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.
Born with an abnormal curvature of the spine, Jarena has faced physical, financial and social challenges from a young age. Coming from the migratory Bheel community, her family often moves to other districts of Sindh during harvest seasons in search of work, creating ongoing instability and disruption to daily life. Despite these challenges, Jarena has remained deeply committed to her education.
Today, Jarena attends her Community Based Accelerated Learning Space (CBALS) regularly and is known by her teachers for her dedication, confidence and enthusiasm for learning. She arrives at school eager to participate in lessons and prefers sitting in the front row so she can focus closely on her studies. She takes great pride in her books and learning materials, carefully looking after them each day.
Jarena’s hard work is reflected in her academic achievements. She secured 83% in her Package-C midterm examinations, achieving first position within her CBALS and making both her family and teachers incredibly proud.
At the centre, Jarena is supported by her teacher, Ms Sodi, whose encouragement has helped strengthen her confidence in the classroom.
“Ms Sodi explains lessons patiently and encourages me to participate in class activities.”
For Jarena, education represents much more than academic success alone. Through the support of READ Foundation’s Empower Her project, she has been able to continue learning within a safe and supportive environment close to home, helping strengthen both her confidence and sense of possibility for the future.
Inspired by her teachers, Jarena now dreams of becoming a teacher herself so she can support children facing difficulties similar to her own. She hopes to encourage more girls within her community to continue their education and believe in their potential.
“I want to become a teacher and help children like me.”
Despite the challenges of disability, poverty and displacement, Jarena continues showing what can become possible when girls are given access to safe, inclusive and community-based education. Today, she stands as a source of inspiration within her village and a powerful example of resilience, determination and hope.
The Empower Her project was made possible thanks to generous public donations to READ Foundation, matched by funding from the UK government through UK Aid Match. Through safe, inclusive and community-based learning spaces, the project is helping out-of-school girls aged 6–16 access education closer to home.
