Shining Light International

Nadia likes to study but she never had a chance to go to a school because her parents always move from one place to another due to their shepherd and nomadic lifestyle. Now, through SLI’s Adult Literacy Programs she is learning not only literacy, but life and hygiene skills that she is able to pass on to her entire family.

“I always had a desire to go to a school like my other fellow girls in my neighborhood. I come from a Gujjar family and in the summers we move up to high pastures with our livestock and we are not allowed to live in the village. We move up to the pastures with our family. We go to the mountains for 6 months and we only care for our animals. Our parents never liked education and they also told us that going to a school is a waste of time.

Now I have been attending this center for the last three months and my eyes are beginning to open. I have started realizing the importance of education. I am able to read the prescription mentioned on different medicines and syrups. I have started to understand the importance of health and hygiene. I am guiding my family now about the importance of cleanliness. I am learning new things every day and I am very keen to learn more of these things. I am so grateful for this rare chance to be enrolled at this center”.

When you teach a woman to read, the impact extends beyond just one person. Invest in transforming families and women like Nadia here: www.shininglight.co/donate

Today our friends in Pakistan are celebrating their Independence Day!
In 1947, Pakistan grained their freedom from a 200 year British reign.

Pakistan has been through so much as a nation, and today we celebrate and work alongside them as they strive for their country’s motto of “Unity, Faith, and Discipline!”

Building a Future: Educated Parents, Educated Children

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🔍 Research shows that educated parents are more likely to prioritize education for their children. Our Adult Literacy program is not just about individual growth; it's about community transformation. As parents learn and grow, they become more engaged in their children's education, especially encouraging girls to stay in school. Together, we're building a future where everyone has the opportunity to learn and succeed.

What can you do with your freedom today?

How can you use yours to enhance the freedom of others?

Join us in enhancing the freedom of the most marginalized in northern Pakistan through EDUCATION. https://bit.ly/2x86rbh

25 new women have begun to read and write for the first time! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest Adult Literacy Center! In July, 25 incredible women, who have never had the chance to attend school, enrolled in our 6-month literacy program. These brave women are taking a monumental step toward empowering themselves and their families through education.

One woman moved us deeply when she shared her story:

“I have desperately wanted to attend this course, and I believe that this learning opportunity will open my eyes and I will be transformed—truly a changed lady! My one desire is to help my children with their studies.”

Her words remind us why our work is so important. Education is not just a pathway to personal growth; it’s a key to unlocking a brighter future for entire families and communities.

Thank you to all our supporters who make these life-changing opportunities possible. Together, we are illuminating lives, one learner at a time.

Join us here: https://bit.ly/2x86rbh or 👆🏼

The Impact of Literacy: Empowering Communities

🌍💡 Literacy is more than just reading and writing—it's a key to empowerment. Through our Adult Literacy program, participants are gaining the skills to engage in meaningful conversations, access opportunities, and advocate for themselves and their families. By improving literacy, we're reducing vulnerability to exploitation and extremism, and opening doors to a brighter future.

“Tell me, What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - May Oliver

We have just this one life to live! What will you do to make it leave a lasting impact?

👉🏼 Join SLI in our mission to bring hope through education in northern Pakistan. There are many ways for you to jump on board. If you’ve felt that prompting to get involved somehow, this is your sign! Send us an email- [email protected] We’d love to hear from you.

Aqina is becoming a student for the first time in her life at 18 years old. She is one of our most recently enrolled students in one of the village Adult Literacy centers. Orphaned at 4 years old, she was looked after by a relative who was unable to send her to school.

“Today it’s a miracle for me being here at this center. My teacher will tell you how much I am interested in education. I love coming here every day and it’s a fun class. I have many new friends here and the teacher is awesome. I am so grateful for this opportunity. My future plan is to become a tailor and help my family- this is my biggest dream. I hope Shining Light will open a Vocational Training Center for us here in my village too!”

Keep up the hard work Aqina! We have no doubt that your future ahead of you is so bright ✨

Invest in women like Aqina here: www.shininglight.co/donate

This woman is receiving her first ever set of books and pencils as she begins her literacy journey through SLI’s Adult Literacy program. We can feel her excitement and are celebrating this life changing step with her. 🎉

UNESCO has reported that more than almost 50 million Pakistanis are unable to read or write! Pakistan is ranked among the top 25 nations with the highest adult illiteracy rates in the world.

Help us change this, and provide this life changing course by investing in the HOPE and future of Pakistani men and women. You can be a part of their empowerment here: www.shininglight.co/donate

At SLI, we believe in the power of education for ALL ages. Our Adult Literacy program is transforming lives in rural communities, providing essential skills in reading, writing, and basic math. This program empowers Gujjar men and women to confidently engage in economic and social activities, and advocate for their communities' needs. Stay tuned to learn more about the impact and outcomes of this initiative!

Learn more now on our website and stories of impact blog! 👉🏼 www.shininglight.co

“The rules for love are simple; Everybody. Always.” - Bob Goff

One of Shining Light’s core values is LOVE. It drives what we do and why we provide the programs that we do. Loving people is the primary motivation for everything we do, demonstrated by our compassion and service to the most marginalized within our reach.

Read more about our mission here: https://bit.ly/2Zu2n16

Throwback to the early years of the Mobile Tent Schools among the Gujjars! 🏔️⛺️

To help with more cool projects like these 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/2x86rbh

✨Exciting Update from Shining Light! ✨

Remember our amazing volunteers who traveled to the Rural Village Schools to update buildings, paint, and serve the community? We're thrilled to share that some of these youth were so inspired by their experience that they've returned this summer with an even bigger mission!

Starting July 8, 2024, we reinstated the mobile tent schools among the Gujjars, thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers Shahid and Shaloom, along with two teachers and Mr. Amir. As Gujjar families move their livestock to higher pastures in the mountains during the warmer months of the year it is nearly impossible for their children to stay in school, but with the tent schools set up in the high pastures, these children dont have to give up their learning!

This is a unique opportunity for the Shining Light team to spend an extended period of time among Gujjar families and be a beacon of love and transformation in this community. We’re so excited to have this extension of our Rural Village School Program back in action!! Like, share, or drop your favorite celebration GIF below if you’re excited too!

Curious how Shining Light ensures that our programs are having the greatest impact? Check out all the strategies we are implementing to ensure that we are making the most sustainable and lasting impact possible in northern Pakistan!
Read more here: https://bit.ly/3xWe4Vg

We have several goals for our Rural Village Schools:

#3: Building Local Capacity for Sustainable Solutions 🌱🏘️
At Shining Light, we focus on building local capacity to develop sustainable solutions that address the unique needs of each community. The ideas come from the village leaders themselves and then we come alongside them to support and implement effective strategies. Our efforts include:

✔️Supporting the development of village councils through regular site visits.
✔️Implementing adult literacy programs to enhance community education.
✔️Involving higher-level students to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Together, we're creating a foundation for lasting change! 💪

Empowering Girls through Education 👩‍🏫💪
We believe in the power of educating girls and are committed to increasing their enrollment, participation, and graduation rates in our rural village schools. Our initiatives include:

✔️Making schools more girl-friendly with private latrines, separate classrooms, and female teachers.
✔️Providing uniforms, supplies, and tuition to remove barriers to education.
✔️Engaging village leaders and families through regular site visits and community meetings to build support and awareness.

Join us in empowering the next generation of girls to achieve their dreams in northern Pakistan! There are ways you can get involved: https://bit.ly/2Zu2n16

We have several goals for our Rural Village School Program.

#1 - Improving Literacy and Language Acquisition 📚✨
At Shining Light, we're dedicated to improving literacy and language acquisition for all students in our rural village schools. Our goal is to ensure every child reaches the government standard 5th grade reading level. Here's how we're making it happen:

✔️Implementing the Gujjar Mother Tongue Literacy program for Preschool through Kindergarten.
✔️Providing teacher training sessions to enhance teaching quality.
✔️Ensuring schools stay open with teacher salaries and school supplies.
✔️Supporting tent schools in high pastures with essential resources like tents, teacher salaries, and uniforms.

Together, we're building a brighter future through education! Join us by clicking here: www.shininglight.co/donate or

"A child without education is like a bird without wings." — Tibetan Proverb

At Shining Light, we believe every child deserves the chance to soar. By supporting our teachers and providing quality education, we are helping children spread their wings and reach their full potential. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and our future. 🕊️✨

Join us: https://bit.ly/2x86rbh or

We are always amazed at the challenges Pakistani girls will overcome, what heights they will climb just to go to SCHOOL 🏔️😍

SHARE AND LIKE to celebrate these amazing girls, and the odds they are defying by attending school in Pakistan.

Educating girls in Gujjar communities presents significant challenges, yet it is crucial for the future of these communities. We share some of the details here on our blog: https://bit.ly/3zvTNXe

Despite these challenges, the benefits of educating girls are immense. Education empowers girls, providing them with the skills and opportunities to contribute to their communities and break the cycle of poverty. Educated women are more likely to educate their own children, leading to generational change and improved health and economic outcomes for the entire community.

At Shining Light, we are dedicated to overcoming these barriers and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Together, we can create a brighter future for the Gujjar communities!

Shining Light currently provides education and support alongside village councils in five remote Gujjar communities. Our comprehensive support includes:

✔️Teacher salaries and staff development
✔️Student uniforms and school supplies
✔️School materials and infrastructure improvements
✔️Mobile tent schools in the mountains during summer months, ensuring uninterrupted learning

By focusing on locally-developed, culturally-sensitive solutions, we have fostered openness among Gujjar community leaders towards new ideas for their communities.

Currently, through the support of SLI, 500 Gujjar children are receiving an education in the most remote regions of northern Pakistan. We believe that bringing education to the Gujjar people, especially girls, will lead to long-lasting change for these communities and for this region, which has long faced challenges of instability and poverty.

Together, we can build brighter futures and bring hope to the heart of these remote areas. 🌟🏔️

Want to be a part of this exciting movement? Join us: www.shininglight.co

"To teach is to touch a life forever." — Anonymous 📚

Every teacher at Shining Light is committed to making a lasting impact on their students' lives. With passion and dedication, they inspire, guide, and nurture the next generation. Let's celebrate the incredible work some of the educators we’ve been highlighting who are shaping brighter futures, one lesson at a time. Give a ❤️ for Abdul Haq, Champa Mirza, and Wahid Jan we shared with you last week, among the other 80 staff at Shining Light!

Support their teaching salaries here: https://bit.ly/2x86rbh

Rural Village Teacher Spotlight: Champa Mirza 📚🌟

Meet Champa Mirza, a dedicated teacher at one of our partner Rural Village schools who embodies the passion and commitment we celebrate at Shining Light. Champa's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of dedicated teachers.

“I have done my undergrad in Zoology from Karakoram International University. I come from a village called Damas which is 30 kilometers away from this school. I was hired by Shining Light two months ago and I have already fallen in love with this profession. I have always had a lot of interest in teaching and I was trying to find a school to teach in. God has answered my prayers and now I am a full-time teacher here, teaching with love and care.

My future plan is to acquire more degrees in education and I hope to improve my teaching skills. I want to learn modern teaching methodologies and techniques. I am not as good in classroom management, so I really wanted to learn about classroom management techniques. I am seeing lots of rote learning in Pakistan and I wanted to introduce conceptual study programs.”
- Champa Mirza

We are proud to have Champa on our team, and we are committed to supporting her and other teachers in their pursuit of excellence. Let's continue to empower our educators and inspire future generations. 🌟

🌍📚 Teacher Shortage: A Global Challenge 📚🌍

The worldwide teacher shortage is a pressing issue that affects the education and future of millions of children. 🎥 Check out this eye-opening video that sheds light on the challenges faced by educational systems around the globe.

At Shining Light, we are immensely grateful for the devoted and enthusiastic teachers who have joined our team. These incredible individuals are dedicated to pouring back into their communities, just like the inspiring stories we shared yesterday of Abdul Haq. 🌟

Every day, they make a difference by shaping young minds and building brighter futures. Let's celebrate their unwavering commitment and support them in their vital role.



https://youtu.be/eBOwKYnreQA?si=cfAJPUXVfK5nK-cG

Excitement for Education is Rising!

We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of Abdul Haq, one of our amazing young volunteer teachers at Gumsing School. Abdul is a graduate of this very school and was part of the first batch of students to attend and graduate from here. Having completed his master’s degree in Political Science, Abdul has always dreamed of giving back to his community.

"I know the importance of education and I always had a desire to give back to my people. Today I am teaching here in the school as a volunteer," says Abdul.

According to our Shining Light Staff, Abdul has made a significant impact on the lives of his students and continues to be a shining light in his community. He has inspired many non-school-going families to enroll their children in school, motivating over 20 families so far to send their kids to school for the first time. Abdul is very excited about his role and is deeply thankful to SLI for creating the opportunity for him to become educated.

📚 Let's celebrate Abdul Haq and his dedication to improving education in his village!

If you are a new follower of SLI, you may have heard us talk about the Rural Village Schools that we partner with and wonder who are these people that they work with? Who are the Gujjars?

In the remote mountain valleys of northern Pakistan lives a semi-nomadic, pastoral people group known as the Gujjar people. Due to generations of isolation, poverty, and religious conservatism, the Gujjar people are recognized as some of the most neglected and marginalized people within the region. Strict religious rules and high illiteracy rates within these communities have drastically diminished the priority for girls to receive an education. Accessibility to these villages, often a several hour trek by foot or horseback from the nearest town, along with the challenges of a nomadic lifestyle have made government support for education in these villages limited. Seven years ago, at the request of a Gujjar father who believed the path out of poverty for his people was education, SLI began working with religious leaders, government officials and village elders to develop local solutions to bringing quality education to Gujjar communities. And, often for the first time in the history of the village, to allow girls to attend school.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we share more stories and testimonies of this incredible transformation among the Gujjars! You can always read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/2IUIMRk

Wahid Jan is the principal of on of our partner Rural Village Schools among the Gujjars. He has continually served and led his community with zeal and a contagious passion to see big transformation among the Gujjars through education and health services.

One of the most powerful parts of his work is when he sees his students graduate, and then pursue careers that pour back into these villages. Many of them are beginning to work for the power companies, the army, and agriculture.

“This would not even be possible if they hadn’t had these educational opportunities. I also have witnessed resistance against education among the Gujjar community, but today I am seeing them having a longing for education and change. This village is being transformed. The hearts of the communities are softening toward children and they are now welcoming outside organizations to participate in their development. My hope is to see more doctors, engineers, nurses and teachers in this area. They have so much potential and I believe they will be a beacon of light for rest of the communities in Gilgit-Baltistan. I am grateful for the role of Shining Light and their untiring efforts to make education and training accessible to us.”

These are the leaders you are investing in when you partner with SLI. We are grateful for you! To learn more about giving toward the Rural Village Schools click here: www.shininglight.co/donate

📚Empowering Futures: A Testimony from Waseem, Father of Uvail

At SLI, we believe every child deserves a quality education, regardless of financial barriers. Here’s a heartfelt testimony from Waseem, one of the parents benefiting from our scholarship program:

Waseem, Father of Uvail:

"I am Uvail’s Father. I am not an educated man and this is the main reason I don’t have a respectable job in society. I have two children but in this era of inflation, after spending all my income to meet bills and house rent, I don’t have that much money left to send my children to private school for a quality education. Many thanks to the scholarship program which makes it possible for my kid to attend the English Medium school. Every day after he comes from school, my son talks about his teachers and how they are creatively teaching him. I become glad when I see my child coloring the pictures and speaking the sounds of the English alphabet. Once again thank you for providing a scholarship to my kid. I think that if I had this opportunity, my situation would be different, I would be raising my family differently. I am doing cleaning work but I don’t want my kids to do the same job in the future. I want them to prosper."

Waseem’s story reminds us why we strive to make education accessible to all. By supporting our scholarship program, you are helping us transform lives and build a brighter future for children like Uvail. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation to achieve their dreams.

🙏 Thank you for your continued support! 🙏

Everyone has someone they can offer to the world, and it can start right now! Join SLI in helping equip and empower our friends in Pakistan here’s how: https://bit.ly/2x86rbh