Frequently Asked Questions regarding LEFB Philosophy & Working Style

At Literaria Education Foundation for the Blind (LEFB), we follow a unique and principle-based approach to social impact — one that emphasizes volunteerism over donations, inclusion over dependency, and collaboration over centralization. This page answers the most commonly asked questions about our philosophy, how we operate, and how individuals can contribute meaningfully to our mission without financial involvement. Whether you’re a potential volunteer, an educator, or someone inspired by our model, these FAQs will help you better understand the values, practices, and flexible working style that guide everything we do at LEFB.

Q 1: What is the philosophy of the Literaria Education Foundation for the Blind (LEFB) regarding donations and volunteering

The philosophy of the Literaria Education Foundation for the Blind (LEFB) regarding donations and volunteering is based on a unique, principled approach that sets it apart from many other organizations. Here are its key points:

Philosophy on Collecting Donations: “We Don’t Ask for Donations”

  • LEFB does not solicit, request, or accept financial donations from individuals, institutions, or sponsors.
  • They believe in sustainable volunteerism, not charity-based models.
  • The foundation emphasizes that the intellectual contribution of volunteers (like time, skills, and efforts) holds more value than money.
  • They want to avoid dependency on funds, believing that the work for visually impaired students should grow through sincere efforts, not financial transactions.

📖 Quoted from their Open Letter:

“We don’t collect donations. We collect voices, skills, and time.”
(Source: Open Letter by LEFB Founder)

Philosophy on Volunteering: “Volunteering Is the Heart of Our Mission”

  • LEFB operates entirely through volunteers — narrators, editors, sound engineers, and tech experts.
  • They believe even a small contribution (like half an hour a week) can make a big difference.
  • The foundation provides flexibility, encouraging volunteers to offer whatever skills they have, when they can.
  • The aim is to build a community where service comes from the heart, not for recognition, money, or rewards.
  • Volunteers become part of a meaningful cause — making education accessible for blind students.

🔑 Core Beliefs in Summary:

PhilosophyBelief
DonationsNot required, not collected
VolunteerismOpen to all, flexible, skill-based
ImpactSmall contributions lead to meaningful change
CommunityBuilt on sincerity, not financial interest

What This Means for You:

  • You can join LEFB by offering your voice, editing skills, or time — no need to donate money.
  • You’ll be part of a mission-driven effort where volunteering is valued more than financial contributions.
  • The LEFB model promotes empowerment through collaboration, not dependency on funding.

Q2: How can we integrate LEFB model in our classrooms?

To integrate the Literaria Education Foundation for the Blind (LEFB) model into your classroom, especially if you are teaching blind or visually impaired students, you can follow these practical steps:

1️⃣ Use Accessible Learning Materials

  • Download LEFB’s audio textbooks and computer-readable formats from literaria.edu.pk.
  • Provide these materials to blind students using USB, memory cards, or their devices.
  • Use screen reader-friendly documents (clear headings, Roman Urdu/Urdu in Unicode, no scanned PDFs).

2️⃣ Adopt Inclusive Teaching Strategies

  • Apply techniques shared by LEFB on their inclusive education support page:
    • Verbalize board work (describe everything you write).
    • Give assignments in accessible formats (typed, not handwritten).
    • Allow use of assistive devices like JAWS or NVDA screen readers.
    • Use tactile materials or audio descriptions in lessons when possible.

3️⃣ Promote Collaborative Learning

  • Pair blind students with sighted peers for group work.
  • Foster mutual support — sighted students help with visual tasks, blind students share audio or reasoning skills.
  • Encourage participation in inclusive debates, discussions, and presentations.

4️⃣ Leverage LEFB Volunteer Network

  • Engage with LEFB to get in touch with narrators or content creators for your students’ needs.
  • Invite LEFB-trained volunteers for classroom sessions (physically or online).

5️⃣ Continuous Teacher Development

  • Request LEFB’s guidance for teacher training on inclusion.
  • Attend webinars or sessions when offered by LEFB.
  • Join LEFB’s email consultancy service for regular tips on inclusive practices.

6️⃣ Encourage Student Participation in Activities Like LDS (Literaria Debating Society)

  • Promote opportunities for visually impaired students in debates, critical thinking exercises, and oral presentations.
  • Use LEFB’s debate materials or themes to practice structured argumentation.

Summary Checklist:

StepAction
1Provide LEFB audio & accessible textbooks
2Apply inclusive teaching strategies
3Foster collaborative learning
4Connect with LEFB volunteer network
5Seek teacher training & consultancy
6Promote extracurricular activities

Q 3: How to Apply LEFB’s No-Donation, Volunteer-Based Model in Your Own Educational Projects

1️⃣ Define Your Mission Clearly

  • Focus on a social cause (e.g., creating accessible content, community teaching, digital libraries).
  • Clearly state that your project runs on volunteer efforts, not donations.

2️⃣ Build a Volunteer Community

  • Reach out to like-minded people: students, teachers, professionals.
  • Use your network, social media, or community groups.
  • Emphasize flexibility: “Even a small weekly contribution matters.”

3️⃣ Offer Meaningful Roles, Not Just Tasks

  • Let volunteers use their unique skills (e.g., someone may write, someone may record, others may design).
  • Appreciate their efforts openly.

4️⃣ Be Transparent & Consistent

  • Communicate openly about goals and progress.
  • Keep volunteers updated and valued — not controlled.

5️⃣ Avoid Financial Dependency

  • Use free platforms (Google Drive, WhatsApp, WordPress.com).
  • Encourage skill exchange, not money collection.

6️⃣ Lead by Example

  • Show your own regular contribution, no matter how small.
  • Motivate others with action, not pressure.

Example Philosophy Statement You Can Use:

“We are a volunteer-driven initiative where skills, time, and passion matter more than money. We don’t collect donations. We believe small efforts by many hands can create big change.”

Q 4: How can we apply LEFB working model to social welfare projects other than education or education of the visually challenged students?

The LEFB model is built on four core principles:

  1. Volunteer-driven contribution, not donation-based funding
  2. Skill-based participation from diverse people
  3. Minimal or no financial dependency
  4. Flexibility, dignity, and sincerity in service

This model can be effectively applied to other social welfare projects in the following ways:

1️⃣ Apply the “No Donations – Only Skills” Approach

Instead of asking for money, design your welfare project to ask for:

  • Time (e.g., 30 mins per week),
  • Skills (e.g., counseling, cooking, tech setup, legal advice),
  • In-kind efforts (like recording, designing, distributing info).

Example:
A mental health support group can run weekly audio talks or peer discussions by volunteer psychologists and educators — no funding needed, only goodwill and a phone or mic.

2️⃣ Build a Decentralized Volunteer Network

Just like LEFB relies on narrators, editors, and tech people from across Pakistan (or the world), any social project can:

  • Use WhatsApp, email, and Google Drive to coordinate.
  • Allow people to work from home, at their own pace.
  • Assign micro-tasks (like writing one page, packing one box, or doing one call a week).

Example:
In a clean drinking water awareness project, one volunteer can record an awareness message, another can translate it, and another can spread it via local groups.

3️⃣ Make Dignity the Core of Your Service

LEFB treats every volunteer and beneficiary with respect, equality, and zero pity. Carry this into:

  • Elderly care projects
  • Women’s support networks
  • Community libraries
  • Slum school programs

Avoid words like “help the needy” — use phrases like “join a cause,” “contribute your skill,” “become a voice.”

4️⃣ Use Open, Transparent Communication

Like LEFB’s open letter and clear policies, you should:

  • Share goals and tasks clearly with your team.
  • Report progress in a transparent, non-commercial way (blog posts, WhatsApp updates, etc.).
  • Avoid exaggeration — stick to impact, not promotion.

5️⃣ Use Free, Accessible Technology

Run your entire project using:

  • Google Docs, Sheets, Forms
  • WhatsApp or Telegram groups
  • Free websites (like WordPress)
  • Free voice recorders and editing apps

This matches LEFB’s low-cost, high-impact model.

6️⃣ Promote Replication — Not Centralization

Encourage others to start similar local efforts without requiring your branding. Like LEFB, you don’t need full control — just inspire and guide.

Conclusion:

The LEFB model teaches us that real social change doesn’t need donations — it needs dedication, decentralized effort, and dignity. By applying these values to other welfare causes — such as women’s literacy, environment awareness, or disability inclusion — we can create self-sustaining, sincere, and scalable projects.

In short:

Don’t raise funds. Raise hands.
Don’t create followers. Create fellow doers.

Q 5: Can you suggest a sample project idea (e.g., for elderly care, women empowerment, or community health) based on LEFB model?

Open project suggested by LEFB

 “Yaad-e-Baqi”

 — Voice-based Elderly Storytelling & Companionship Project

🎯 Purpose:

To provide companionship, recognition, and mental well-being to elderly people through recorded conversations, storytelling, and memory sharing — run entirely by volunteers, with no funds involved.

How It Works:

1️⃣ Volunteer Network Creation

  • Recruit volunteers willing to give 30–60 minutes per week.
  • Roles:
    • Listeners/Callers — Call or meet elderly people and listen to their stories.
    • Recorders — With consent, record valuable life stories or advice.
    • Editors — Clean up audio for quality (optional).
    • Distributors — Share meaningful stories on a website, WhatsApp, or community groups.

2️⃣ No Money, Only Time & Skills

  • No monetary donations accepted.
  • Volunteers use personal devices (phones, audio recorders).
  • Content shared on free platforms (WhatsApp groups, SoundCloud, YouTube, website).

3️⃣ Respect and Dignity at the Core

  • The elderly are treated as story owners, not as “beneficiaries.”
  • Volunteers introduce themselves as companions, not helpers.
  • Stories shared with consent only — respecting privacy and wishes.

4️⃣ Flexible Contribution Model

  • Volunteers can:
    • Record one story a month,
    • Make one call a week, or
    • Help with editing/transcription when possible.

5️⃣ Open Communication & Transparency

  • Regular updates in volunteer groups (WhatsApp, Email).
  • Publicly shared progress reports (e.g., “This month we recorded 12 stories”).
  • No personal promotion, no fund-raising appeals.

✅ Impact Goals:

  • Reduce loneliness among the elderly.
  • Preserve personal and community history.
  • Promote intergenerational respect.
  • Build a culture of listening and sharing.

🎤 Example Story Themes:

  • Life lessons
  • Childhood memories
  • Traditional recipes
  • Personal achievements
  • Community history

🗓️ Pilot Project Idea:

  • Start with 10 volunteers and 10 elders in your community.
  • Run a 3-month pilot.
  • Evaluate based on stories collected and feedback received.