category in public schools, namely, Little Flowers Public Sr. Sec. School, National Victor Public School, Victor Public School, Pooja Model School and Zeenat Mahal Govt. Sarvodaya Girls Sr. School.

The Hope Project started support classes at Jafrabad to provide academic support and educational guidance to children who belong to economically disadvantaged families. Over the years, we have often seen them struggling to keep pace with formal schooling. Many of these children are first-generation learners and face challenges in the form of lack of academic support at home, limited access to educational resources, and irregular school attendance. Since its inception in 2019, the programme has keen focus on providing remedial education and academic assistance, strengthening foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, building children’s confidence and guiding parents on the importance of education and what all opportunities available to their children. The support class teacher also assists in documentation and other formalities. Sometimes, she personally accompanies the parents during procedures. This year we have seen our efforts bearing fruits. It is evident from this milestone that the impact of our support classes is widespread in the area and how a teacher’s encouragement and handholding can play a significant role in helping children access quality education opportunities.
Photo: Support class in Jafrabad

LED Purchased for Library & Educational Activities

To strengthen our educational resources and create a more interactive learning environment, an LED screen has been installed for the library. It is utilized for screening educational content and for learning sessions that need digital mode of teaching, seminars, awareness programs, workshops and presentations. Now, the impact is result-oriented.

Beyond classroom learning, it will help to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a scientific temperament among students. By exposing children and youth to diverse educational content, the library is becoming more vibrant space for learning, exploration, and discussion.

New Batch of English Learning Course Launched
Since its inception, 42 trainees have been trained through the English Learning Course, enabling them to strengthen their communication skills and improve their confidence in academic, social, and professional settings. The positive response received from participants and the growing demand for the programme have led to the commencement of the fourth batch. Recognizing the needs of learners, this new batch has been enriched with modules on professional skills and personality development.

Sana
At 24 years of age, Sana was struggling with a difficult skin condition for nearly nine months. Her face had grown small, hard cyst-like growths. This affected her confidence and caused distress in her. She lost hope when her multiple attempts of treatment failed and she found no relief.

While on a community visit, our outreach worker from Health Centre met her mother. She shared her daughter’s concern. The outreach worker encouraged her to visit our Hazrat Inayat Khan Health Centre.

She was examined by the Homeopathic physician, who diagnosed her condition as Molluscum Contagiosum, a viral skin disease characterized by painless, hard, cyst-like lesions on the skin. The disease can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.

Gradually, through prescribed treatment, the lesions began to reduce. By December 2025, nearly 80% of the condition had cleared, bringing a remarkable improvement to her appearance and self-confidence.

Looking at her face, today, she says, “I never thought my face would look like it did before. I am very happy now.”

Sana and her family express their sincere thanks to The Hope Project and the Health Centre team for helping
restore not only her health but also her confidence and hope for the future.

Akram
Akram is a cheerful three-year-old boy whose future could have taken a very different path had it not been for the determination of his mother and the support of The Hope Project. Born to Akbar and Rihanna, Akram belongs to a family facing severe economic hardships. Like many families struggling to make ends meet, they were confronted with difficult choices regarding their child‘s future.

When Akram was very young, his grandmother wanted to take him to the Dargah to accompany her while seeking alms. However, Akram‘s mother, Rihanna, strongly opposed this idea. She wanted a future for her son built on education and dignity rather than dependence on alms. Determined to keep her child away from the cycle of begging, Rihanna made a courageous decision. She started working as a domestic helper so that she could support her family and enrolled Akram in The Hope Project‘s Crèche Programme.

The transition was not easy. Akram cried constantly during his initial days at the crèche. Seeing his distress, even his father suggested that he should not be sent to creche. Yet Rihanna remained steadfast. She understood that the discomfort was temporary, while the benefits of early childhood education would last a lifetime. Gradually, as he settled into the programme, Rihanna was able to take on more work and increase her earnings. The crèche not only provided Akram with a safe and nurturing environment but also enabled his mother to work with peace of mind.

Today, at three years of age, Akram is an active child who has benefited greatly from early learning opportunities.
His family recently attempted to secure admission for him to a reputed school through the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category. Although he was not selected this year, the family remains hopeful and plans to apply again next year.

In the meantime, Akram’s parents have been advised to enroll him in pre-primary programme to ensure that his learning journey continues uninterrupted and that he remains well-prepared for future educational opportunities.

It is the story of Akram and his determined mother. The Hope Project projected them to the opportunity to
grow, learn, and dream of a brighter future.

Donation Accounts
Please send your donation to one of the following accounts.
Do not forget your name and address!

Haz.Inayat Khan Foundation
Advisors&Board: Pir Zia Inayat Khan, Carmen Hussain, Richard Cuadra, Koninika Ray, Ashok Kumar, Rita Paul Mathew, Ambassador Fabian Kalarickal, Heiko Schrader

Hope Project Nizamuddin
Initiated by Pir Vilayat Khan in 1975

https://www.hopeprojectindia.in

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