Three Years of Girls’ Education Impact Celebrated Through Empower Her Exhibition
Last month, READ was excited to celebrate the impact and achievements of the Empower Her project with an exhibition in Manchester, marking the conclusion of three years of progress in expanding access to education for girls across Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
International Day of Play – 2026
Only since 2024 has 11th June been designated the International Day of Play by the United Nations General Assembly. It was conceived not just as a global celebration of play as a concept, but also a way to spotlight the transformative impact on a child’s engagement, knowledge, social skills and mental health.
Giving Every Child the Chance to Learn, Grow and Thrive
World Day Against Child Labour – Every child deserves a childhood filled with learning, play, protection and hope. Yet millions of children around the world continue to be deprived of these fundamental rights and are forced into labour that harms their health, education, development and future opportunities.
“I would sit idle” Khemi’s Story
In a rural community where many girls have limited access to education, nine-year-old Khemi is now attending the Community-Based Accelerated Learning Space in her village and slowly building confidence through learning.
“The classroom became a place where the girls felt safe” Sonia’s Story
For Sonia, becoming a teacher at a Community Based Accelerated Learning Space meant supporting girls who had previously been excluded from education and helping them rebuild confidence within the classroom. Many students arrived without basic literacy skills, while others felt nervous speaking, participating in lessons or engaging with teachers for the first time.
“Now Everyone Wants to Educate Their Children” Bai’s Story
In the village of Thehri, attitudes towards girls’ education have changed significantly in recent years. Where families once did not understand the value in sending daughters to school, many parents are now actively encouraging their girls to study and participate in learning.
Illuminating Pathways to a Bright Future: Aneela’s Story
In the rural village of Alu Kotrio in Tharparkar district, limited employment opportunities and widespread poverty have long created challenges for families trying to build stable futures. For many women, opportunities to work outside the home after marriage remain limited.
Rising Above Challenges: Jarena’s Story
In Village Kapoosar in Tharparkar, 12-year-old Jarena is proving that determination and access to education can help overcome even the most difficult barriers.
Overcoming Barriers: Bushra’s Story
In the remote rural communities of district Diamer, many girls already face significant barriers to education due to poverty and limited learning opportunities. For eight-year-old Bushra, those barriers were made even more difficult due to a mild learning disability.
“The first day I walked into the CBALS, I felt peace” Sonia’s Story
In a remote village in the Tharparkar desert, where access to education remains limited for many girls, 16-year-old Sonia is now pursuing opportunities that once felt out of reach.
“Education is not a privilege, it is a right” Leena’s Story
In the quiet village of Janjhiar in Thar, where traditional attitudes and social barriers have long limited opportunities for girls, 70-year-old Leela has become a strong advocate for education and change. A devoted member of the Village Education Committee (VEC), Leela is helping encourage families to support girls’ learning in a community where many daughters have historically been expected to remain at home.
“I Want to Study” Lubna’s Story
At just ten years old, Lubna balances school alongside work to help support her family. Each day after finishing lessons, she travels to the city to clean people’s homes, sweeping floors, mopping and washing dishes to earn a small income.