First experiences are always valuable

First experiences are always valuable and we remember and cherish those forever. 

Well, we were in an area opposite to Mansoora for a camp arranged by the three societies of JI Youth team, first we were told that the place is called Mansoora 2, we gave address to the whole team with the name Mansoora 2 in it :) but on the day of the event we came to know that this wasn't Mansoora 2 but National Park, Rana Town. Every body got confused and wondered the area before reaching the camp site, plus there was another event in Mansoora Markaz at the same time, that increased the confusion. On top of all orange train track was stalling time of people as there was a long traffic jam because of under construction station of metro in front of Mansoora.

Anyway, story starts when we reached at venue - Our first camp site was a closed street of area, it was a free medical camp from health club of JI Youth, there was an awareness lecture for mothers regarding children education and up bringing by Education and Research society and Social work society was responsible for a survey to know the problems of people - particularly women of that community plus arranged gifts, balloons, chocolates and fun activities for kids there.

Well, when we reached there,  tenting and catering staff was almost done. Arwa (President of JI Youth women Lahore)  was there after 5 minutes, both of us told them regarding setting that where we need tables and chairs. Thanks to Maham and Mahreen (my younger sisters and JI Youth team members) - we were ready with the backdrop, standees, table of gifts, drawing pages, colors and distribution material in no time.

Patients started to come on time, in fact - we heard that some of the women came earlier than the starting timing of the camp, reception team of Jamaat e Islami Women Wing started working efficiently - entered the named of patients in lists and gave them token number for free check up - discipline team was guiding them to their waiting area.

A surprise was awaiting us in that day - we were informed that Ameer Jamaat e Islami Siraj-ul-Haq will be visiting our camp, but we weren't informed that our beloved leader will be visiting us early in the morning 😊

When we were told that He will be here any moment, we really got shocked 😮 for a moment, because Our seniors planned to attend the other program first before coming to our camp. Now we immediately contacted Zarafshan Baji (President Jamaat e Islami Women Wing Lahore) and Amna Baji (Vice president  Jamaat e Islami Women Wing Lahore) and they guided us how we have to brief regarding camp to the leader.

This was our first out door activity under our societies, and arrival of THE LEADER was really encouraging, in fact someone very dear to us stated that "Ham Sirajul Haq Sahb se time laity rehty hn, k vo program mein kab aa sakty hn or ap k camp mein vo khud aa gaye" - and we felt proud - Yes! He asked about the camp himself and told the team that He will be visiting this camp. 

When our Leader Siraj-ul-Haq arrived at the camp with media, all the roofs of surrounding were filled with people watching the ribbon cutting ceremony, they were also amazed I guess to see a national leader and chairman of a political party roaming around without protocol and security, in a street of their own area. Well! People will get used to of watching their leaders in real life, when Jamaat-e-Islami will be in power Insha Allah.

Small kids of area welcomed the beloved leader with rose petals shower, children were happy to see him and those who got two plates of flower petals were happier than others 🌹

Ameer e Jamaat distributed gifts among kids and addressed media there.

Among media there was Sadia Imam from Samaa, and girls who knew her were seeking just a chance to shake hands with her or at least say "Assalam o Alaikum! Bari khushi hoi ap se mil k" but she stayed for a short while.

Doctors started their work and children were engaged by social work society in coloring activity, both team and kids enjoyed a lot. A story telling session, balloon blowing competition and small games stalled the interest of children the whole day.

Women and children got free check up and medicine in this medical camp arranged with collaboration of Al-Khidmat Foundation Women Wing, and they were indeed very satisfied with the working team

Asma Raza (JI Youth team member) collected data regarding the problems of the people of area through a survey form. Ayesha and Kinza (JI Youth team members)arrived a bit late due to double program confusion but when they arrived, they really took over and other team members rested a bit.

During the break of doctors Education and Research society arranged an awareness lecture for mothers, Head of the society Saima Amjad taught mothers regarding the emotional and psychological needs of their children and how to take care of those needs.

Female leadership of JI Lahore arrived in afternoon to visit our camp. They also appreciated the effort.

At 03:00 pm we closed to provide token numbers and camp continued till 05:00 pm.

That's how our first camp ended successfully, although we spent some of our time, money and energy, but the smile on faces of women and children was priceless - that we really wanted to do that again and again and again ......

We learned a lot and gained experience. I guess we will remember this first activity of our societies forever.