Our Background

The work of Roshni Project is part of an international network of facilities for children and adults with special needs. The concept of these schools, workshops and communities is following the ideas of the Austrian philosopher and scientist Dr. Rudolf Steiner. In the beginning of the 20th century he developed a complete view of the human being, consisting of body, soul and spirit, his education and many other aspects. In 1924 he gave special suggestions on how to care for handicapped people. From these lectures a movement started, which is today consisting of around six hundred institutions worldwide. (see links)

Introduction

In March 2001 Shahida and Hellmut Hannesen, together with the curative teachers Lars Jamke and Graham Simpson moved from Germany to Lahore to build a community for adults with special needs. After some preparation the work started with a day care centre, which was opened on 3 rd . Sept. 2001, just a week before the famous "September 11". This did not disturb the start of the work, and inspite of warnings from Embassies and calls from family in Germany, the group of foreigners stayed, together with Shahida, who had guided them to her home town. This might be a symbol of the fact that Roshni Association, beside the social work, also wants to further international understanding and peace. Read more

Our Goals

Roshni Association wants to establish a community for adult persons with special needs. All three parts of human life should be designed according to the needs of these "friends". There should be different workshops, who give the appropriate work to every friend according to his capacities. The main character of the social life will be community building, between the friends and the coworkers living together with them. They will share the daily life of the friends around the clock. The spiritual life will follow the religious needs of the friends and also give cultural impulses and activities.


Our History

Every new year brings greater excellenmce in the performance of Rshni Association for special People. Way back in 1995, founders of Roshni Association, Mrs Shahida Perveen Hannesen and her husband Mr Hamid Hellmut Hannesen, implemented their bision in to reality. 1998 was a year of active fund-raising campaign for Roshni Assocation marked its ground persence in March 2001 by establishing its firts day care centre in Khuda Bukhsh Colony newr Bhata Chawk/New Airport, Lahore.
Staunch support of donors from Pakistan and Germany in response to continuous struggle of Roshni team enabled the organization to construct its own premises at Karbath Soling, off Bedian Road, Lahore Cantt, Pakistan.