In developmentBuilding Champions.
Strengthening Communities.
A long-term Amir Khan Foundation project: integrated community hubs that help families move from dependency to dignity to independence. The first centre is planned for Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
What we are working towards
A Champion Centre is a permanent community hub in one of the most deprived areas of South Asia. It is not a food bank, a school or a clinic on its own. It brings those things together under one roof, with a single aim: to help households move from dependency to independence rather than rely on aid indefinitely.
The model is built around five connected pillars, because poverty is interconnected and the response should be too.
Food Security
A community food outlet and weekly support that removes hunger as a barrier to school and work.
Health Access
An on-site clinic for preventative care, early diagnosis and referrals, with a focus on maternal and child health.
Education
Partnerships with local schools and incentivised attendance, keeping children in school rather than in labour.
Sport and Youth Development
A boxing gym, mentoring and safe spaces that build discipline, confidence and aspiration.
Social Mobility
Skills training, employability support and a clear path from food support to self-reliance.
The first centre: Rawalpindi
The first Champion Centre is planned for Rawalpindi, Pakistan, chosen for its density, access to existing infrastructure and clear community need. It is the proof of concept: build one centre, learn from it, then develop the model further.
Programme design and planning are underway. We will share progress here and through our updates as the work develops, Insha'Allah.
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills.”
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261
The Champion Centre is intended as sadaqah jariyah, a continuing charity whose benefit does not end with a single meal or a single day. It is a project we are building carefully, for the long term.
The Champion Centre appeal
Help us build the first Champion Centre
We are raising £150,000 to build the first Champion Centre in Rawalpindi and fund its first year of running. This is the proof of concept: one centre, built and sustained, that shows what is possible.
Your gift is ring-fenced
Every donation to the Champion Centre is received now and held in a restricted fund. It is only spent on building the centre once the full £150,000 is raised. Until then it is ring-fenced for this project, and can normally be returned before it is deployed, under our refund policy. Administrative costs are capped at 10%.
Prefer to support our live work? Our appeals and programmes reach families right now.
An invitation
Come and hear the Champion Centre strategy
Amir is hosting a session in the coming weeks for supporters who want to understand the Champion Centre plan and how it will be built. If you would like to come, register your interest below and we will share the details, Insha'Allah.
Follow the Champion Centre as it develops
Occasional updates on the Champion Centre as the first site in Rawalpindi takes shape, alongside news from our live appeals and programmes.