- 8 Green Forts One - 2Km, Raiwind Road. Lahore - Pakistan
- +92 300 829 3038
Empowering Special Children, One Community at a Time
Changing lives, one child at a time
Uplifting Special Children Since 2016
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.
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Children Under Care
Lahore Wide Community Coverage
Faiza Ahmed
Chairperson
Meet Faiza, a dynamic homemaker with a passion for social work! Before joining Caring for Cannots, she made a significant impact with the Women’s Social Service Organisation, an NGO in Garden Town, Lahore. From running a school, clinic, and nursing home to organizing annual community weddings for the underprivileged, Faiza has been at the heart of it all.
But that’s not all! Faiza also plays a vital role in managing and administering her son’s restaurant in Lahore. When she’s not busy juggling her many responsibilities, she loves tending to her garden and spending quality time with her eight grandchildren.
Khalid Mir
President
Meet Khalid Mir, the powerhouse President of the Caring for Cannots Foundation! With an MBA from Quaid e Azam University and 35 years of experience in the corporate world, primarily with Engro, Khalid’s last role was as CEO of Agritech Limited. In 2016, he and his university friends founded the Caring for Cannots Foundation, driven by a shared passion to uplift those in need.
Khalid is also a certified Life Coach, dedicated to helping others, especially those who cannot help themselves. His commitment extends beyond the foundation; he serves on the board of Amin Maktab and has also been on the board of the Karachi Vocational Training Center. Khalid’s journey is all about making a difference and empowering lives!
Syed Imtiaz Bokhari
Vice President
Meet Syed Imtiaz Bokhari, a powerhouse in both banking and agriculture! With an MBA from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Imtiaz has spent 39 years in the banking sector, culminating in his role as Group Head of Retail Banking. Now, as a director at C4C, he continues to make waves. But that’s not all—Imtiaz is also passionately involved in citrus farming and agriculture at his ancestral farm, combining his financial acumen with a love for the land. His diverse expertise and dedication make him a true asset in every field he touches!
Afira Shazia
Secretary
Meet Afira Shazia, a beacon of compassion and community spirit! With a BA in Education from PECHS College Karachi, Shazia has always been passionate about supporting those in need. Her community work is nothing short of inspiring—she has organized funds for the weddings of orphaned girls and regularly distributes groceries to families in need.
Shazia has also mentored children through The Citizen Foundation’s Rahbar program, guiding and inspiring the next generation. Continuing the legacy of her late husband, Sulaiman Baqapuri, one of the founding members of C4C, Shazia is dedicated to making a lasting impact through her heartfelt efforts for these children.
Satwat Mahmood Butt
Treasurer
Meet Satwat Mahmood Butt, a dynamic force with an impressive track record! With an MBA from Quaid-E-Azam University, Islamabad, and from Michigan, USA, Satwat has spent the last 36 years in senior roles with American International Group (AIG) and top insurance companies in Pakistan.
But that’s not all—he also owns and runs a successful restaurant business. As a senior member of Rotary and a past Rotary Deputy Governor of District 3272-Pakistan, Satwat is currently the Chairman of the Rotary Pakistan Smart Village Program for Punjab and KPK. He’s also a past Chairman of the RCN-Insurance Association of Pakistan (IAP) and has led numerous committees within the organization.
His commitment to social work is unwavering, having served on the board of the HEAL organization and as Director of Administration for the Self Help Entrepreneurs (SHE organization). Since 2000, he has been the President of the Eden Avenue Friends Association (EAFA), continuously contributing to his community in countless ways.
Bushra Mir
Member
Meet Bushra, affectionately known as Bushi, a dynamic force in social work! A graduate of Lahore College and a dedicated homemaker, Bushi has spent the last decade transforming the lives of special children through vocational training programs.
She spearheaded the design and production of clothing for Jiddat, the brand of the Karachi Vocational Training Center exclusively for special children. Now, she holds a similar leadership position at Behbood NGO, working tirelessly for the underprivileged. Bushi is also passionate about developing homes for the elderly, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Mumtaz Ahmed
Member
Mumtaz hails from the Punjabi Saudagaran-e-Delhi community. After completing his MBA from Quaid-i-Azam University, he joined his family’s business operations in Lahore. The family is primarily engaged in the pharmaceutical sector, with interests spanning indenting, distribution, and manufacturing. Since 1982, Mumtaz has been leading F. Rabbi Co., overseeing its growth and continued contribution to the industry.
Aliya Bokhari
Member
A seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, Aliya currently heads an O Level branch of a leading school system. With a master’s degree in Computer Science from Quaid-e-Azam University, she began her career at PARC before transitioning into Education.
Aliya actively supports initiatives that nurture social responsibility in students and proudly backs the efforts of her student-led society focused on community service and fundraising for adopted NGOs – believing such experiences help shape students into engaged, socially conscious citizens.
Fountain House and Caring for Cannots Join Forces to Empower Special Needs Children in Lahore!
At Caring for Cannots, students are surrounded by other bright peers with special needs, and quickly realize they are not alone; they are part of a strong community of active learners who are capable of amazing achievements.
We believe students who receive the appropriate help and support can develop the skills necessary to keep pace with traditional classroom settings. We aim to teach all of our students how to leverage their strengths in areas that may be difficult, and how to advocate for the tools that they need in order to succeed.
Between
C4C & FOUNTAIN HOUSE. Pakistan
Caring for Cannots Foundation (C4C) is dedicated to aiding those unable to assist themselves, particularly focusing on special needs children. In pursuit of this mission, C4C has entered into a partnership with Fountain House (FH), a venerable institution in Lahore committed to
addressing mental health challenges in society.
Fountain House, renowned for its six decades of service, also operates an Institute for Disadvantaged Children & (IDC) in Sanda, Lahore. Recognizing the importance of community-based approaches, C4C has engaged FH in discussions to implement home-based
rehabilitation for special needs children under a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
program.
This collaborative effort entails identifying Community Resource Persons (CRPs) from densely populated, low-income areas surrounding Sanda. These CRPs will undergo comprehensive training at IDC under the guidance of experienced psychologists. Once trained, the CRPs will
identify special needs children within their communities and provide crucial support.
Initially, five CRPs have been selected and trained at IDC, with ongoing plans to expand their numbers based on demand. Additionally, should the need arise, C4C is prepared to establish dedicated centers in these communities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing this partnership was formally executed on November 1, 2023 by Mrs Faiza Ahmed, Chairperson of C4C, and Dr. Syed Imran Murtaza. MS of Fountain House
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Children
Their future is waiting — and you can help press play
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CENTRES
In Lahore, change doesn’t just happen — we build it
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Since, We’ve Been Showing Up
Year after year, we choose action over apathy
Because “cannots” don’t exist — not on our watch
Join us in proving that every child can when given the chance
C4C Centers in Lahore
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Muhammad Sulaiman Begumpura Centre for Special Children
LDA-15, Mehmoodabad, Begumpura, Lahore, Pakistan
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C4C Special Children Center – Township
Chaudhary Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust Hospital, Township, Lahore, Pakistan
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C4C Special Children Center – Walton
Aman Sarai Foundation, Al-Noor Town, Walton, Lahore, Pakistan
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C4C Special Children Center – Mohlanwal
City Kids School, Mohlanwal, Multan Road, Lahore, Pakistan