Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has named a Pakistani social worker, Sikander Bizenjo, from Southwestern Balochistan, an ‘unsung hero’ of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gates posted a list of seven unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic on his blog post on September 8th that included a young Pakistani philanthropic and social worker from Balochistan, Sikander Bizenjo. Gates in his blog post titled “7 unsung heroes of the pandemic,” described them as incredible people who had cared for others during troubled times. Bizenjo is also featured in the video shared by Gates honoring the seven unsung heroes.
Bill Gates applauds young Pakistani from Balochistan
Gates wrote that Bizenjo founded a group called Balochistan Youth Against Corona. He said the foundation “raised funds for monthly food rations for 10,000 households in Balochistan as well of personal protective equipment, masks, face shields and hand sanitizers for frontline health workers.”
Read more: After WHO, Japan lauds Pakistan’s efforts in tackling Coronavirus pandemic
Bizenjo expressed excitement and shared the news on his Twitter platform. He also credited his volunteers who worked selflessly for the organization and people of Balochistan. The young social worker vowed to continue to serve people.
Thank you to the heroes everywhere working to keep us safe. I hope their stories inspire you just as much as they have me: https://t.co/DYFUYMEPK7 pic.twitter.com/UKT9BfXHyk
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 12, 2020
He expressed excitement over being recognized by tech giant Bill Gates. Last week, he had shared the news on his Twitter account. He wrote, “This is what happens when we unite and work together! More power to the youth of our country, together we are stronger,” on Twitter.
Guys! Our work in Balochistan has just been featured among "Seven unsung heroes of this pandemic" by @BillGates!!
This is what happens when we unite and work together! More power to the youth of our country, together we are stronger ♥️@BanariMengal @Myasirbaloch @Khalidismaill pic.twitter.com/jgJHFcZtW4
— Sikander Bizenjo (@sikanderbizenjo) September 10, 2020
Unsung Hero Bizenjo: “Proud moment for Pakistan, especially Balochistan”
He said the team was “overwhelmed and thrilled by the appreciation from Bill Gates” for being recognized among seven heroes of the pandemic. “This is a proud moment for Pakistan and especially for Balochistan as we don’t hear much positive or inspiring news from there. The best part, he said, is “knowing that your efforts have touched so many lives,” in an interview with Gulf News.
Read more: The greatest mystery of our times: How did Pakistan contain the coronavirus?
Bizenjo is a development economist and was working as a manager in a business school in Karachi. He returned to his hometown during the coronavirus outbreak. He reached out to youngsters and his colleagues in his home province Balochistan and co-founded the organization with Banari Mengal, Dr. Yasir Baloch and Khalid Ismail. The team raised funds to help the people affected by nationwide lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Very proud of our UEA Graduates @sikanderbizenjo and @BanariMengal making a huge difference to their local community and getting the recognition they deserve 👏 https://t.co/hXElPjQE4G
— UEAGrads (@UEAGrads) September 11, 2020
Sikander informed Gulf News that since April they have reached out to 13,000 people in 42 towns of the province besides numerous small settlements. The passionate young worker said his team distributed rations, face masks, protective shields, sanitizers among front line health workers.
GVS News Desk