Pakistan

In a rented hotel conference room on a cold March day, 15 teachers from five remote village schools gathered for a two‑day training. For many, it was the first time they had attended a professional development session since becoming teachers.

These men and women often travel long distances from their homes—sometimes by foot or motorcycle—to reach the village schools where they teach multiple grade levels in a single classroom. Government resources for these small schools, perched on hillsides and in valleys throughout the Himalaya, are scarce. Many teachers even volunteer their time to go door‑to‑door, encouraging families to send their children to school, especially their daughters. Most of them are the first in their families to have received an education, and they know firsthand how learning can transform lives and communities.

Teaching in such remote villages can be isolating and extremely challenging.

At first, the mood during the training was reserved, but as the first day progressed, activities and discussions became lively and engaging. One participant shared: “The phonics lessons were taught by our trainer in a very engaging and effective way. She also showed us how to use physical activities to actively involve children in the learning process. I particularly liked this approach because it allows children to have fun while learning. When children enjoy the activities, they become more engaged and learn more effectively.”

The dedication of these teachers to their students is evident, and we are honored to walk alongside them in strengthening education in rural mountain schools. Plans are already underway to offer two additional teacher training sessions in 2027.