With contributions from PWS&D’s partner in Pakistan and PWS&D Communications
Pakistan ranks as one of the worst countries in the world in terms of educational outcomes. Patriarchal norms prevent women and girls from accessing education and economic opportunities. Currently, 12 million girls are out of school in Pakistan, and only 13% of those in school advance beyond grade eight.
In 2024, PWS&D began supporting a project in Pakistan to enhance girls’ access to education. Girls’ school enrolment and retention is incentivized by providing nutritious meals, in an area of the country where food insecurity can be severe. Additionally, communities and local leaders are educated on the importance of girls’ education.
Below, Sapna shares how being part of the project is changing lives in her community.
My name is Sapna, and I am 12 years old. My younger sister Raksha, who is 10, and I are part of a story that is reshaping our village’s future. In our quiet village of Ratnoor, where opportunities for girls once seemed distant, a remarkable transformation has taken place.
Not long ago, the girls’ school in Ratnoor was closed, leaving many of us without a chance to learn. Our dreams seemed like fragile whispers, stifled by circumstances beyond our control. But everything changed when PWS&D’s partner (name withheld for security reasons) stepped in and reopened the girls’ school. From the moment the doors opened, a new chapter began, not just for us but for every girl in the village.
Now, every morning, Raksha and I eagerly head to school with bright smiles and hearts full of hope. The school has become more than a place of learning—it is where our dreams are nurtured, our health is cared for and our spirits are lifted. One of the things we love most is the delicious meals we receive every day. We eat a variety of nutritious meals that have made us healthier and more energetic. Our favorite is biryani, served once a week, which we eagerly look forward to. It’s not just food—it’s a moment of joy that brings all of us together and makes studying even more enjoyable.
Because of these meals, more girls in our village are coming to school. Enrolment has risen and the excitement to learn is growing every day. The school has become a hub of activity and aspirations. Our favorite subject is English, and we both love practicing new words and sentences. Raksha dreams of becoming a doctor to help those in need, and I hope to become a teacher to inspire others like our amazing school staff inspire us.
But this transformation isn’t just about the meals or the lessons. It’s about the community coming together. Parents, teachers and even villagers without school-going children have taken ownership of this initiative. They contribute ideas, help with meal preparation and ensure the school remains a safe and welcoming place for all of us. The meals, prepared with local ingredients and care, are a reflection of this community spirit. Everyone feels a part of this journey, which is why the school is thriving.
Our village has changed because of this project. Girls who once stayed home, unsure of their futures, now walk to school with purpose. The laughter, learning and shared meals have not only improved our health and education but have also brought our community closer.
Raksha and I are grateful for this opportunity. We know that our dreams of becoming a doctor and a teacher would remain just dreams if not for the project and the support of our village. This school, these meals and the support of the community have given us hope for a brighter future. As we step into each new day, we do so with the belief that anything is possible when a community comes together for its children.
