Vocational Training and Character Formation
Nahida likes to study but she never had a chance to go to a school because her parents always moved from one place to another. “I always had a desire to go to a school but I come from a shepherd family and in the summer we move up to high pastures with our livestock and we are not allowed to live in the village,” explains Nahida. “We move up to the pastures with our family. We go to the mountains for six 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.”
In the fall of 2024, in a field surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks in the Himalaya, 25 women graduated from our six-month mobile Adult Literacy Programme where they learned to read and write for the first time.
Nahida says, “Attending this centre, my eyes are opened and I have realised the importance of education. I am able to read the prescription mentioned on different medicines. I have learned about the importance of health and hygiene. I have learned new things every day. I am so grateful for this rare chance to be enrolled at this centre.”
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
Nahida likes to study but she never had a chance to go to a school because her parents always moved from one place to another. “I always had a desire to go to a school but I come from a shepherd family and in the summer we move up to high pastures with our livestock and we are not allowed to live in the village,” explains Nahida.
Finding Sunshine
In STEP vocational training, Azra is now part of the sewing group. She was already able to sew the most beautiful front pieces of embroidery at home and soon,
Mobile Tent Schools
In remote, seminomadic communities in Pakistan, the school year used to come to a halt during the seasonal migrations. Children missed out on up to seven months of education,
Underdogs
“When we have the breaks in the training programme, some of the boys catch me and want to talk about how things are going at home.
Professional Excellence
Operation Mercy’s partner organisation has worked to develop a monitoring and evaluation program to ensure its programmes are pursuing professional excellence
Building Bridges through Education
Sher Azam is a community leader who supports public projects among the shepherd people in remote villages in northern Pakistan, including making improvements to education in village schools.
The Class of Transformations
The STEP class of this year has been a story of new beginnings.
Helping Me Accomplish My Dreams
“Recently I completed my master’s degree in mathematics. I give all the credit to the Scholarship Program that has always stood behind me from kindergarten to university education.
Together for the Neighbourhoods
One school director partner has been a pathfinder for Operation Mercy´s youth dimension of STEP in the toughest neighborhood in the city.
Talent in the Room
The quality of training and product in all areas was professional; the standard had been raised.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Looking forward, we have our ears to the ground, to listen to the community and discern a path of hope into the future.
Character Affects Relationships
“Where did you learn gratitude? It seems that your teacher is teaching you some moral matters.”
Rescued From Revenge
After forgiving, Enam no longer desires to take revenge and now even prays for her former husband.
Ties that Bind
The STEP program helps women from the north side of the city literally take a step and to move forward together with others.
No One Talks to the Young Men
Another commented that no one talks to the young men about sexual education, and this was enlightening for them.
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
We are seeing a breakthrough in understanding that all deserve to have an opportunity to access education.
Equipping the Next Generation
Working in partnership with local education institutions, more than 2,000 students go through various parts of the life skills program each year.
Partnerships Transform Families
Sharif* grew up in a very conservative village. He was bullied at school by students and teachers. His family had heard of our partner’s Scholarship Program and their partnership with the local center to provide housing and support for students just like him.