Nurturing Potential, Inspiring Futures.
Where Every Child is Extraordinary.
CARING FOR CANNOTS FOUNDATION LAHORE.PAKISTAN
As of February 2025, C4C has 290 children under its umbrella. About 90 children at our four centers at Lahore and 200 children supervised at home through CRP's.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2016 by a compassionate coalition of university friends, successful entrepreneurs, and senior managers in blue-chip companies, Caring for Cannots (C4C) emerged from a shared desire to make a meaningful impact on society, especially for those facing significant challenges—the "Cannots," individuals who, for various reasons, are unable to help themselves.
Driven by a commitment to create positive change, our research led us to focus on the cause of Special Children. Global studies indicate that 13% to 22% of the world's population grapples with some form of disability, and approximately 20% of them endure mental health issues. In Pakistan alone, this translates to at least 2.3 million Special Children up to 15 years of age, yet only around 8,000 are enrolled in schools, including government institutions.
In order to formalize our mission, "Caring for Cannots Foundation" was established as an NGO under the Societies Act.
During our exploration of various NGOs, Amin Maktab (AM) in Lahore stood out as a beacon of effective support for Special Children, boasting a rich history spanning six decades. AM's array of services includes a specialized school and a robust Outreach Programme. This outreach initiative specifically targets Special Needs Children in low-income areas, offering assistance within the comfort of their homes and local communities.
Charting Our Course
Caring for Cannots Foundation (C4C) is dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of Special Children. In collaboration with Amin Maktab, our community based rehabilitation program strategically deploys educated women, known as Community Resource Persons (CRPs), to identify and support Special Children in targeted communities. A skilled team, led by a psychologist, conducts thorough assessments, creating personalized plans for holistic development. From two underprivileged areas, our initiative has expanded to six locations, establishing four Centers of Learning that serve as beacons of education and vocational training.
Supported by dedicated teachers and Amin Maktab's expert teams, we are committed to fostering a brighter future for these children.
Nurturing Hope.
Home Based Rehabilitation
At Caring for Cannots (C4C), our collaborative efforts with Amin Maktab in their Outreach Programme are transforming lives. This initiative involves the recruitment of educated women, known as Community Resource Persons (CRPs), from targeted communities. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in identifying Special Children within their respective areas.
A skilled team from Amin Maktab, led by a psychologist and comprising special educators and physiotherapists, conducts thorough assessments to understand the unique needs of each child. A personalized and professionally designed plan is then created, engaging not only the child but also their parents and family. Regular follow-up visits by both CRPs and the Amin Maktab team ensure that the children receive the prescribed care and support, fostering holistic development.
What began in one underprivileged areas of Lahore has now expanded to four locations. With the invaluable support of Amin Maktab, C4C has established four Centers of Learning in Begumpura, Mohlanwal, Township, and Walton. These centers serve as hubs for education and vocational training for Special Children who, though capable of leaving their homes, face barriers to accessing mainstream schools. Each center is tailored to meet the needs of 15 to 25 children.
Our dedicated teachers, carefully selected and trained by experienced Amin Maktab staff, work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment. Amin Maktab's professional teams, led by a psychologist, make regular visits to monitor the progress of each child, ensuring that they receive the attention and care they deserve on their journey to a brighter future.
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OBITUARY
It is with extreme sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the sad demise of Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman Baqapuri (MSB),. who passed away on April 16, 2024. Sulaiman was one of the seven founding members of Caring for Cannots Foundation (C4C) and also served as the Secretary of the foundation since inception.
He however never limited himself to his official role but became one of the main drivers for resource mobilization for the foundation acting as a catalyst for donations from his friends and family. Apart from the above he voluntarily handled the treasurer function as well because of his commitment and selfless dedication to the cause. He and his wife regularly visited the various centers established by C4C and lent a helping hand towards recruitment of the teaching staff.
Being an artist in spirit with a keen aesthetic sense he helped to develop the logo for the foundation as well getting all the stationary printed pro bono. He was always available for on going consultations with Amin Maktab, our main partners.
In June 2023, when a student at Begumpura, Lahore (Suneha) was selected to represent Pakistan at Special Olympics in Berlin, he went out of his way to assist her in getting the required documents and ensured that timely payments were made to facilitate her travel to Berlin for participation in the Special Olympics.
Sulaiman was a gentle soul and always had a slight smile. He was a very generous donor even other than the foundation. While in ICU, being physically weak and compromised, he remained cognizant of his responsibilities and kept sending funds on the first of every month, to different people who were on his long list of recipients.
We at C4C, his friends and most of all his family will miss him greatly. It will be very difficult to fill his shoes.
May the Almighty grant him a place in Jannah and should be give his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.
Introducing the Dynamic Minds Behind Our Success
Meet Our Team!
Meet our exceptional C4C team at the Caring For Cannots Foundation! Comprising dedicated professionals in education, therapy, and child development, we're committed to providing personalized care and support to help every child reach their full potential. Join us in creating an inclusive community where every child thrives!
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C4C Centers
What We Do
Caring 4 Cannots Foundation is a special children's center providing specialized services to children with intellectual and physical impairments. Through our Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) initiative, we offer customized services to children in Lahore neighborhoods. Our trained Community Resource Persons (CRPs) work closely with families, providing support and training to help children achieve developmental milestones and reach their full potential. Our Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are created to meet each child's unique needs and provide personalized care.
Joint Venture Of Fountain House & C4C
Our Community-Based Rehabilitation Project at the Institute for Special Children
At the C4C for Special Children, we believe in unlocking the potential and abilities of intellectually impaired children through our Community-Based Rehabilitation Project. With the right support at the right time and approach, these children can lead independent lives to the best of their abilities.
It's alarming to witness the significant number of such children within our communities. Yet, much of the existing work in disability support remains largely focused on special education, often neglecting infants, severely impaired individuals, and adolescents.
Here's where we step in:
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Extending Support Beyond School Age: Many children, due to the severity of their impairment, are unable to secure admission in special schools. This could be due to age limitations, costly treatments, limited capacity in special schools, or transportation challenges.
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Raising Awareness: There's a pervasive lack of awareness among parents, professionals, and the wider community regarding disabilities and their management. Through our project, we aim to bridge this gap by providing education and resources to empower everyone involved in the care of these children
Together, let's nurture a community where every child, regardless of their abilities, is embraced with love, support, and opportunities for growth.
Empowering Communities.
Meet Our CRPs.
Meet our Community Resource Persons (CRPs) - dynamic individuals educated at least up to FA/Fsc level, and they're not just your average community members - they're active, motivated ladies on a mission! Trained by seasoned professionals, they're passionate about making a difference in the lives of intellectually impaired children right in our neighborhoods.
Once equipped with the necessary skills, our CRPs spring into action. They scout for special children within a 2-3 km radius of their own homes, providing them with educational and training opportunities, all while being guided by experienced psychologists. But that's not all - they're the friendly faces you'll find at our outposts, conveniently located hubs like welfare and health centers, schools, or even homes, making it easy for families to access support.
At these outposts, families gather for meetings with our CRPs, creating a warm, supportive community where everyone feels welcome. Plus, we provide referral services, ensuring that every child receives the comprehensive care they deserve. With our CRPs leading the charge, we're transforming communities one step at a time!
Discovering Joy.
Our Methodology Unveiled
Embark on a journey of empowerment and community transformation with our methodology, designed to bring joy and fulfillment to all involved. Let's dive into the heart of our approach, starting with the selection of our cherished Community Resource Persons (CRPs).
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Selection of CRPs:
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CRPs are lovingly chosen from within the community, often mothers or relatives of special children, residing near the Institute for Disadvantaged Children (IDC).
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They possess a minimum qualification of FA/FSC and are predominantly female, preferably married, embodying the nurturing spirit we cherish.
Strategy Of Working In a Community:
1. Identification Of Areas For CBR Program:
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We extend our reach to areas where Amin Maktab's influence is yet to be felt, ensuring no corner is left untouched by our compassionate efforts.
2. Identification of Children with Intellectual & Physical Disabilities:
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With care and diligence, we seek out children in need, recognizing their unique challenges and potential.
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Holding an Initial Dialogue with Families:
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Building trust and awareness, we engage in heartfelt conversations with families, explaining our methodology and seeking their invaluable consent
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History Taking & Assessment:
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Each child's journey begins with understanding their story, enabling us to tailor our support to their individual needs.
3. Developing Individualized Educational Plans (IEP):
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With dedication and expertise, we craft personalized plans to ignite each child's educational journey.
4. Weekly Home Visits of CRPs:
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CRPs become beacons of support, conducting weekly visits to nurture both children and families, following the IEP and Individualized Family Support Program.
5. Providing Referral Facilities:
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We ensure every need is met, offering referral services tailored to the unique requirements of each individual.
6. Keeping Records and Reporting:
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Transparency is key; we meticulously document our efforts and progress, ensuring accountability and celebrating milestones.
7. Monitoring & Evaluation:
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With a commitment to excellence, we continuously monitor and evaluate our impact, striving for continuous improvement.
Join us in spreading joy and creating lasting change, one heart at a time."
Spreading Joy. Responsibilities of Our Supervising Psychologist
We are delighted to share the heartwarming responsibilities of our Supervising Psychologist, dedicated to ensuring the well-being and progress of every child under our care. Here's a glimpse into their role:
1. Training & Coordination with CRPs:
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Our Supervising Psychologist serves as a guiding light, providing training and coordination to our compassionate Community Resource Persons (CRPs), empowering them to support our children effectively.
2. Psychological Counseling of Parents:
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With warmth and empathy, our Psychologist offers invaluable psychological counseling to parents, nurturing their well-being and guiding them through the journey of raising a special child.
3. History & Assessment of Each Child:
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Every child's story is unique, and our Psychologist delves deep, conducting thorough histories and assessments to understand their individual needs and strengths.
4. Developing & Explaining IEP to CRPs:
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Crafting personalized Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), our Psychologist ensures that each child's educational journey is tailored to their specific requirements, explaining these plans with care and clarity to our dedicated CRPs.
5. Maintaining Records:
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With meticulous attention to detail, our Psychologist maintains comprehensive records of each child's progress and development, ensuring transparency and accountability.
6. Need-based Home Visits:
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Our children are not just names on a list; they're cherished members of our community. Our Psychologist conducts need-based home visits, offering support and guidance where it's needed most.
7. Holding Weekly Meetings with CRPs:
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Collaboration is key to our success. Our Psychologist leads weekly meetings with CRPs, fostering teamwork and sharing insights to enhance our support network.
8. Maintaining Financial Records:
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With integrity and diligence, our Psychologist ensures the responsible management of financial records, safeguarding our resources for the betterment of our children.
9. Reporting to the Director Program:
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Our Psychologist works closely with the Director Program, submitting weekly reports that provide valuable insights into our progress and challenges.
10. Holding Monthly Meetings with Parents:
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Building strong relationships with parents is essential. Our Psychologist hosts monthly meetings, offering guidance, support, and a listening ear to our families.
11. Holding Seminars and Training Sessions:
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Committed to continuous learning and growth, our Psychologist organizes seminars and training sessions for both CRPs and parents, fostering a community of shared knowledge and support.
With a heart full of joy and dedication, our Supervising Psychologist works under the nurturing supervision of the Director Program, ensuring that every child's journey is filled with love, support, and endless possibilities.
Acknowledgement
This website was developed pro bono by Khawaja Muhammad Nasir of the Rotary Club Lahore Jinnah for the children of the C4C Foundation.