Challenges and Determination in Rural Pakistan

As annual exams approach, many girls remain deeply dedicated to their studies, even while facing significant obstacles—such as the rising cost of transportation and teacher shortages. Two students in rural Pakistan, Sidra and Yasmeen, have secure and consistent transportation with the support of Girls Ed, but shared that the shortage of qualified subject teachers in their rural school often leaves them struggling to fully understand key concepts:

“We are focusing on our studies as exams are near, but subject teachers are often unavailable. Sometimes other teachers teach subjects outside their expertise, and our concepts remain unclear.”

Community volunteers and students work together to find practical solutions to these challenges and dedicated teachers have implemented weekly practice exams to help students prepare for their exams, but Sidra and Yasmeen worry for their classmates. They shared, “Due to increased fuel prices, many girls are unable to attend college regularly. We are worried about how our classmates will manage their exams.”

This highlights the impact of Girls Education International. With transportation worries removed, the girls can fully focus on their studies, feeling confident and ready to excel on exam day.

Zihaya's Journey into Medicine

Zihaya’s dream is to become a pediatrician. She is a first-year student pursuing a Diploma in Medicine at the Kilimanjaro Institute of Health Sciences and she’s already turning her ambition into action! During a recent school break, she remained on campus to participate in a vaccination outreach team—an experience focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening community health. Through this hands-on work, Zihaya strengthened her clinical skills, deepened her understanding of public health, and further ignited her passion for serving others.

Zihaya is thriving. She has demonstrated strong academic performance, discipline, and determination, while building meaningful friendships with peers from across Tanzania, including Dodoma, Mbeya, Tanga, and Singida. These connections have helped her grow in confidence and adapt to university life. Her journey reflects the broader impact of Girls Education International—empowering young women with the tools, education, and self-belief to build brighter futures.

Introducing Teneka Robinson, Incoming Board Chair

We’re so excited to welcome Teneka to the Board!

Teneka is a K–16 education strategist and researcher focused on STEM teacher pipeline development and workforce readiness, with a commitment to building equitable education pathways for underserved communities. She previously served as Chair of the Harlem YMCA's Board of Managers, where she spearheaded the implementation of the Young Professional Committee to expand access to board leadership for early- and mid-career professionals. Teneka is a contributing author to two published books on educational equity. She is a doctoral candidate at Northeastern University, where she also earned her Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the College of the Holy Cross.

Teneka believes that the same principles driving her research and civic leadership at home—equitable access, strong pipelines, and intentional investment in the next generation—are the foundation of what girls around the world need to thrive.

Little by Little Campaign Results Are In!

We are delighted to express our gratitude to you and the entire community of Girls Education International supporters. 

You met the season of opportunity with the spirit of giving. Our recent Little By Little campaign garnered $974 in support of access to education for girls in Pakistan.

We also extend a warm welcome to our first time donors. 

P.S. Please don’t hesitate to contact info@girlsed.org if you have inspiration to share. We would love to hear from you.

We’re not done yet—will you help us finish strong?

Even though matching funds have run out, the spirit of Little by Little is alive and well.

Our work isn't finished. We still need your support to ensure girls can stay in school, delay early marriage, strengthen their earning potential, lead in their communities, and break cycles of poverty for generations to come. Even without a match, your gift creates real change for girls and young women in the province of Punjab, Pakistan, and puts us in the running for a bonus prize of up to $3,000! 

Little by little, gift by gift, we’re building something meaningful together. Will you join us?

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