Lifesaving £40K Orphanage: The Facts

In light of recent discussions surrounding Penny Appeal's Orphan Complex project in Pakistan, we feel it is essential to address the concerns raised, share our progress, and highlight the robust steps taken to ensure the project's success and transparency. We are also concerned about some factual inaccuracies being reported and wish to correct these so that you are aware of the facts.

• The press is reporting that the home donated by Ms. Baig is incomplete. This is incorrect. The home was completed in December 2023 and children will be moving into the home from March 2024. In addition, as part of the initial phase six out of the ten homes on the Orphan Complex have now been completed.
• We have maintained regular contact with our donors and stakeholders at all times. This has included invitations to visit the complex in December 2023, and again in March 2024. Both invitations were unfortunately declined. We are of course happy to host any donor at the complex, and eager to show the progress we have made in building the complex, alongside the benefits they are bringing to vulnerable children through their kind donations.
• Reports that construction was only visible in 2022 is incorrect. The project, which costs over one million pounds, and which includes a school, mosque and sport facilities, is being completed in phases, the first of which began in 2017. Indeed, the first orphan home was built in 2018.

Penny Appeal's mission to transform small change into a BIG difference for those who need us most is only made possible through the generosity and dedication of our valued supporters. Our work has always been one of a sincere commitment to impactful and sustainable projects. Like our donors, we feel the weight of delays, particularly when caused by unforeseen challenges.

We have always been open and transparent about the progress of building works on the complex, including the delays which were wholly out of our control. As you know, Penny Appeal works in areas facing significant challenges, including extreme weather events and political unrest. This, coupled with the logistical and safety challenges over the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, did lead to delays, but these were overcome through the tireless efforts of the Penny Appeal team and our local partners.

We are delighted that the first phase of the project is now complete and that, this Ramadan, the complex will begin to serve as a safe haven for vulnerable children around Islamabad/Rawalpindi; Pakistan, embodying our mission in the most profound way. The timing of the recent article, just before Ramadan, is unfortunate, given the critical fundraising efforts that occur during this sacred month.

We are concerned about the one-sided nature of the coverage and will be addressing these concerns directly with the publisher. As we move forward, our commitment to our mission remains unwavering.

Under the leadership of our new CEO and Senior Leadership Team, with the support of our Board Of Trustees, the past year has seen the implementation of sweeping governance and policy reviews, enhancing our operational standards and ensuring our projects not only meet but exceed the expectations of our supporters.

In acknowledging lessons learnt from our legacy projects delivery, our Board of Trustees and CEO would once again like to offer our profuse and unreserved apologies to Ms Baig, her family and all other donors that have been impacted by these delays.

Our doors remain wide open to engage in constructive dialogue with our donors and supporters so we can learn from the past in order that we may improve our charity for the benefit of those who need us most at home and around the world.

Please e-mail us any time with any comments, concerns and suggestions you may have via [email protected].

Penny Appeal

March 2024