COMPREHENSIVE PROGRESS REPORT &
HISTORICAL APPEAL FOR BONNIEABAD
(CHAK NO. 253 GB)
Distt. Toba Tek Singh
Submitted By: Fr. Simon Khurshid
Organization: Society for Human Development (SHD), Toba Tek Singh
Land Acquisition & Inclusive Housing Infrastructure
Land Procurement
The journey of transforming Bonnieabad began with the initial purchase of 14.5 acres of land dedicated to this community-driven development project. Recognizing the critical need for public spaces and social welfare, the Government generously allotted an additional 9 Kanals of land. This specific government allotment is designated for a children’s playground and to systematically organize future social welfare programs.
Marking and Leveling of Land
- A total of 5.5 acres of land were Marked and leveled. In total, 150 homes were constructed on the site. 62 houses were constructed by the Society for Human Development with the support of SOS Organization France, Little Way Association UK, and Aid to the Church in Need Germany.
- Three Non-Formal Literacy Centres, covering a total area of 12 marlas.
- One Free Medical Dispensary for brick kiln workers, covering an area of 4 marlas.
- One Sewing and Vocational Training Centre for young girls and women, covering an area of 4 marlas
- Total 9 Kanal land specific government allotment is designated for a children’s playground and to systematically organize future social welfare programs.
The Housing Project & Dignified Living
To support the absolute homeless, marginalized segments, and community workers, a total of 62 permanent houses have been successfully constructed. The distribution and funding breakdown of these houses are as follows:
- 50 Houses for the Homeless: A major chunk of this housing project was realized through strategic international partnerships. The Houses were built with the generous financial assistance of the SOS Organization and crucial support of the little way Association UK.
- 12 Houses for Retired Catechists: Built with the kind support of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Germany, these homes were dedicated to retired catechists, honoring their lifelong spiritual and moral services to the community.
Community Co-Ownership & Dignity of Labor
A unique and deeply impactful aspect of the housing project managed by the Society for Human Development (SHD) is the active involvement of the beneficiaries. The brick-kiln laborers (batha mazdoor), for whom these houses are being built, do not merely receive them as charity. Instead, they actively participate as unskilled labor during the construction process.
Impact Note: This active partnership instills a profound sense of ownership, dignity, and pride among the laborers. They feel that they have physically contributed to building their own hearths and homes, transforming them from passive recipients into active co-creators of their community.
Historical Foundation of the Housing Scheme (June 2, 2022)
The baseline of this transformative housing scheme dates back to June 2, 2022, when a
grand inauguration ceremony was held. The foundation was blessed and laid by the holy hands of His Excellency Bishop Indrias Rehmat, accompanied by numerous priests, the Holy Family Sisters from Gojra, the Sisters of Jesus and Mary from Toba Tek Singh, and key representatives from the AWARD Organization (including Mr. Peter Shahzad and Christina Peter), alongside Caritas Faisalabad and a large gathering of the faithful.
The project was formally consecrated to God through the celebration of the Holy Mass. Following the spiritual ceremony, a community meal (roti) was served to all attendees. Despite the extreme summer heat, the profound joy, enthusiasm, and determination of the local community and SHD staff shone brightly, offering a clear vision of a hopeful future. Today, this project continues to move forward successfully through the combined resilience of the local community and international partners.
Education, Skills Development, & Holistic Child Care
Literacy Centers & Comprehensive Support
To ensure the holistic development of the local children, SHD operates functional Literacy Centers providing free education from Nursery to Class 5. Sponsored by our Italian Friends, this initiative ensures a dignified learning environment. The children are provided with completely free:
- Quality education and dedicated teachers.
- Curriculum textbooks, school bags, and stationery.
- Proper classroom infrastructure (tables, chairs, and solar power systems).
- Nutritional food items to sustain their physical health.
- Cricket and football matches
- Free Medical dispensary
- Funfair for the children
- Chicken Distribution program for children
- Tree plantation program
- Promoting Education Through Digital Learning Equipment and LED Screens
- Enhancing Learning Through Non-Formal and Joyful Educational Activities
Spiritual and Moral Formation
Beyond standard academic curriculums, these literacy centers offer deep social and religious education. This comprehensive approach serves as a cornerstone for their moral life, educational life, faith formation, and spiritual growth, ensuring they grow into well-rounded, ethical human beings.
The Hard Reality of Brick-Kiln Children & SHD’s 30-Year Crusade
The children being educated in Bonnieabad come from families where parents work under oppressive conditions in local brick-kilns. Their wages are devastatingly low, and their daily existence is strictly hand-to-mouth. Under such extreme financial distress, affording education is an impossible dream. Furthermore, brick-kiln owners often pressure parents to force their young children into hard labor—making bricks—thereby trapping generations in poverty and depriving them of the light of education. In response to this systemic injustice, the Society for Human Development (SHD) Toba Tek Singh has been actively striving for 30 years to uplift brick-kiln laborers.
Historical Foundation of the Housing Scheme (June 2, 2022)
SHD currently operates 25 Literacy Centers in the District of Toba Tek Singh,
- providing thousands of marginalized children with fundamental education.
- Over the past three decades, SHD has successfully mainstreamed and educated thousands of male and female students.
- To further illuminate their path of learning, children who graduate from Nursery to Class 5 at SHD Literacy Centers are enrolled into Class 6th at nearby government or private schools. This admission process is closely facilitated by the literacy center teachers alongside the children's parents to ensure a smooth transition into secondary education
- Continuing these noble efforts from the past, several young graduates from these literacy centers are now employed in government sectors, while others are currently pursuing a higher professional degree in BSN Nursing. This breakthrough has been made possible through the generous financial support and patronage of our Italian friends and Chris Coelho, who are paving the way for their higher education.
The Current Challenge & Future Vision:
- Despite these major milestones, countless deserving students still desperately need financial assistance to pursue higher studies. Due to the extreme financial constraints of brick-kiln laborers, providing higher education to their children remains an uphill battle. Consequently, families are reaching out to supportive institutions and well-wishers to extend a helping hand so these children can build bright futures and bring honor to the nation.
- In this regard, SHD recently held an interactive meeting with the parents, highly praising their dedication and resilience. Parents were encouraged to keep education as their top priority, as it is the only definitive pathway to break free from the shackles of generational bondage and brick-kiln labor, ultimately ensuring a secure future.
- The students themselves are highly motivated to achieve higher qualifications and stable employment. Driven by gratitude, they carry a profound vision: just as various benefactors supported them in times of need, they too aim to uplift other marginalized and impoverished communities in the future, fostering an equitable society where the underprivileged enjoy equal rights.
Musical Literacy: An Unfulfilled Aspiration
The children of Bonnieabad possess immense raw talent and a deep passion for learning traditional music. They harbor a strong desire to learn instruments such as the Harmonium, Tabla, and Guitar. However, due to the absolute lack of financial resources and the unavailability of these musical instruments, they remain completely deprived of developing this beautiful, creative skill.
Child Development & Recreational Programs
SHD believes that play, creativity, and learning are essential for a child's growth. We organize structured activities and festive competitions to keep children engaged and motivated:
- Despite these major milestones, countless deserving students still desperately need financial assistance to pursue higher studies. Due to the extreme financial constraints of brick-kiln laborers, providing higher education to their children remains an uphill battle. Consequently, families are reaching out to supportive institutions and well-wishers to extend a helping hand so these children can build bright futures and bring honor to the nation.
- In this regard, SHD recently held an interactive meeting with the parents, highly praising their dedication and resilience. Parents were encouraged to keep education as their top priority, as it is the only definitive pathway to break free from the shackles of generational bondage and brick-kiln labor, ultimately ensuring a secure future.
- The students themselves are highly motivated to achieve higher qualifications and stable employment. Driven by gratitude, they carry a profound vision: just as various benefactors supported them in times of need, they too aim to uplift other marginalized and impoverished communities in the future, fostering an equitable society where the underprivileged enjoy equal rights.
Women Empowerment, Rights Advocacy & Livelihood Support
To break the cycle of poverty, build a just society, and promote gender equality, SHD driving a comprehensive women empowerment program:
- Conducting awareness seminars to educate women on their national and international rights, establishing the core principle that women are entitled to equal opportunities in every professional and social sphere.
- Encouraging women to elevate their educational status and acquire modern skills, paving the way for them to claim their rightful position in society and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
- Operating dedicated Sewing and Training Centers to provide hands-on training in tailoring, cutting, and embroidery.
- Equipping women with the tools to become self-reliant entrepreneurs, allowing them to contribute directly to their household income and ensure financial stability for their families.
- Awareness on cleanliness and the provision of hygiene kits are essential for improving the health and well-being of women. Through awareness sessions, women gain knowledge about personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, proper sanitation practices, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent diseases. The distribution of hygiene kits, including soap, sanitary pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other essential hygiene items, helps women adopt healthy practices, maintain their dignity, and improve their overall quality of life.
Healthcare Initiatives & Environmental Sustainability
The Free Medical Dispensary & Historical Inauguration
To address the critical healthcare gaps in the region, a Free Medical Dispensary is fully operational, ensuring the community has immediate access to basic healthcare services and life-saving medicines. SHD operates a Free Healthcare Dispensary for the local community, providing much-needed medical care to families who cannot afford regular treatment. The dispensary remains open every Thursday for 3 to 5 hours and serves approximately 40 to 60 patients each week. Through this initiative, community members receive free medical consultations, basic medicines, health check-ups, and awareness sessions focused especially on the needs of women, children, and elderly patients. For many families, these healthcare services are a great blessing, as medical facilities are now available at their doorstep. Residents no longer need to travel long distances or bear expensive medical costs to receive treatment. The community feels grateful and encouraged knowing that compassionate healthcare support is easily accessible within their own area. This dispensary was officially inaugurated by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts. During his historic visit, the Cardinal highly commended this healthcare initiative and placed a profound emphasis on environmental protection through tree plantation. The Cardinal's Message: Cardinal Joseph Coutts beautifully stated that "young saplings and trees are just like human children. Just as it is absolutely vital to protect, nurture, and care for a child to ensure their growth and life, it is equally vital to care for trees. They are the ones that provide us with the very oxygen that sustains our lives."
Kitchen & Self-Sufficiency Gardening
To promote nutrition and economic resilience, SHD actively provides the local community with basic tools, seeds, and training for kitchen gardening.
- Families are given awareness to grow fresh, organic vegetables right in their courtyards, free from harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- This initiative helps the families become self-sufficient (khud-kafeel), drastically lowering their daily kitchen expenses.
- It has successfully sparked an interest among local children regarding environmental care and sustainable food production.
International Delegations & Tree Plantation Drives
Over the past two to three years, countless international visitors have witnessed the progress in Bonnieabad. Volunteers and guests from SOS France, Italian Friends, Salvatorian sisters, Local government Officials Zeeshan Masih Labah ADCG Toba, AC Toba, Aina& Sohail, Javed Samuel Karachi, local guests and Maria ZamZam visited the site and highly praised the housing model, noting how it has restored dignity to previously homeless families. Similarly, delegates from Communita Magnificat, Italy, visited the Literacy Centers and the Free Dispensary. Mirroring these sentiments, Dr. Daniele Muzzetti noted during his visit: "Just as education is a fundamental human right, accessible health is an undeniable basic necessity for human dignity." To mark their visits, all international guests personally planted trees, reinforcing the collective belief that planting a tree is, in reality, gifting life to the planet.
Spiritual Growth, Convent, & Future Parish Horizons
The Strategic Presence of the Salvadorian Sisters
Last year, the Salvatorian Sisters spent a foundational 10 days living directly within the Bonieabad community. This immersion brought immense spiritual blessings. Through this grassroots experience, the Sisters realized that their true core charism is to live among the poor, expand the mission of Jesus Christ, adorn marginalized children with education, and uplift the community's faith. The local community deeply appreciated their stay, which caused a visible positive transformation in the children, who began regularly attending classes, daily prayers, and Bible study sessions. Driven by this profound experience, the Salvatorian Sisters have now purchased 2 acres of land in Bonieabad. Within the next one to two months, the foundation stone for their permanent Convent/Accommodation will be laid. In the future, they plan to build a formal school. We firmly believe that once the Salvatorian Sisters permanently reside here, the lives of our people will be transformed and uplifted spiritually, morally, economically, and educationally.
Foundation of St. Boniface Catholic Church (2026)
To nourish the spiritual life of the local Church, the foundation stone of St. Boniface Catholic Church was officially laid in 2026. The ceremony was graced by Rev. Fr. Samuel George, Rev. Fr. Riaz, Rev. Fr. Shahid Nazir, and Mr. Emmanuel along with his colleagues representing the Friends Organization, Lahore. The Friends Organization has entered into a solemn commitment with the Society for Human Development (SHD), Rev. Fr. Bonnie Mendes, and Fr. Simon Khurshid to financially and structurally support the construction of this church. We are fully confident that through 2026 and 2027, the completion of this church will satisfy the spiritual hunger of our people. It will not only be a sanctuary for administering Holy Sacraments but will also serve as a vital center for youth animation and Sunday Schools.
Community Advocacy: SHD and Local Leaders Push for Road and Electricity Infrastructure
The Society for Human Development (SHD), under the leadership of Fr. Simon Khurshid, alongside local community leaders, has launched a dedicated struggle to secure a paved (pukhta) road and proper electricity supply for the Bonnieabad community. As part of this effort, delegation meetings were held with Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora (Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights) and Mr. Falbous Christopher (Member of the Provincial Assembly, Punjab).
Key Demands Presented:
- A formal request was submitted for the construction of a 2 km paved road connecting Bonnieabad to the main Mongi Bangla Road. This infrastructure is vital to provide residents with easy access to the main road and the city, ensuring that schoolchildren do not face hardships during the rainy season.
- A petition for regular electricity supply was also presented. The leaders highlighted that in this modern era, marginalized and underprivileged communities should not be left behind. Access to electricity will allow children to continue their education safely during extreme summer and winter weather, while also ensuring parents face no hurdles in commuting to work.
- We strongly hope that the Government of Punjab and the National Assembly will seriously consider these requests and urgently provide these basic, fundamental facilities to the Bonnieabad community.
A Humble Appeal for Prayers, Partnerships, & Support
The establishment of Bonieabad (Chak No. 253 GB) into a self-sustaining community is a testament to faith and collective action. Once this new Parish is fully established and functional with a completed church and a permanent convent, it will serve as a strategic pastoral and social hub capable of easily providing ministerial and developmental services to 40 to 50 surrounding villages. We explicitly appeal to all international communities, local benefactors, friends, and well-wishers:
- Keep our ongoing construction (St. Boniface Church and the Salvatorian Sisters' Convent) in your daily prayers.
- .Extend your financial hands to help SHD sustain its 25 literacy centers and expand reach to the thousands of brick-kiln children still left behind.
- 3.Help us procure musical instruments (Harmoniums, Tablas, Guitars) to foster the creative expressions of our youth.
Your generosity will ensure that the poorest of the poor can live with honor, peace, and dignity, becoming model citizens who serve both the nation and humanity. With best wishes and abundant blessings,
Fr. Simon Khurshid-
Society for Human Development (SHD),
Toba Tek Singh