Our Story: A Ray of Hope Since 1995
Discover how Umeed-e-Noor has empowered over 3,000 children with disabilities since 1995.
“Every child deserves a chance to shine.”
Who We Are
Umeed-e-Noor — “Ray of Hope” — is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering children with severe and multiple disabilities. Founded in 1995 by our Chairperson, Noori Hashwani, Umeed-e-Noor was born from a deeply personal conviction: that every child, no matter how severe their disability, carries a light within them that deserves to be nurtured and shared with the world.
Registered under the Islamabad Capital Territory Charities Registration, Regulation & Facilitation Act, 2021, we provide comprehensive services including special education, skill development, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, vocational training, and full-time residential boarding.
Over nearly three decades we have grown into a home, a school, a therapy centre, and a rehabilitation facility — a place where children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, learning challenges, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions receive structured care, developmental opportunities, and above all, dignity. More than 3,000 children have walked through our doors since 1995 — many arriving unable to speak, walk, or care for themselves, and going on to communicate, create, learn, and even compete in the Special Olympics.
3,000+
Lives Transformed
30 Years
Of Unwavering Care
“Looking forward to seeing you all involved via activities and donations, and ever thankful to those who respect and understand the value of Light.”
— Noori Hashwani, Founder & Chairperson
Our Mission
To provide children with special needs an enabling environment — while building awareness in society — where their social, psychological, and developmental needs are met, enabling them to maximize their potential, build confidence, and become productive, valued members of society.
Our Vision
A society where children and adults with special needs are respected for the diversity they bring, and are provided equal access to opportunities, resources, and facilities that enable them to achieve their social and economic potential while living with dignity, confidence, and self-esteem.
What We Work Toward Every Day
Eight commitments that guide everything we do for our children and their families.
Early Intervention
Services for babies and young children who are “at risk” or identified with special needs — because the earlier we act, the greater the impact.
Residential Care
Safe, loving residential facilities, with special emphasis on children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have nowhere else to go.
Vocational & Life Skills
Vocational and daily-life skills training so that children with special needs can achieve maximum independence.
Holistic Programs
Programs that integrate cognitive, motor, language, self-help, socialization, and play skills for whole-child development.
Family Empowerment
Counselling and support that empowers parents to play an active role in their child’s development.
Capacity Building
Building the capacity of professionals, volunteers, parents, and civil-society organizations working with children with special needs.
Training Centre
A resource and training centre for teachers in special-education techniques.
Community Awareness
Community-wide awareness and understanding of children with special needs, breaking stigma and building inclusion.
Our Journey
Nearly three decades of growth, milestone by milestone.
1995
Umeed-e-Noor is founded by Chairperson Noori Hashwani as a home for 30 orphaned and bedridden special children, providing specialized rehabilitative care.
1996
Expansion into a comprehensive special-needs school and therapy centre, introducing speech therapy, physiotherapy, and special education.
2000
Launch of our first comprehensive educational program tailored to each child’s unique abilities and developmental needs.
2008
Expansion into additional programs and outreach in underserved communities across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
2010
Introduction of vocational training programs to empower older students with practical, employable skills for independence.
2015
Launch of inclusive-education initiatives through partnerships with mainstream schools, bridging special and general education.
2020
Successful adaptation to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of education and therapy for every child.
2023
Umeed-e-Noor celebrates more than 25 years of transformative impact, having supported thousands of children in gaining independence.
2024
Awarded the PCP Seal of Good Practice; FBR renews NPO approval; strategic plan launched for the 1st-floor expansion into a sustainable Centre of Excellence.
Who We Serve
We welcome children with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, with programs designed for the unique needs of children with:
Cerebral Palsy
Physical therapy, mobility support, and adaptive education for children with movement and posture challenges.
Down Syndrome
Tailored learning, speech development, and social integration for children with chromosomal conditions.
Intellectual Disability
Individualized cognitive programs, life-skills training, and behaviour support for children with cognitive challenges.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Structured environments, communication support, and sensory integration for children on the autism spectrum.
Learning Disabilities & Stammering
Specialized reading, writing, and speech-fluency programs for children with learning differences.
Muscular Dystrophy
Physiotherapy and adaptive programs for children with progressive muscle conditions.
Hearing Impairment
Sign-language instruction, speech development, and assistive-technology support.
Developmental Delays
Early-intervention and structured developmental support to help children reach key milestones.
Multiple Disabilities
Comprehensive, coordinated care for children living with more than one condition.
The People Behind the Mission
The hearts and minds driving our mission forward with compassion and expertise.
Noori Hashwani
Founder & Chairperson
The visionary behind Umeed-e-Noor, Ma’am Noori Hashwani founded the organization in 1995 driven by a deep conviction that differently-abled children deserve dignity, care, and opportunity. Under her leadership, UEN has grown from a small home into a nationally recognized centre that has transformed the lives of over 3,000 children.
Mrs. Gulnar Sultana
Principal
An experienced and deeply committed professional, Mrs. Gulnar Sultana has been with Umeed-e-Noor since its inception. She resides on campus, making herself accessible 24/7 to boarders and day scholars. Trained by British speech pathologist Ms. Margaret K. Taslimullah, she brings over 28 years of experience in clinical therapy and personally supervises each child’s progress.
Be Part of Our Story
Your support helps us continue transforming lives. Join 3,000+ families who have found hope at Umeed-e-Noor.
Donate Now