Our Story — Rabia Sanctuary

How Rabia Sanctuary began

Long before there was a building, there was a question the Al-Rehman Welfare Trust kept running into: what happens to a child once the ration bag is delivered and the school fees are paid?

The Trust had been working with orphans and widows across Pakistan since 2008 — healthcare, education, food assistance, small-business support. That work helped families stay standing. But some children had no family left to stand with.

So the Trust's founder went to look at how others had solved it, spending time with established institutions such as Darul Sukun, Sirat-ul-Jannah and Hayat-ul-Islam. What came back was a clear idea of what this home should not be. Shelter alone was not enough. A child needs somewhere to belong, and a real chance at the life ahead of them.

A birthday celebrated at Rabia Sanctuary, with the children, their caregivers and the founder gathered around the cake.

Rabia Sanctuary opened on 30th March 2023 as a CSR initiative of Al-Rehman Technologies and Sunset BnB, operating under the Al-Rehman Welfare Trust. It is a residential care home for orphaned and socially challenged boys, who join between the ages of four and eight.

The distinction the founder insisted on is the one the house still runs by. This is a home, not an institution. Children are not processed through a system here — they are raised. Days are shaped by school and homework, by medical checkups and clean habits, by prayers and manners, by art, play and the occasional trip out. Education, healthcare, values and life skills are not six separate programmes. They are simply what a childhood is made of.

That thinking reaches beyond the front door. Where a child still has relatives who love them but cannot afford their care, the Trust supports the family so the child can stay at home. A place here is for the child who has nowhere else.

The ribbon-cutting at the inauguration of Rabia Sanctuary.

2008: Al-Rehman Welfare Trust begins supporting orphans and widows across Pakistan.
2023: Rabia Sanctuary opens its doors as a residential home for orphaned and socially challenged boys.
30 March 2023: The Sanctuary is formally inaugurated by Patron in Chief Rabia Begum, alongside Dr. Haji Haneef Tayyab, with family, friends and well-wishers present.

Messages from our leadership

Rabia Begum

Patron in Chief

It brings me immense joy and pride to address you all as part of the Rabia Sanctuary family.

This sanctuary, named in my honour, stands as a testament to the love, dedication and commitment we have towards the well-being and future of our children.

To our dear children, you are the heart and soul of Rabia Sanctuary. Here, you are cherished, valued and provided with the nurturing environment you deserve. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best education and opportunities, so you can grow into successful, confident and compassionate individuals.

Remember, you are never alone; you have a family here that cares deeply for you and mentors who believe in your potential. Embrace the opportunities before you, strive for excellence, and always hold onto hope.

To our generous friends of Rabia Sanctuary, thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. Your contributions make it possible for us to provide a loving home and a bright future for these wonderful children.

Together, we are building a community of compassion and support, inspiring positive change in the lives of orphaned children. Let us continue to work hand in hand to empower these children, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.

With all my love and blessings, Rabia Begum Patron in Chief

Irfan A. Rehman

Founder

Welcome to Rabia Sanctuary, where our mission is to provide a loving, secure and nurturing home for orphaned and socially challenged children.

Our journey began with a vision to create a sanctuary where every child feels valued, cherished and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by orphanages. With insights gained from various institutions and a commitment to excellence, we established Rabia Sanctuary to focus on high-quality education, understanding religion in its true delight, healthcare, fitness and a good lifestyle. Our aim is not just to provide shelter, but to transform lives, enabling our children to dream big and strive for greatness.

We believe in the power of education and mentorship to build a strong foundation for these young minds. By providing the tools they need for academic success and life skills, we hope to nurture future doctors, engineers, scientists and leaders who will positively impact their communities.

I am immensely proud of our team and the progress we have made. Our efforts are driven by love and compassion, ensuring that each child receives the care and support they deserve. We also extend our support to families who struggle to maintain their children, believing that with a little help, they can provide a loving home.

As we continue on this journey, I invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a brighter future for these children, filled with hope, opportunity and joy.

Warm regards, Irfan A. Rehman Founder, Rabia Sanctuary

Al-Rehman Welfare Trust

Rabia Sanctuary is the Trust's residential home, and the newest chapter in a welfare mission that began in 2008. Alongside it, the Trust continues to work with orphans and widows across Pakistan through six ongoing programmes.

Education

#TaleemKaroMumkin

Empowering young minds, breaking the cycle of poverty, and creating a brighter future for the next generation.

Healthcare

#SehatSeZindagi

Accessible, high-quality healthcare so that essential medical care does not depend on a family's financial status.

Ration distribution

#bhookmitao

Essential food supplies during difficult times, to relieve hunger and support resilience and wellbeing.

Small business support

#khuddarbanao

Resources, guidance and opportunity to turn aspirations into working businesses and lasting self-reliance.

Counseling

Helping families find ideas and independence — practical advice, an emphasis on education, and support in turning skills into income.

Vocational training

Comprehensive training programmes that equip women with the skills to achieve financial independence and build careers.