Pakistan is listed as among the world’s worst performing countries when it comes to education. Poverty, child labour, gender discrimination and harmful norms in a highly patriarchal society prevent equal access by women and girls to education and economic opportunities. In response, PWS&D is implementing a school feeding project together with its partner in Pakistan to empower girls in marginalized communities in Umerkot.
Meena, a participant in the program, shares her story:
“My name is Meena, and I am a mother of five children. Our household has eight members, including my husband and my mother, who both contribute to making ends meet. Recently, I received a goat as part of [the] School Feeding Project, and it has become much more than just an animal for us—it is a symbol of my family’s commitment to education and community well-being.
Every morning, I take the goat’s milk to the school where my youngest daughter studies. Even though the goat doesn’t produce enough milk yet, I never let the schoolchildren go without it. I send milk from my own goat and, if necessary, borrow from my neighbors to ensure the school has enough. Providing milk to the school is my responsibility, and I take pride in doing it because I know it benefits not just my daughter but all the children in our village. Their health and future matter to me.
My daughter, like her siblings, dreams of a brighter future. Although she was once tasked with taking care of animals, we have helped her realize the importance of education. Inspired by her brothers, she now dreams of attending school in Umerkot for a better education. I am determined to support her all the way through grade 12, even if it means sending her to Mirpur for higher studies.
My sons are equally ambitious. My eldest is pursuing a B.A. and hopes to become a doctor. My second son is in grade 12 and dreams of joining the police force, while my third son, in grade 9, aims to study at a university. Even my youngest son, who is in grade 3, is beginning to dream big. Though we, as parents, couldn’t pursue education due to poverty, we are committed to giving our children a better future.
My husband works as a labourer, earning 25,000 to 30,000 rupees [about 125 to 150 Canadian dollars], and my son, who cares for our cow, contributes an additional 7,000 rupees [about 35 Canadian dollars] to help run our household. These earnings are modest, but our dreams for our children are boundless.
[The school feeding project] has not only supported our family but also strengthened our community. By involving us, they have given us a sense of purpose and ownership. The goat I received is more than just a means to provide milk—it is a stepping stone for my daughter’s education, my family’s dreams and our community’s progress. Together, we are proving that no obstacle is too great when a village comes together with hope and determination. I may not have had the chance to study, but through this project, I am helping build a future where education and opportunity are within reach for every child in our village.”
Together with our partner, PWS&D believes in the power of education as a tool to empower girls and unlock opportunities for them, their families, communities and the nation as a whole. Support the education work of PWS&D in Pakistan today.
