Mahmud Jafri is the CEO of Dover Rug & Home, a business that started out of his home in 1989 and now boasts a 36,000-square-foot space on Route 9 in Natick, MA and a second location in Boston’s Back Bay. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Jafri is a philanthropist and highly regarding community member. A supporter of several charities, he has been actively involved with TCF since the launch of the Boston Chapter.
Last year Mr. Jafri hosted a fundraiser to introduce the Foundation to the Boston community and the support and interest has been phenomenal.
Tell us more about the project 141 schools for Peace?
If there is any good to come out of the horrible Peshawar school attack on December 16, 2014, it’s that the world can no longer afford to look away at the extremists attacks on school children. After this atrocity, for once the focus is on the victims, not the perpetrators. One of TCF’s current initiatives is the “141 Schools for Peace†project, which is a commitment to build 141 schools in memory of each of the 141 innocent children who were victims of the Peshawar school attack on December 16, 2014.
How will these schools be different from other schools in Pakistan?
All of the TCF schools are located in urban slums and rural areas of Pakistan. These are areas characterized by extreme poverty, where people neither have the means nor access to quality education.
All TCF schools are established in purpose-built premises, designed by reputed architects; M/s. Arshad Shahid Abdulla in Karachi and M/s. Republic Engineering in Lahore. School buildings are equipped with airy and fully furnished classrooms, an administrative block, a play area, library, computer labs and science labs, an art room and all essential facilities to provide students with a stimulating learning environment.
TCF only hire female faculty and presently there are 7,700 teachers and principals across all their schools.TCF is present in 100 different locations nationally, with enrolment of 145,000 students.
Does the Foundation have an office in Pakistan. How will it monitor the project?
The Foundation has several offices throughout Pakistan to monitor the school projects. The main office is in Karachi, Pakistan; there are regional offices in: Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and TCF has a presence in 100 towns and cities There are also international chapters throughout the world.
Finally, what is the mission of the Boston Chapter. Who can get involved?
The Citizens Foundation (TCF) supports the building of civil society in Pakistan and promotes gender equality by providing quality scientific and balanced education for underprivileged children. As TCF’s 19th United States-based chapter, the Boston chapter will continue the organization’s amazing work to educate and improve living conditions for children and society in general in Pakistan and promote peace in the region and the world. The mission of the Boston Chapter is to continue raising awareness about the goals of TCF and start a TCF school in Boston’s name. The South Asian community of Boston is leading the launch of TCF's Boston chapter.
They are raising awareness about the good works supported by The Citizens Foundation and encourage diverse involvement from the business community, professionals, and individuals ready to dedicate their time. There are a number of ways you can contribute your time to TCF regardless of your age or your country of residence. To be part of the TCF volunteer programs, all one has to do is register online, please visit: http://www.tcf.org.pk/VolunteerRequest.aspx.
 Become a Champion for Education of Pakistani Children. Introduce TCF to your family, colleagues and co-workers. Host a brown bag ‘lunch and learn’ meeting at your office. Contact us for a local representative or, for assistance in doing the presentation yourself.
 Learn more about TCF. Sign up for our newsletter and event communications and stay current with latest stats, recognitions and news.
 Become part of your local TCF community and organize a local fundraiser and outreach event.
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