Transform Pakistan's under-resourced Girls Schools

In the vibrant tapestry of our educational journey, the months unfolded with an array of enriching experiences, spanning across our adopted schools SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School and Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School.

As fall hues embraced our campuses, the spirit of learning continued to thrive. Teachers' Day Celebration brought students and teachers together in a harmonious celebration of knowledge, wisdom, and mentorship.

Speaking of teachers, a captivating session on Professional Development Day lit up the event, igniting a spark of passion for STEM in the hearts of Math, Science, and IT teachers. In the same month, a Shakeout Drill Training by Agha Khan Development Network equipped our faculty with essential skills.

Now, realizing that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, Right to Play orchestrated a Sports Day at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School. The event aimed to instill confidence and camaraderie through the joy of sports and play.

Recognizing the importance of mental health alongside physical well-being, Zindagi Trust collaborated with House of Pebbles to organize mental health sessions in October and November. These sessions were designed to nurture the well-being of our students, emphasizing the crucial role of mental wellness in holistic development.

In the realm of holistic learning, three Grade 9 students showcased their brilliance in the Bait Bazi Competition at the HHS School System Literature Festival.

The month of November ushered in new horizons of exploration. Students embarked on a captivating journey at TDF Magnifiscience, delving into the wonders of science and technology. In the same month, students, guided by the talented artist Maliha Abidi, explored Virtual Reality through BackpackX, learning about Climate Change and its intricacies.

In celebration of the sacred month of Rabi-ul-Awal, the schools held a heartfelt Mehfil-i Milad. Students and teachers gathered in unity to commemorate the teachings of the Prophet. The event not only deepened the spiritual connection but also reflected our commitment to nurturing a holistic environment that embraces both academic and moral development.

The month took an eventful and athletic turn as the SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School Junior Football Team triumphed in the U-14 Futsal Tournament, seizing the championship crown in November by 2-0. Meanwhile, the Japan Culture Festival immersed our students in the rich traditions of Japan, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Continuing the festivities of the month, to celebrate two decades of our collaboration, Zindagi Trust and Aahung organized an "open house" event at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School. The event was organized to spread awareness about our Life Skills Based Education (LSBE) program, an initiative that enlightens students about their bodies, health, and overall well-being within a secure environment.

December ushered in a celebration of Sindhi Culture Day where students dressed up in colorful dresses and the school came alive with vibrant hues and cultural beats as students embraced Sindhi traditions. Students also took part in speeches and folk dances, turning the day into a cultural fiesta.

In the same month, Aga Khan University invited our students for their theatre show “Achay Bachay”, a theatrical production aimed at highlighting the dangers of tobacco, promoting a smoke-free life, and fostering healthy choices among young students.

Before the end of the year, a Number Mania was organized at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School where our mathletes showcased brilliance in mental calculations.

As winter cast its spell in December, 10 international participants from the Global Encounter Program started a 6-day Winter Camp on December 21st, engaging the students in diverse activities, including graphic designing, kitchen gardening, music, chess, sports, pictionary, and reflections and discussions on social issues.

A student shared, “The camp was really fun! We learned a lot and even taught Urdu sentences and songs to the international participants. It was a great experience!” The students thoroughly enjoyed the winter camp, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

At Zindagi Trust, we prioritize student engagement and holistic development. With the dawn of the new year, Inter House Chess and Scrabble Tournaments brought our students together in the spirit of healthy competition. The 1st KPT Karachi Open Chess Championship 2024 added another feather to our sporting endeavors.

In the month of January, we organized our Annual Sports Day, catering to students from Grades 3 to 5, followed by a sports day for Grades 6 to 10 at our schools. Additionally, we celebrated English Literature Day 2024 on January 27th for Grade 3 to 8 students, where they actively participated in various literary activities. Another notable event was the roleplay activity by ECE I students based on the story "Mein Moor lene Empress Market ja rahi hun." These initiatives aim to foster creativity, teamwork, and a love for learning beyond the confines of traditional classrooms.

In collaboration with the Institute of Professional Psychology at Bahria University, Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School hosted a Mental Health Awareness Camp. Esteemed professionals conducted personality assessments, counseling sessions, and discussions on emotional resilience, and coping strategies, leaving an indelible impact on our school community.

At Zindagi Trust, we recognize the importance of the ongoing professional growth of teachers. SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School hosted an interactive session, led by the PD team and management, on the professional development of teachers. The focus was on fostering professional growth by emphasizing interactive classroom observations, skill enhancement, collaboration, and team-building for all teachers.

As the pages turn in our educational odyssey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing holistic development and academic excellence. Your continued support fuels our journey towards creating a brighter future for our students. Stay engaged for more exciting updates from Zindagi Trust and its vibrant community of learners.

Summer rolled in with boundless enthusiasm and energy and school was finally out for the summer. Summer Vacations are an exciting event in any school year. At Zindagi Trust Schools Khatoon-e-Pakistan and SMB Fatima Jinnah Girls Government School, we make sure the school year ends on a high note. Zindagi Trust organized an engaging week long summer camp for the students. Like the previous years, our summer camp has been bustling with learning, fun and creativity. This year the total number of students voluntarily attending the summer camp was 300+ students cumulatively.

The summer camp involved a wide array of activities. Students particularly enjoyed leaf painting, pottery, calligraphy, and wire art workshops. Exploring new art forms beyond their curriculum was an enjoyable experience for all students. Students also learned how to cook delicious, mouth-watering dishes like Russian Salad, Omelets and Parathas (flatbread). Schools teachers bought their skills to the forefront teaching students how to cook and enjoyed it just as much as the students.

Students also spent their playing different sports like Basketball, Table Tennis, Skating, Badminton and Cricket. Other fun games like hula hooping, phool chaman (a local game) and tug of war were also the order of the day. While some preferred the sunny and bright outdoors others choose to test their minds with intense indoor games like Chess, Scrabble, Ludo and Snakes and Ladder. These games were organized to emphasize student’s perseverance, leadership and sportsmanship. Self-Grooming was introduced on popular demand as well which quickly became a favorite among the students. It gave them exposure to makeup tricks and tips, henna classes and how to improve their general outlook. Students were extremely interested given its direct impact on students’ daily lives.

External organizations also helped in delivering this fun filled summer camp. House of Pebbles, an organization in Karachi committed to mental health, conducted effective stress busters and created mindfulness among students. Students appreciated the engaging stress-relieving activities. Zumba, fun dancing sessions were also a part of this year’s summer camp. Meanwhile, Bazaar Technologies, an organization working in the financial sector, conducted a 5 day long freelancing workshop on Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for students in Grades 9^th and 10^th. Students used their creativity to create business cards, illustrations and posters. A volunteer led photography session was also the talk of the schools. Students were engrossed and excited to capture moments of their day while learning about photo composition, framing, lighting, aperture and other technical details.

An 8^th grade student attending the summer camp for the first time said her experience at Khatoon-e-Pakistan was amazing. “The teachers and the team were really cooperative, understanding and taught us in a very entertaining way.” A teacher from one of our schools described the experience as one she will “forever treasure”. Alongside all the fun, remedial classes were also conducted for students of ECE section post summer camp.

As the school summer camp came to an end, a few students engaged themselves in a mathematics camp to ascertain that learning truly never stops.

Under the guidance of their mathematics teacher, 20 students from SMB Fatima Jinnah participated in a Mathematics Summer Camp at IBA, University of Karachi in collaboration with STEAM Pakistan. The participants were exposed to interesting practical activities and games to enhance their logical understanding. All participants received the certificates while a student each from Grade 9 and 10 got additional prizes for excellent performance during the summer camp.

As July rolled around, the teachers began to prepare themselves for the new academic year visible on the horizon. In the week leading up to the start of the school year, a dedicated period was allocated for the annual In-service Training. The Informative and interactive sessions were conducted by the school management and the Professional Development Department. The training included sessions on the topics of active learning, child protection performance evaluation report, assessments and subject based training etc. This 5 day training aimed to prepare teachers in advance for the academic and administrative procedures of the current academic year. Microsoft Word training session were also conducted for teachers as part of their professional development.

The students livened up our campuses with their replenished energy for the new school year in August. The school, adorned in green, showcased students' patriotism as they celebrated the country's Independence Day on August 14th. Students from Khatoon-e-Pakistan also attended an interactive discussion on Life and achievements of Quaid e Azam to commemorate his death anniversary on September 11. Meanwhile, the primary section celebrated International Literary Day conveying silent yet impactful messages in the morning assembly. The football team of SMB Fatima Jinnah School played a friendly match with the football team of Haque Academy School DHA in Sept and won the match by 6 goals.

Two SMB Fatima Jinnah students spent three days at Reckitt, a global consumer hygiene, health and nutrition company, as part of the Steam Forward Pakistan Program. SMB Fatima Jinnah was selected as one of five schools in District South based on program progress. Students gained insights into stem professions and production processes, toured various departments, and received certificates in a closing ceremony.

The academic year has just begun with our active and capable students. Zindagi trust looks towards your support in ensuring the continued delivery of this holistic education. Please remain engaged for forthcoming activities and developments from our schools and students.