By Mercedes Ward | Pakistan Project Manager
Dear Pakistan Project Supporters,
Warm greetings! Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the importance of family and the challenges parents face that impact their children’s lives. Recently, I read a news article about how child marriages have increased in Pakistan as a result of the devastating floods of 2022. This is a disturbing reminder that global climate change, economic insecurity, and gender inequity are deeply linked and that preventing child marriage will take more than a simple intervention. The necessary systemic changes require concerted, collaborative, long-term efforts. For this reason, Girls Education International is proud to partner with local community organizations like Bedari, our partner in Pakistan, that advance a vision of systemic change. You can read more about our approach to partnering with local organizations and the impact of your generous support of girls’ education in our recently published Impact Report.
Because the relationships between Girls Education International and our local partners are so crucial to effective collaboration and impact, Girls Ed Executive Director Kate Schelbe and I visited with Bedari in Pakistan last month to better understand the local context and strengthen our partnership. We accompanied our Bedari colleagues to visit the offices of the Chakwal Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer to discuss ways to enhance support and opportunities for girls’ education and empowerment. We met with several program alumni who shared what they are doing now (for example, one is working as a Social Organizer with a national NGO and another is a computer teacher).
We also visited two villages (well, Kate visited two; I was only able to visit one) and joined in community celebrations where girls, their families, and their communities were recognized for their commitment to girls’ education. These were joyous occasions and many of the girls shared their experiences and aspirations—and they expressed gratitude for the support they have received from Bedari and Girls Ed that has enabled them to continue their education.
The emotional experience of listening (translation courtesy of Bedari colleagues) to these girls’ testimonies was profoundly moving. It wasn’t just what they said, it was how they said it. They stood up in front of their village community and spoke with clarity and conviction. Some were clearly nervous, yet they courageously shared their perspectives, and the community listened attentively. The commitment of the girls, their families, and their communities was evident and inspiring.
And these commitments produce meaningful outcomes. Let’s celebrate all the students’ successes, including 12 girls who recently passed the 10th grade matric exam (a major educational milestone) and 22 girls who took the 12th grade FSc exam (final results are still pending). Congratulations to them and their families! We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, including those who are continuing with their studies. Bedari has already met with parents and community members to enroll new girls into the program, and we look forward to another great school year made possible with your generous support.
On behalf of all of us at Girls Ed, thank you!
Sincerely,
Mercedes Ward
Pakistan Project ManagerGirls Education InternationalLinks:
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