The promotion of girls education is an important issue for many Non - Government organizations working in Pakistan . After a truly exhausting day on the road, we eventually arrived at a small ActionAid supported initiative in the village of Sherakot 50kms North of Lahore.

The Hamida Shokat Middle Girls school was begun in 2004 and today has 90 students. Most girls drop out of school after grade 5 (12 years) mainly because their parents see no value in an education after this age. This is despite the wishes of the child in question. Schools for girls in Pakistan are usually only up to primary level. The Hamida Shokat Ali school was built to fill this void created in girls education after grade 5.

On the fateful day of 08 October 2005, I arrived at the school function doubled up with my host from the night before on Kabul. The school was already decked out with campaign flags and posters ready for our arrival. It goes without saying that the facilities offered by the school were excellent. The school had good classrooms with all the necessary teaching aids and a computer room to boot. Yet the most important thing that struck me was what the school represented.

In Sherakot village there are 1000s of girls who have little hope of a further education or one at all Hamida Shokat Ali is a shining beacon of change in an otherwise traditional area. Through a collaboration with ActionAid the school has set up a Youth club which tours the surrounding villages spreading awareness about equal rights for women and local issues. Many of the school girls are involved with the Youth club (ages 16-29) and many are vocal in their opinions.

The Hamida Shokat Ali school has provided a centre for women to make their voice heard. I had a meeting with several of the Youth club members as well as their parents and women from a few surrounding villages. Women are not expected to utilize any education they receive and it is an uphill struggle for them in Pakistan to achieve what they wish. Learning is the means by which we achieve. One girl stated that she wanted to have a good education so that she could impart that education on her children. She hoped to have fewer children so that she could give the best education to each one.

NEEDS : The biggest need for the Hamida Shokat Ali school at present is for students. Mr. Sarwar Ali wishes to enroll another 150 students but the biggest obstacle he faces are traditional attitudes amongst the surrounding communities.

Hamida Shokat school is currently looking to expand with new library facilities, computers as well as for an immediate concern of regular funding. To help this school continue its great work please contact as shown.

It is achievable projects like this which make this campaign worthwhile. If you would like to contact Mr. Sarwar Ali, please do so on: