Educate a Girl in Kashmir

Dear HOPE Friends,

2023/24 School Year Ceremoniously Concludes for 11,000 HOPE Students 

Just as millions of children across the world were blessed to complete another school year, so too were HOPE students throughout underserved districts in Pakistan.

In early June 2024, students in Thatta, Zia Colony, and Muzaffargarh Formal Schools all participated in end of school year ceremonies. Students from all three schools prepared various cultural performances, speeches, skits, and even presentations which highlight and feature traditional customs from the different provinces of Pakistan during the weeks prior to the school year ending.

The ceremonies for the three schools began with the afternoon prayer and were followed by performances by the students.  After much anticipation, the runner ups and highest achievers for each class were announced.  For each school, community leaders and corporate mentors were invited to present certificates and prizes to the students.  Last, but not least, Founder and Chairperson of HOPE Pakistan, Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla made it a priority to attend the ceremonies in Thatta and Zia Colony and personally speak to the students, motivate them, and commend them for their hard work.

HOPE operates 3 Formal Schools along with 200 Informal (Home Schools) throughout Pakistan which provide a free/nominal cost education to 11,000 underprivileged students total.

3 Formal Schools (2,000 Students Total):

• Thatta - Preschool till Matric levels (one hour away from Karachi, Sindh)

• Zia Colony - Preschool till Matric levels _(urban slum within Karachi )

• Muzaffargarh - Preschool till 8th Grade (Punjab)

For the past 25 years, HOPE has recognized and acted upon a critical window of opportunity in Pakistan by reviving the underutilized concept of home schooling.  Home schools are a cost-effective and innovative solution to addressing the availability of schools barrier that has been overlooked in Pakistan.  They engage the very communities they serve by employing educated females (whom parents trust) as teachers.  HOPE has found that the most effective and sustainable long-term solution for education in urban slum districts and remote regions in Pakistan such as Azad Kashmir is the home school system.

200 Informal (Home) Schools with 9,000 Students total:

• 165 Home Schools scattered throughout Interior Sindh and Balochistan (7,000 students total, 70% girls)

• 35 Home Schools in Azad Kashmir (2,000 students total, approximately 80% girls)

The students in HOPE's Formal and Home Schools all come from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds. Despite living in dire straits and facing formidable challenges, they are eager to attend school and beat the odds.  End of year ceremonies are a special time in their lives in which they are able to look back and see how far they have come and look forward towards brighter futures.

We are humbled to report that our students pass their board exams with flying colors and that girls (who have historically faced more obstacles in obtaining an education) have been consistently outperforming the boys!

Education is the cornerstone of HOPE's poverty alleviation model and we are so grateful to our supporters who have provided the means necessary to give thousands of children a fighting chance to break through the vicious cycle of poverty.

Warm regards,

The HOPE USA Team

Links:

• HOPE USA Website

Dear HOPE Friends,

FDI World Dental Federation Sponsors Dental Camp for Students at HOPE's Zia Colony Formal School

A Couple of Days Prior to the Advent of Ramadan this Year, 300 Students at HOPE's Zia Colony Formal School Participated in a Dental Camp Organized by the Pakistan Association of Dental Students , under the leadership of the FDI World Dental Federation.

FDI is the leading voice of the dental profession and represents over one million dentists globally. The Pakistan Association of Dental Students is a subset of FDI's footprint in Pakistan.

Oftentimes for both children and adults living below the poverty level ‍, the importance of dental hygiene is completely overshadowed by the lack of basic needs such as shelter and food. However, poor oral health can open the door to an array of serious health issues. This is why HOPE was so appreciative and welcoming when PADS, a subset of FDI approached us to have a day dedicated to teaching young students at Zia Colony School about the basics of dental health.

PADS representatives arrived to Zia Colony School early in the morning and set up stations to teach small groups of students from preschool through third grade. Among the topics covered were how to correctly brush teeth and the importance of oral health. Students listened with great enthusiasm and were also given toothpaste to take home.

We wish to extend our gratitude to PADS and FDI for including HOPE's Zia Colony School in this wonderful outreach initiative which was a valuable learning lesson for our children. We are so appreciative of any opportunities in which our children can build a tool kit for themselves and amass a repertoire to break free from the tenacious cycle of poverty.

The HOPE USA Team 

Links:

• HOPE USA Website