In one province in Pakistan, more than half of the poorest children do not attend school. But our local partner is working to change that – and it’s making all the difference to children like Sumra, whose future just got brighter…
Tearfund’s local partner, The Primary Education Project, is building schools in some of the most marginalised areas of southeast Pakistan. They are focusing on improving access for girls and minorities, with guaranteed places and support to enable these groups to be able to attend and thrive.
The Primary Education Project currently has 132 schools and more than 6,000 children enrolled. Sumra* is one of these pupils.
Sumra’s story
Sumra lives in southeast Pakistan. Her parents are farmers. They rent land to grow crops so they can earn a living. The hours are long and it is hard work for little pay. Sumra’s parents wanted her to attend school, but it wasn’t a possibility before The Primary Education Project built a school nearby.
Sumra is now in her final year of primary school and is flourishing.
‘In the beginning, I was scared… but when I went regularly to school, I saw the teacher is very responsive and he teaches the students in a friendly environment,’ she shares.