Startups
According to UNICEF, there are more than 30 million street children in Asia and two million in Pakistan alone. Street children loitering at traffic lights and marketplaces are common in Pakistan. Surviving by sorting through trash at unhygienic dump sites and begging for money, these children--as young as three years old--are among the most vulnerable, neglected and exploited in Pakistani society. LBK addresses this problem through programming focused on:
- Music, arts and crafts;
- Reading, writing and digital literacy;
- Gardening and developing a relationship with nature; and
- Facilitated intergenerational interaction with retired people.
After three years of mentorship and guidance, and when participating children are ready to take second grade exams, LBK works to enroll them in formal education. By establishing long-term partnerships with public and private schools, and as a result of taking responsibility for new students’ conduct, retention in the school and other basic needs, LBK is able to ensure that the children stay in school and continue on a path toward greater integration with and contribution to society.
The sustainable LBK business model capitalizes on design and product development inspired by artwork of participating children. The artwork developed during LBK education activities (see objective 1) is subsequently converted by in-house designers into lifestyle products for children. These products--for children, by children--establish ties between the street children and their more fortunate counterparts, and also enable sustainability by generating income and thereby reducing the reliance on donor funding for program operations. At the same time, these products offer awareness and empathy among the privileged children through smart packaging and visual storytelling.
- Music, arts and crafts;
- Reading, writing and digital literacy;
- Gardening and developing a relationship with nature; and
- Facilitated intergenerational interaction with retired people.
After three years of mentorship and guidance, and when participating children are ready to take second grade exams, LBK works to enroll them in formal education. By establishing long-term partnerships with public and private schools, and as a result of taking responsibility for new students’ conduct, retention in the school and other basic needs, LBK is able to ensure that the children stay in school and continue on a path toward greater integration with and contribution to society.
The sustainable LBK business model capitalizes on design and product development inspired by artwork of participating children. The artwork developed during LBK education activities (see objective 1) is subsequently converted by in-house designers into lifestyle products for children. These products--for children, by children--establish ties between the street children and their more fortunate counterparts, and also enable sustainability by generating income and thereby reducing the reliance on donor funding for program operations. At the same time, these products offer awareness and empathy among the privileged children through smart packaging and visual storytelling.
Overview
Location
United States, California
Phone
+92 312 4586216