Parveen was in her final year of secondary school when she married and had her first daughter, a life change that often ends girls’ education in remote parts of Pakistan. In a mountainous area near the Hunza Valley, where harsh terrain, the cost of books and uniforms and early marriage push many girls out of classrooms, Parveen kept studying and later helped other girls do the same.
How a Saheli Circle changed a path
Parveen joined a community-based initiative called a Saheli Circle, run by Innovate, Educate & Inspire (IEI), a grantee of the Malala Fund. In that safe space she developed life and digital skills, found mentors and gained the confidence to continue learning despite family responsibilities. She credits the group with helping her persist.
"I take pride in the fact that I never accept defeat. I keep struggling and moving forward."
Now a mother of three daughters, Parveen is taking university courses through a distance learning programme and hopes to pursue a PhD. She has also started leading a Saheli Circle in her community, applying what she learned to support other girls.
From personal progress to community action
Parveen’s work extends beyond teaching skills. She holds conversations with family members — including in‑laws, husbands and community elders — to highlight the value of girls’ schooling. Her outreach has led to concrete returns: two girls in her area came back to school as a direct result of those discussions.
Recognizing the hidden costs that force families to withdraw daughters from school, Parveen helped organise a local fund. Twelve women contribute small amounts each month — between 20 and 100 rupees — to pay for essentials such as uniforms, shoes and notebooks.
| Fund detail | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Contributors | 12 local women |
| Monthly contribution | 20–100 rupees |
| Expenses covered | Uniforms, shoes, notebooks, pencils |
What this means for parents and students
- Community support matters: Small, local efforts can remove barriers that formal systems miss.
- Nonformal spaces help retention: Mentoring and skills training outside school can reconnect learners whose education was interrupted.
- Flexible learning options: Distance learning programmes enable caregivers and young parents to continue higher education.
The account of Parveen’s experience highlights practical interventions that can be scaled or adapted: community mentoring groups, family engagement strategies and modest, pooled funds to cover hidden school costs. For parents and students facing similar barriers, the story underscores that targeted local action — combined with flexible learning pathways — can make continuing education possible even after major life changes.
