United Nations SDG Goals in action in Faisalabad GSK Women Empowerment Centre
The Gatrad Saleem Khawaja Centre
Mr Aslam, founder of Midland International Aid Trust, wanted to leave a MIAT legacy after he passed. The philanthropic Shaukat family in Faisalabad, Pakistan generously donated a plot of land through Professor Gatrad’s extensive network. Leveraging this opportunity, Professor Gatrad’s UK-based NGO, Midland International Aid Trust (MIAT) www.miatwalsall.org.uk, spearheaded the development of a much-needed healthcare and outreach centre. Constructed at a cost of £250,000, the facility was built with the specific aim of addressing the intertwined crises of medical neglect, climate vulnerability, and deep-rooted poverty that affect the region.
This centre now serves as a beacon of hope for underserved communities, providing essential healthcare services in an area where medical infrastructure is either severely lacking or financially inaccessible. In a region where extreme poverty prevents many from accessing even the most basic medical attention, the centre offers free consultations, maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses that, if left unchecked, can become fatal.
Furthermore, the initiative recognises that poverty and poor health are exacerbated by the mounting impacts of climate change. Faisalabad, like many parts of Pakistan, is increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures, water scarcity, and climate-induced diseases such as dengue and malaria. The centre thus integrates education on hygiene, water conservation, and climate-resilient practices, empowering locals to adapt and protect their health amid changing environmental conditions.
By tackling these issues simultaneously – healthcare inequality, environmental stress, and extreme poverty – the project stands as a model for sustainable, community-based development. What began as a small act of philanthropy has evolved into a transformative mission with far-reaching impacts, offering a lifeline to thousands who would otherwise remain unseen and unsupported.
Watch the videos below to learn more about our work and the impact we create
Launch Of MIAT Legacy - Our Faisalabad GSK Women Empowerment Project Launch
GSK Women Empowerment Centre - Prof Gatrad's Dream Come True
Pehchan Project: Providing Identity for Orphans and Vulnerable Girls
Milk and Apple Project at the MIAT GSK Centre in Faisalabad
GSK Opening Doors for Orphans
Where Love and Hope find a Playground
Protecting Health and Well-being at GSK
Teaching Basic Life Skills
Learning the Kalema at our Women's Empowerment Centre
Multiple Humanitarian Projects at the GSK Centre
Prof G Celebrates Birthday with is his Orphan Girls
GSK Women Empowerment Centre (Gatrad–Saleem–Khawaja)
The GSK Women Empowerment Centre is a sanctuary of dignity, learning and opportunity for orphaned and disadvantaged girls. Built through a strong humanitarian partnership between Professor Abdul Rashid Gatrad (MIAT) and Hamna Shaukat (Midland Foundation), the Centre was created with one purpose: to help vulnerable girls grow from orphan to outstanding.
Our Mission
To empower girls through education, identity, health, skills training and spiritual development, nurturing confident, compassionate and capable young women who can lead independent, meaningful lives.
What We Provide
- Structured schooling and literacy
- English and Urdu language education
- Digital and IT skills
- Sewing and tailoring vocational training
- Cooking studio and life-skills development
- Nutrition programme (daily meals, fruit and milk)
- Medical reviews, hygiene education and essential medicines
- Sports and recreation to build confidence
- Library and quiet learning spaces
- Spiritual development and values-based guidance
The girls learn to read, write and communicate confidently, developing skills in both English and Urdu, while also gaining digital literacy and practical life skills.
Indoor and Outdoor Facilities
We have created safe, happy spaces that encourage learning, play, teamwork and wellbeing.
Indoor recreation
- table tennis
- carrom boards
- group games and activities
- reading and quiet reflection spaces
Outdoor recreation
- badminton
- open play areas
- simple sports and fitness activities
The Swimming Pool: Skills, Safety and Lifesaving
A unique feature of the Centre is our purpose-built swimming pool. It provides:
- swimming skills and water confidence
- physical exercise and rehabilitation
- fun, teamwork and resilience
In a region increasingly affected by flooding and extreme weather, learning to swim can:
- save a child’s own life
- enable them safely and responsibly to help others in danger
- build calmness and control in emergencies
Swimming here is not just recreation, it is lifesaving education.
A Spiritual Anchor — Including Our Mosque
Spiritual well-being is gently supported. Within the Centre, we have built a dedicated mosque, providing:
- a peaceful place for prayer
- reflection and gratitude
- moral and spiritual guidance
Faith, character and compassion grow side by side with education and health.
A Centre Built With Care and Built to Last
Facilities include:
- classrooms
- sewing and vocational rooms
- IT suites with internet access
- medical/dental room and first aid
- conference and training hall
- library and study spaces
- swimming pool
Climate‑smart features:
- solar power
- clean water systems
- shaded courtyards
- natural ventilation
These protect health, reduce costs and keep the centre running through heatwaves, floods and power cuts.
Identity, Protection and Dignity — The ‘Pehchan’ Programme
Through Pehchan (Identity), we support girls to obtain:
- birth registration
- national identity documentation
- exam registration
- healthcare access
- future banking and employment rights
Uniforms, shoes, winter clothing, bags and stationery ensure every girl is seen, heard and valued.
Empowering Girls Through Climate Resilience and Education
CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY & THE EDUCATION OF GIRLS
Climate change affects girls first — and most. At the GSK Women Empowerment Centre, climate resilience and education go side by side, removing the barriers that silently push girls out of school.
CLEAN WATER — LESS WALKING, MORE LEARNING
Water pumps on site mean girls no longer walk long distances in heat and unsafe conditions to fetch water. This keeps girls safe — and keeps them in class.
SAFE SCHOOL TOILETS — DIGNITY AND ATTENDANCE
Private, hygienic toilets give dignity and confidence. Attendance improves, especially during adolescence.
IDENTITY (PEHCHAN) — OPENING THE DOOR TO SCHOOL
Without identity, many girls cannot enrol. Our Pehchan work helps secure ID cards so girls can study, access healthcare and build a future.
REUSABLE SANITARY PADS — NO GIRL MISSES SCHOOL
Girls learn to stitch safe, reusable sanitary pads. This reduces stigma, protects health, cuts waste — and prevents school absence.
RECYCLING AND RESPONSIBILITY — WASUP IN ACTION
Every girl brings one piece of plastic each day for recycling through the WASUP Recycling Plant — learning that small actions protect the planet.
Education, dignity and climate resilience belong together. When we invest in girls, we protect families, communities and our planet.
What It Takes to Run the Centre Each Year
Our current annual running needs are approximately £37,000, supporting both the girls and the team who care for them.
Direct Support for the 100 Girls — £27,000 per year
(around £270 per orphan per year)
Nutrition and daily lunches – £20,000
- milk – about £600 per year
- fruit, including apples – about £400 per year
School materials and learning support – £5,000
Vitamins, iron and medicines – £2,000
Staff and Centre Support — £27000 per year
A small, committed team — teachers, helpers and a gardener keep the centre organised, safe and nurturing.
Income Generation and Sustainability
To reduce long-term reliance on donations, we are developing sustainable income activities:
- sale of stitched garments and handicrafts
- training courses for local women (modest fees) who can afford
- Hire of conference hall and garden space for events
- apprenticeship links and local partnerships
These build pride, livelihoods and future independence.
Why This Matters
For around £270 per year, one orphan girl receives:
- education in English and Urdu
- daily meals and nutrition
- healthcare support and medicines
- clothing and learning materials
- recreation and swimming
- spiritual guidance and emotional care
Small investment, lifelong transformation.
Your Support — Continuing the Journey
Every contribution helps us feed, educate, mentor and protect more girls.
Midland International Aid Trust
NatWest Bank
Sort code: 60-22-22
Account number: 67582621
Together, we can ensure every girl who enters the GSK Women Empowerment Centre is given not only the chance to survive but also the opportunity to flourish.
