Rooted in Compassion.
Driven by Accountability.
Founded in Lahore in 2017, Education and Life Foundation (ELF) serves marginalized families, bonded brick-kiln laborers, and out-of-school children across Pakistan through direct, verifiable grassroots development.
Serving rural Punjab with zero intermediary overhead
Purpose Behind Every Action
Clear commitments that define who we serve and how we measure real community transformation.
To uplift the deprived community in Pakistan.
A Pakistan where no child drops out for lack of a notebook, no mother dies in unassisted childbirth, and no family is held in hereditary bonded labor.
To build a better life for the community, and to aid those who cannot help themselves.
Delivering actionable solutions—free schooling, maternal health, pure water, legal debt discharge, and industrial skills—that transform helplessness into self-reliance.
A Story That Began with Compassion
Education and Life Foundation (ELF) began with a simple but deeply held belief: every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope, regardless of their circumstances.
The roots of ELF can be traced to Irshad Bibi, whose compassion for widows, vulnerable children, and struggling families inspired her sons, Zeeshan Hameed and Sohail Hameed, to take practical action.
Irshad Bibi had a particular concern for widows who were raising children with very limited resources and little financial security. Seeing their daily struggles inspired the family to begin helping widows with their immediate needs. What started with supporting individual families gradually developed into a structured Widows Welfare Project.
But the needs they encountered went far beyond food and immediate assistance. Many of the widows and disadvantaged families they met were also struggling to educate their children. The family recognized that while emergency assistance could help people through a difficult moment, education could help change the direction of a child's life.
The Founding InspirationIrshad Bibi & Her Husband
Whose personal compassion for widows, struggling families, and vulnerable children inspired the inception and lifelong mission of Education and Life Foundation.
Education Became Part of Our Mission
This realization led to the establishment of a school for disadvantaged children and, subsequently, support for other schools already serving vulnerable communities.
Over time, the initiative grew to support 12 schools, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to education and learning opportunities.
Education remains one of the central pillars of ELF because we believe that poverty should never determine whether a child has the opportunity to learn, develop their abilities, and dream about a better future.
Community Schools Supported
Free Tuition & Supplies
Every student is supported with uniforms, bags, certified textbooks, and foundational learning resources.
What began as a family response to the struggles of widows and children gradually developed into an organization addressing different dimensions of poverty and vulnerability.
Growing into Education and Life Foundation
As the work expanded, Education and Life Foundation was formally registered in 2018.
What began as a family response to the struggles of widows and children gradually developed into an organization addressing different dimensions of poverty and vulnerability.
Through years of working directly with communities, ELF learned that sustainable change requires a combination of education, practical assistance, skills, opportunity, and long-term support.
This understanding led to the development of additional programs that continue to serve vulnerable and deprived communities today.
Building Skills and Creating Opportunities
One of these initiatives is our Skill Development Project, which helps young people and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds learn practical and vocational skills.
Many capable young people grow up with limited access to professional training or employment opportunities. ELF seeks to bridge this gap by connecting individuals with skills that can help them earn an income, support their families, and move toward greater independence.
For us, development is not simply about giving someone assistance for today. Wherever possible, it is about helping people develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to build a more sustainable tomorrow.
Standing with Persecuted and Vulnerable Christians
ELF has a particular commitment to serving poor, vulnerable, and persecuted Christian communities in Pakistan, while responding to human need with compassion and dignity.
Christian families living in disadvantaged communities can face a combination of poverty, limited opportunities, social exclusion, and religious discrimination. ELF works alongside such communities through education, skills development, welfare assistance, healthcare-related initiatives, emergency response, and other community-based programs.
Our approach is rooted in relationship. We seek to understand the needs of communities, work alongside local people, and develop practical responses that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Responding in Times of Crisis
Our commitment to vulnerable communities becomes especially important when disaster or violence suddenly changes people's lives.
ELF has responded to communities affected by flooding and other disasters, as well as incidents of violence and terrorism affecting Christian communities. In times of emergency, families may lose homes, belongings, livelihoods, and their sense of security within a matter of hours.
Through our emergency and disaster response work, we seek to stand alongside affected families by providing practical assistance according to the needs of each situation and supporting communities as they begin the difficult process of recovery.
"We believe that people should not have to face their darkest moments alone."
Children and Widows Remain at the Heart of Our Story
Although ELF has grown and developed new areas of work, children and widows remain especially close to our heart. They represent where our journey began.
We continue to encounter children who are eager to learn but whose families struggle to afford educational necessities. We meet widows carrying enormous responsibilities while trying to provide food, education, and security for their children. We also meet young people who have determination and ability but lack the opportunities needed to turn their potential into a livelihood.
Behind every project are real people, real families, and real stories.
That is why our work is not simply about delivering projects. It is about people.
From Compassion to Lasting Change
Since its registration in 2018, Education and Life Foundation has continued to develop programs that respond to both immediate needs and longer-term challenges. Our journey has taken us from supporting widows to educating children, developing vocational skills, supporting healthcare initiatives, assisting vulnerable families, and responding when communities face disasters and emergencies.
Yet the principle behind our work has remained the same:
Our Journey Continues
What began with Irshad Bibi's compassion for widows and vulnerable children has grown into a continuing mission carried forward through Education and Life Foundation.
Today, ELF continues to stand alongside disadvantaged families and persecuted Christian communities through programs designed to provide education, skills, practical support, dignity, and opportunities for a better future.
There is still much more to do.
"And as long as there are children waiting for an opportunity to learn, widows struggling to provide for their families, young people searching for a path toward independence, and communities needing support in times of crisis, Education and Life Foundation will continue working to turn compassion into action and hope into opportunity."
Widows Welfare Initiative"Seeing their daily struggles inspired the family to begin helping widows with their immediate needs — turning personal compassion into lifelong community commitment."
Global Goals, Local Dignity.
Education and Life Foundation (ELF) translates the UN Sustainable Development Goals into tangible, verifiable improvements for vulnerable Pakistani families. Our 9 active field programmes align directly with 9 core SDGs across education, healthcare, clean water, debt liberation, and institutional transparency.
From Grassroots Action to Measurable Impact
Our 9 field programmes cluster into three integrated transformation streams, addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms.
Learning & Opportunity
Education Access & Economic Agency
- Children enrolled in school and actively learning
- Eliminating out-of-pocket costs (fees, uniforms, textbooks)
- Daily creative, cognitive & social enrichment
Health & Dignity
Maternal Safety & Disease Prevention
- Safe village births delivered by skilled attendants
- Continuous pure drinking water preventing waterborne disease
- Free medical consultations, diagnostic camps & medicines
Justice & Resilience
Debt Freedom & Institutional Stewardship
- 100% legal discharge of inherited kiln debt for widowed families
- Women & youth equipped with productive income-earning tools
- Rigorous non-profit bookkeeping, compliance & local governance
| Programme | Focus Area | Aligned SDGs | Grassroots Delivery & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Education For AllPrimary & Secondary | Free community schooling & educational access | Tuition, textbooks, and daily school provisions remove financial barriers for children who would otherwise never enroll. | |
School Bags Distribution ProgramDropout Prevention | Sponsored serialized school backpacks & kits | Serialized, traceable backpacks equipped with notebooks, uniforms, and stationery prevent attendance dropouts. | |
Midwifery Training ProgramMaternal Healthcare | Skilled birth attendance & maternal healthcare | Trains and certifies local community midwives in remote districts where hospitals are hours away, securing safe village deliveries. | |
Music of the Heart ProjectArts & Cognition | Arts education & emotional child development | Daily structured music education strengthens attendance, emotional resilience, self-worth, and cognitive learning. | |
Health, WASH & Community WellbeingClean Water & Clinics | Free dispensaries, clean water & sanitation | Free medical outreach, essential pharmaceuticals, deep-well clean water filtration, and hygiene protect families. | |
Hope and FreedomBonded Debt Liberation | Debt relief, transitional housing & micro-enterprise | Legally negotiates and discharges 100% of brick-kiln debt, provides prepaid housing, and gives mothers micro-enterprise tools. | |
Community Skills Development ProgramVocational Trades | Certified industrial tailoring & heavy-duty machine grants | Provides 6-month intensive tailoring apprenticeships and awards free sewing machines to certified mothers for home enterprises. | |
Digital Skills Development ProgramIT & Digital Economy | Modern computer labs, office suites & freelancing | Equips youth with high-tech computer workstations, broadband access, accredited diplomas, and global freelancing mentorship. | |
Capacity Building ProgramGovernance & Stewardship | Financial consultation, transparency & compliance | Trains grassroots leaders and non-profit administrators in transparent accounting, budgeting, and statutory governance. | |
Orphan CareChild Protection | Long-term orphan care & inclusive disability aid | Continuous residential and educational care for 35 orphaned girls, single-parent children, and youth with disabilities. |
Education For All
Free community schooling & educational access
Tuition, textbooks, and daily school provisions remove financial barriers for children who would otherwise never enroll.
School Bags Distribution Program
Sponsored serialized school backpacks & kits
Serialized, traceable backpacks equipped with notebooks, uniforms, and stationery prevent attendance dropouts.
Midwifery Training Program
Skilled birth attendance & maternal healthcare
Trains and certifies local community midwives in remote districts where hospitals are hours away, securing safe village deliveries.
Music of the Heart Project
Arts education & emotional child development
Daily structured music education strengthens attendance, emotional resilience, self-worth, and cognitive learning.
Health, WASH & Community Wellbeing
Free dispensaries, clean water & sanitation
Free medical outreach, essential pharmaceuticals, deep-well clean water filtration, and hygiene protect families.
Hope and Freedom
Debt relief, transitional housing & micro-enterprise
Legally negotiates and discharges 100% of brick-kiln debt, provides prepaid housing, and gives mothers micro-enterprise tools.
Community Skills Development Program
Certified industrial tailoring & heavy-duty machine grants
Provides 6-month intensive tailoring apprenticeships and awards free sewing machines to certified mothers for home enterprises.
Digital Skills Development Program
Modern computer labs, office suites & freelancing
Equips youth with high-tech computer workstations, broadband access, accredited diplomas, and global freelancing mentorship.
Capacity Building Program
Financial consultation, transparency & compliance
Trains grassroots leaders and non-profit administrators in transparent accounting, budgeting, and statutory governance.
Orphan Care
Long-term orphan care & inclusive disability aid
Continuous residential and educational care for 35 orphaned girls, single-parent children, and youth with disabilities.
Board of Directors & Officers
Distinguished educators, researchers, and community leaders providing strategic oversight, financial accountability, and grassroots direction for Education and Life Foundation.
Brings over three decades of distinguished leadership in Pakistan's education sector as an educator, school owner, and institutional administrator. Former Owner and Principal of Saint Matthew's Cambridge School (1986–2016), Head & Hostel Superintendent at Christian Vocational Training Center Narowal, and Vice Chairman of Assemblies of God Church overseeing nine community schools across suburban Punjab.
Brings over three decades of distinguished leadership in Pakistan's education sector as an educator, school owner, and institutional administrator. Former Owner and Principal of Saint Matthew's Cambridge School (1986–2016), Head & Hostel Superintendent at Christian Vocational Training Center Narowal, and Vice Chairman of Assemblies of God Church overseeing nine community schools across suburban Punjab.
Dedicated community and ministry leader serving since 1986 across Pakistan's four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Parachinar. Specializes in youth empowerment, family counseling, and leadership development, bringing extensive pastoral governance and community care to ELF's humanitarian programs.
Dedicated community and ministry leader serving since 1986 across Pakistan's four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Parachinar. Specializes in youth empowerment, family counseling, and leadership development, bringing extensive pastoral governance and community care to ELF's humanitarian programs.
Founder and International Director of Education and Life Foundation. Leading non-profit initiatives since 2017, he spearheads ELF's international donor relations, strategic project planning, institutional capacity building, and cross-border partnerships connecting global resources directly to grassroots Pakistani communities.
Founder and International Director of Education and Life Foundation. Leading non-profit initiatives since 2017, he spearheads ELF's international donor relations, strategic project planning, institutional capacity building, and cross-border partnerships connecting global resources directly to grassroots Pakistani communities.
Accomplished scientist and researcher with over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals. With over six years of experience in quality assurance, clinical research management, and university teaching, she oversees ELF's institutional governance, statutory compliance, and healthcare initiatives.
Accomplished scientist and researcher with over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals. With over six years of experience in quality assurance, clinical research management, and university teaching, she oversees ELF's institutional governance, statutory compliance, and healthcare initiatives.
Chief Financial Officer of Education and Life Foundation. Oversees financial governance, budgeting, external audits, and fiscal stewardship, ensuring that all donor contributions and institutional funds are deployed with rigorous transparency and maximum direct impact.
Chief Financial Officer of Education and Life Foundation. Oversees financial governance, budgeting, external audits, and fiscal stewardship, ensuring that all donor contributions and institutional funds are deployed with rigorous transparency and maximum direct impact.
Businessman with over 11 years of voluntary church financial administration. Holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Hailey College of Commerce and manages ELF's daily accounting, fiscal allocations, disbursement verification, and transparent reporting systems.
Businessman with over 11 years of voluntary church financial administration. Holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Hailey College of Commerce and manages ELF's daily accounting, fiscal allocations, disbursement verification, and transparent reporting systems.
Economics Professor in the Punjab government sector (Government Associate College for Boys, Lahore) and former Human Rights Defender with the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP). Directs official administration, secretarial documentation, and minority welfare advocacy for ELF.
Economics Professor in the Punjab government sector (Government Associate College for Boys, Lahore) and former Human Rights Defender with the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP). Directs official administration, secretarial documentation, and minority welfare advocacy for ELF.
Founder and Program Lead of Azadi Freedom under ELF. With a background directing a German non-profit in Pakistan, he advances UN Sustainable Development Goals through vocational skills training, micro-business grants, and rights-based social inclusion for marginalized communities.
Founder and Program Lead of Azadi Freedom under ELF. With a background directing a German non-profit in Pakistan, he advances UN Sustainable Development Goals through vocational skills training, micro-business grants, and rights-based social inclusion for marginalized communities.
Press Secretary of Education and Life Foundation. Renowned motivational speaker and community consultant steering ELF's public communication, media outreach, and storytelling to highlight grassroots needs and rally community support.
Press Secretary of Education and Life Foundation. Renowned motivational speaker and community consultant steering ELF's public communication, media outreach, and storytelling to highlight grassroots needs and rally community support.
M.Phil Research Scholar in Peace and Conflict Studies based in Lahore, Pakistan. UN Fellow in Human & Minority Rights (OHCHR United Nations, Geneva), Global Trustee At-Large at URI Global Council (San Francisco), Regional Expert for South Asia (International Prize – We Are Together, Moscow), and Paris Peace Forum Project Leader / Country Representative since 2018. Graduate of Goldin Institute (Chicago) and Euphrates Institute (New York); social scientist and defender of peace, human rights, and religious harmony since 2012.
M.Phil Research Scholar in Peace and Conflict Studies based in Lahore, Pakistan. UN Fellow in Human & Minority Rights (OHCHR United Nations, Geneva), Global Trustee At-Large at URI Global Council (San Francisco), Regional Expert for South Asia (International Prize – We Are Together, Moscow), and Paris Peace Forum Project Leader / Country Representative since 2018. Graduate of Goldin Institute (Chicago) and Euphrates Institute (New York); social scientist and defender of peace, human rights, and religious harmony since 2012.
Former Chairman of ELF and Professor Emeritus of Inorganic Chemistry at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University). Over 40 years of academic and institutional leadership, including Vice Principal and Principal of FCCU, with 50+ published scientific papers guiding ELF's founding vision.
Former Chairman of ELF and Professor Emeritus of Inorganic Chemistry at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University). Over 40 years of academic and institutional leadership, including Vice Principal and Principal of FCCU, with 50+ published scientific papers guiding ELF's founding vision.
Former Chairman of ELF and Professor Emeritus of Economics at Forman Christian College (1970–2007). Former Chairman of the Pakistan Assemblies of God and current Chairman of Assemblies of God Church, Lahore, providing lifelong spiritual wisdom, educational leadership, and ethical stewardship.
Former Chairman of ELF and Professor Emeritus of Economics at Forman Christian College (1970–2007). Former Chairman of the Pakistan Assemblies of God and current Chairman of Assemblies of God Church, Lahore, providing lifelong spiritual wisdom, educational leadership, and ethical stewardship.
What the Foundation Provides
Every initiative is delivered directly into the hands of families with zero administrative intermediaries and verifiable community impact.
Education01Free Education For Underprivileged
Tuition, uniforms, textbooks, and daily stationery for children across Punjab who would otherwise be out of school.
Welfare02Monthly Rations & Widow Support
Direct nutritional rations and living stipends delivered with dignity to households headed solely by widows.
Healthcare03Free Medical Care & Prescription
Mobile clinical camps, qualified volunteer doctors, diagnostic screening, and emergency medication in rural villages.
WASH04Safe Water & Rural Hand Pumps
Clean drinking water wells and school sanitation infrastructure protecting children from waterborne illness.
Livelihoods05Vocational Skills & Micro-Enterprise
Industrial sewing machines and computer literacy cohorts turning immediate relief into lifelong self-reliance.
Emergency Aid06Emergency Relief & Orphan Support
Rapid flood and winter survival packages alongside marriage and educational grants for orphaned young women.
How urgency became a portfolio of programmes.
- Origins
A response, not a plan
ELF begins as direct assistance to families in Lahore who had fallen out of every other net — food, fees, medicine.
- Schools
Classrooms open
Free schooling formalises: tuition, books, uniforms and stationery covered so cost stops deciding who learns.
- Health
Camps go rural
Medical camps move out of the city into districts where the nearest clinic is a journey rather than a walk.
- Water
WASH added
Safe water and sanitation become a programme in their own right after illness keeps emptying classrooms.
- Skills
From aid to income
Vocational and digital training launch so families exit assistance instead of depending on it.
- Today
Programmes across four countries
Supporters in Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada and Germany fund work delivered by teams who live where it happens.