According to Pakistani statistics, there are over seven million gypsies living in Pakistan. But despite their number, gypsies have no identity due to their lack of documentation.

There is no concept of birth registration within the community, which makes it difficult for them to get Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC).

The stagnating number in the community and non-existent resources means that these families live in huts which barely provide shelter to growing families. They remain deprived of basic rights despite being Pakistani citizens. The gypsy community lives below the poverty line, in severely unhygienic conditions. Their distress, hopelessness and alienation is palpable.

Children in this community normally help their parents beg for money and food on the streets and have never gotten any form of education. The Omeed program at Humaira Riaz School is a special after school program catering to gypsy children which means they can work in the morning and attend a formal school program in the afternoon. 

In order to make this program successful the school is teaching an accelerated learning program to those children who are older and have never been to school and simultaneously running the regular schooling stream for those children who can start with Playgroup. 

The school provides transportation and food to these children ensuring that the children are physically and mentally able to enjoy school as is their basic right.