A Summer of Hope

Bringing Education to the Gujjar Communities with Mobile Tent Schools

As summer comes to a close, we want to shine a light on one of our most impactful programs—an initiative that’s close to our hearts: the Mobile Tent Schools. This transformative project has brought JOY, HOPE, and EDUCATION to some of the most remote areas of Pakistan, and we’re thrilled to share its success with you.

The Gujjar Tribe: A Marginalized Community in Need

Pakistan is home to many semi-nomadic communities, and among them, the Gujjar tribe stands out as one of the most marginalized. Living in the high pastures of Gilgit-Baltistan, they rely on livestock for survival. But this way of life has long come at a cost: access to consistent education for their children has been nearly impossible. The seasonal migrations that are essential for their livelihood cause children to miss out on school for up to seven months of the year, leading to high dropout rates and a bleak future for many.

Solving Critical Education Challenges: The Mobile Tent School

Recognizing the need to prevent these children from falling through the cracks, Shining Light International (US) partnered with Shining Light Community Development Organization in Pakistan to develop a creative solution: the Mobile Tent School. This innovative program brings the classroom to the children, operating in the high pastures during the summer months while families are on the move.

The results have been astounding. Dropout rates have reduced by nearly 90%, and students remain engaged in their education even while migrating with their families. But more than that, the Mobile Tent School provides a holistic approach—nurturing the spiritual, physical, and intellectual development of the children. For the Gujjar families, this program has been life-changing, with many describing it as nothing short of miraculous.

Education on the Move: A Lifeline for the Gujjar Children

Currently, 82 children from the Gujjar community are enrolled in our Mobile Tent School in the high pastures of Gilgit-Baltistan. Every day, these students arrive full of enthusiasm and hope, determined to create brighter futures for themselves despite the challenges of their nomadic lifestyle. The Mobile Tent School is more than just a place for learning—it’s a lifeline that keeps the dream of education alive, no matter where their journey takes them.

One Gujjar father, Ejaz Darmandari, shared his experience and the importance of this program for his children:

“My name is Ejaz Darmandari, and I am a community leader and father of three children. Each year, my family and I undertake a challenging journey from a small village to the high pastures in search of food and survival. Our livelihood is primarily based on livestock, and we reside in some of the most rugged areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the district of Ghizar, where flat land is scarce.

Our seasonal migrations unfortunately disrupt our children’s education, causing them to miss school for extended periods. I am profoundly grateful for your unwavering support, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that our children continue their education and do not fall behind. Thank you sincerely for your compassion and commitment to nurturing and supporting our children.”

Books as Beacons of Hope

For many of these children, the Mobile Tent School is their first opportunity to hold a book, let alone attend school regularly. These books are more than just tools for learning—they represent hope and opportunity. For children in remote, semi-nomadic communities, access to education is often a distant dream. But through this program, we are ensuring that books are kept in their hands and that dreams of a brighter future can come to life.

One student, Junaid, is a shining example of how education can transform lives. A third-grader at the Mobile Tent School, Junaid is excelling in his studies and is determined to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.

“This is my favorite school! I am good in reading and writing, and I especially enjoy my English books. My dream is to become a teacher one day, and I am determined to keep up with my studies. My older brother, Sajjad Hussain, always encourages me to attend every class and never miss a day. He is a wonderful brother who makes me feel special by giving me gifts whenever I top my class. His support motivates me to work hard and do my best. I look forward to continuing my education here and achieving my goal of becoming a teacher.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact of Mobile Tent Schools

The success of the Mobile Tent School program is a testament to the power of creative, community-centered solutions. By breaking down the barriers to education for marginalized groups like the Gujjars, we are not only providing knowledge but also fostering hope for future generations. With continued support, we plan to expand this model to even more challenging environments, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream—no matter where they live.

As we reflect on this summer, we celebrate the JOY, HOPE, and EDUCATION that has flourished in the high pastures of Pakistan.

We invite you to join us in continuing this journey—whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our work. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to build a brighter future. To Give toward projects like these click HERE