About us

Who we are

Our Story

Our story began in 2010 with the first Lenten Appeal, a joint initiative of Roman Catholic and Protestant churches in Pakistan. The appeal encouraged local communities to share their resources with people living below the poverty line, particularly poor children, widows, female-headed households, and families facing persecution.

This ecumenical expression of solidarity became known as Project Compassion. By mid-2010, the group coordinating the initiative formally evolved into the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD).

Since then, ECHD has grown into an ecumenical development organization committed to addressing poverty, injustice, and disease. Working in poor rural and urban communities, we promote self-reliance, dignity, and the realization of fundamental human rights. Guided by Christian values and inspired by the vision of a just and compassionate society, ECHD brings churches, communities, and partners together to create lasting change for marginalized and vulnerable people across Pakistan.

We now run shelter homes, schools and a reasonable mess that helps such needy young people. We also have our helpline offices spread throughout the country so one can approach us anytime they need help.

Faith & Philosophy

At ECHD, our faith and philosophy are rooted in the mission of Jesus Christ as proclaimed in Luke 4:18–19:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

This passage is the foundation of our understanding of Integral Mission, the holistic expression of God’s love through word and action. We believe that the Gospel calls the Church and all people of faith to stand alongside those experiencing poverty, injustice, exclusion, discrimination, and oppression.

Our faith compels us to affirm the God-given dignity, rights, and potential of every person. We therefore work with communities rather than for them, strengthening their capacities, voices, and leadership to shape their own future. We believe that lasting transformation requires addressing both immediate human needs and the systems that create inequality and injustice.

As an ecumenical organization, we draw strength from Christian unity while welcoming collaboration across communities and faith traditions. Guided by compassion, justice, peace, and hope, ECHD seeks to embody the mission of Christ by bringing good news, promoting freedom, restoring dignity, and contributing to a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.

Our Approach

ECHD’s approach is guided by the inherent dignity of every human being, a central principle of Jesus’ teaching. We express solidarity with the poorest and most marginalized, working inclusively regardless of creed, culture, ethnicity, gender, or language.

We believe that all people are created in the image of God, equal in dignity, rights, and responsibilities. Our work is grounded in five core values: Compassion, Justice, Participation, Peace, and Responsible Stewardship of God’s Creation.

We work alongside communities, empowering them to recognize their rights, fulfil their responsibilities, and develop the capacity to address their own challenges. Through the principle of subsidiarity, we promote local ownership and participation while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Our interventions respond to basic needs during crises, strengthen access to essential services and human rights, build the capacity of churches and ecumenical partners, and connect communities with policymakers and institutions. Through communication and advocacy, ECHD amplifies marginalized voices and promotes collective action for justice, peace, and sustainable transformation.

Vision

“A world free from poverty, disease, and injustice, transformed by the love of God as manifested in Jesus Christ, and characterized by justice, peace, and sustainable development for all.”

ECHD envisions a world where every person lives with dignity, equality, and hope; where communities are free from the burdens of poverty and preventable disease; and where injustice, exclusion, and oppression are challenged. Inspired by the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, we seek to contribute to a society in which justice and peace flourish, human rights are upheld, and all people have the opportunity to participate in their own development and shape a sustainable future.

Mission

To empower marginalized communities to overcome poverty, disease, and injustice through awareness, innovation, and self-reliance.

ECHD raises awareness and develops, demonstrates, and disseminates innovative programs that address the root causes of poverty, disease, and injustice. By providing information, resources, skills, and opportunities, we empower the poorest families, indigenous groups, and marginalized communities to strengthen their capacities, claim their rights, and become self-reliant. Through community-led action and partnerships, we work toward sustainable transformation, dignity, justice, and improved quality of life for all.

Core Values

At ECHD, our work is guided by five core values that shape our relationships, decisions, programs, and commitment to communities:

Compassion

We are moved by the love of God to stand alongside people experiencing poverty, suffering, exclusion, and vulnerability. Compassion guides us to listen, understand, and respond with care and solidarity. We seek to uphold the dignity of every person and ensure that no one is left behind. Our compassion is expressed through practical action, mutual support, and a commitment to restoring hope, resilience, and opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.

Justice

We believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves equal dignity, rights, and opportunities. We challenge the structures and practices that perpetuate poverty, discrimination, exclusion, and inequality. Justice guides our advocacy, development, and humanitarian work, empowering marginalized communities to claim their rights and participate in decisions affecting their lives. We work toward fair, inclusive, and accountable systems that promote dignity and the common good.

Participation

We believe that sustainable transformation is only possible when people actively participate in shaping their own future. We listen to communities, value their knowledge and experiences, and promote local ownership of development processes. We create opportunities for women, young people, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups to contribute to decisions and solutions. Participation strengthens confidence, accountability, leadership, and collective responsibility.

Compassion

Justice

Peace

We believe that peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, reconciliation, dignity, and harmonious relationships. We promote dialogue, understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among individuals, communities, churches, and faith traditions. We seek to address the root causes of conflict, discrimination, and exclusion while strengthening peaceful coexistence. Through reconciliation and collective action, we contribute to communities where differences are respected and everyone can live in safety and dignity.

Responsible Stewardship of God’s Creation

We believe that creation is a gift from God entrusted to humanity for responsible care and protection. We promote sustainable use of natural resources and encourage communities to respond to environmental degradation and climate change. Our approach connects ecological responsibility with human dignity, recognizing that vulnerable communities are often most affected by environmental crises. We advocate for climate justice and support practical actions that protect ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Governance & Accountability

Through this governance structure, ECHD promotes integrity, transparency, participation, responsible stewardship, and continuous learning, ensuring that its work remains focused on the dignity and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

ECHD is committed to transparent, participatory, accountable, and responsible governance. Our governance structure provides clear oversight, strategic direction, and accountability for the organization’s programs, finances, partnerships, and institutional development.

General Body
Provides the highest level of organizational oversight, approves key policies and strategic directions, and ensures that ECHD remains faithful to its mission, vision, and values.

Governing Board
Provides strategic leadership, policy guidance, fiduciary oversight, and accountability. The Board monitors organizational performance and ensures responsible stewardship of resources.

Executive Director
Provides overall leadership and management, translating the organization’s vision and strategic priorities into effective programs, partnerships, and institutional operations.

Program & Operations Team
Implements ECHD’s programs and initiatives, working closely with communities, churches, partners, and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable results.

Finance, Compliance & Accountability
ECHD maintains appropriate financial controls, documentation, reporting, monitoring, and compliance systems. Resources are managed responsibly, with accountability to communities, partners, donors, and relevant regulatory authorities.

Board of Directors

The Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD) is governed by an independent Board of Directors, which serves as the organization’s principal policy-making and governance body. The Board provides strategic oversight, ensures organizational accountability, and safeguards ECHD’s mission, vision, values, and institutional integrity. The Board formulates and approves key policies, governance frameworks, and organizational systems, and periodically reviews ECHD’s overall performance and effectiveness. It provides guidance to the Executive leadership while maintaining appropriate oversight of organizational operations, resources, and compliance. The Board consists of five members, including both women and men, and is headed by a chairperson. Through collective leadership, responsible decision-making, and regular oversight, the Board ensures that ECHD remains accountable, transparent, and committed to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Senior Management Team

ECHD is supported by a Senior Management Team (SMT) comprising the Executive Director, Head of Programs, and Finance Manager. The SMT advises the Board of Directors on emerging development issues, organizational priorities, and effective approaches to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

The SMT translates ECHD’s strategic direction into clear objectives, operational plans, and proposed budgets. It promotes effective internal communication, coordination, consistency, and collaboration across the organization while ensuring that cross-cutting institutional priorities are addressed.

ECHD is led by the Executive Director, who serves as the formal head of the organization and is appointed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director reports to the Chairperson of the Board and holds overall responsibility for the leadership, management, performance, and accountability of ECHD.

The Executive Director is supported by the Head of Programs, program coordinators, field staff, and volunteers, who work together to implement ECHD’s programs and advance its mission at community level.

Governance & Accountability

General Body
Provides the highest level of organizational oversight, approves key policies and strategic directions, and ensures that ECHD remains faithful to its mission, vision, and values.

Program & Operations Team
Implements ECHD’s programs and initiatives, working closely with communities, churches, partners, and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable results.

Policies, Systems & Code of Conduct

ECHD is committed to maintaining strong policies, systems, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that promote transparency, accountability, fairness, professionalism, and effective organizational management. Our policies and procedures are periodically reviewed and updated to remain relevant, practical, and accessible to staff. ECHD’s key policy manuals include:

Human Resources & Administrative Policies Manual — providing guidance on staff management, workplace practices, responsibilities, and administration.

Financial Policies Manual — establishing procedures for sound financial management, internal controls, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.

Procurement Manual — ensuring fair, transparent, competitive, and accountable procurement processes.

ECHD also follows a Code of Conduct that establishes standards of ethical and professional behavior for staff, volunteers, and representatives. It promotes respect, integrity, non-discrimination, confidentiality, safeguarding, responsible use of organizational resources, and zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, harassment, or misconduct. Together, these policies and systems provide a clear framework for responsible decision-making, effective operations, and accountability to communities, partners, donors, and stakeholders.

Financial Accountability & Compliance

ECHD is committed to sound financial management, transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. The organization has managed grants from a diverse range of national and international donors and has implemented 35 projects to date.

ECHD maintains a double-entry accounting system using Intuit QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, supported by a formal Financial Policies Manual and Procurement Manual. These systems establish clear procedures for budgeting, expenditure control, procurement, financial reporting, documentation, and responsible stewardship of resources.

The organization undergoes an annual external audit conducted by qualified Chartered Accountants, including Muhammad Ali Hussain & Company and Zeeshan and Company, and submits its annual income and expenditure returns to Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

ECHD’s Human Resources and Administrative Policies Manual provides additional standards for staff responsibilities, conduct, and workplace practices. Our legal and regulatory compliance is further supported by registration under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 and an MoU with the Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan.

Through these systems, ECHD seeks to ensure that every resource entrusted to the organization is managed efficiently, ethically, transparently, and for its intended purpose.

Our Team

ECHD is supported by a committed and professional team working together to advance the organization’s mission of justice, peace, dignity, and sustainable development.

Executive Leadership
Provides strategic direction, organizational leadership, partnership development, and overall management, ensuring that ECHD remains accountable to its mission, Board, communities, and partners.

Programs Team
Designs, coordinates, implements, and monitors ECHD’s development, humanitarian, advocacy, and capacity-building programs in collaboration with communities and partners.

Finance & Administration
Ensures responsible financial management, budgeting, procurement, compliance, documentation, human resources, and administrative support in accordance with ECHD’s policies and procedures.

Field Team
Works directly with communities, churches, local partners, and stakeholders to implement programs, facilitate participation, monitor activities, and ensure that interventions respond to local needs and priorities.

Donate / Partner with us

Your support helps ECHD turn compassion into meaningful action. By donating or partnering with us, you stand alongside vulnerable and marginalized communities as they work to overcome poverty, injustice, disease, exclusion, and crisis.

We welcome collaboration with individuals, churches, foundations, development agencies, businesses, and institutions that share our commitment to human dignity, justice, peace, and sustainable development. Your contribution supports community-led initiatives in areas such as youth empowerment, education, health, women’s rights, humanitarian response, climate justice, child protection, and livelihoods.

Together, we combine resources, knowledge, and commitment to create lasting impact. Donate today or partner with ECHD to help communities build resilience, dignity, hope, and self-reliance.