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The Ishkoman Valley is situated in the northern part of the Ghizer District in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan and the Pamir Wakhan Corridor. Its altitude ranges from approximately 2,000 to 3,600 meters above sea level. In the heart of this remote region, a beacon of hope has emerged – the Thingee Community School. Initiated by Juniper Trust Volunteer Ayub Khan and supported by the Ayub Hamdard Foundation (AHF), this school aims to address the educational needs of the Ghujar tribes, who have historically faced neglect and high dropout rates.
AHF, committed to uplifting these marginalized students, embarked on this mission about six months ago. Despite facing challenges, AHF remained steadfast in its dedication to providing quality education. The primary obstacle has been ensuring teacher salaries, vital for sustaining quality education. Despite this, AHF successfully started classes with the assistance of one female teacher.
Initially, the community attempted to organize schooling in a local mosque until a generous individual contributed land for the construction of a dedicated school building which has now been completed. This will provide a permanent and conducive space for learning, symbolizing newfound hope for the community’s future. The Thingee Community School’s location near the main Ghizer road ensures easy access for students, eliminating the burden of long commutes and enhancing the school’s potential impact on more deserving students from the region.
The Juniper Trust has played an instrumental role in this journey, providing crucial support for teacher salaries and a recent donation from KE Adventure Travel, with a history of running treks in the mountains of northern Pakistan since 1984, enabled The Trust to confirm the payment of salaries for a male and a female teacher, as well as a caretaker for the first year of the school. Additionally, The Juniper Trust has provided uniforms, books, and school equipment for the 36 students, encouraging more children to join the school.
Initially, the community attempted to organize schooling in a local mosque until a generous individual contributed land for the construction of a dedicated school building which has now been completed. This will provide a permanent and conducive space for learning, symbolizing newfound hope for the community’s future. The Thingee Community School’s location near the main Ghizer road ensures easy access for students, eliminating the burden of long commutes and enhancing the school’s potential impact on more deserving students from the region.
The Juniper Trust has played an instrumental role in this journey, providing crucial support for teacher salaries and a recent donation from KE Adventure Travel, with a history of running treks in the mountains of northern Pakistan since 1984, enabled The Trust to confirm the payment of salaries for a male and a female teacher, as well as a caretaker for the first year of the school. Additionally, The Juniper Trust has provided uniforms, books, and school equipment for the 36 students, encouraging more children to join the school.
The Thingee Community School represents not only an educational institution but also a symbol of empowerment for the entire Thingee community. As AHF continues its tireless efforts to build the school’s infrastructure and address financial needs, the impact will extend far beyond the school’s walls. Every child entering its doors carries a spark of hope that can ignite change in their lives, families, and the community. The Juniper Trust aims to continue its support for the new school by providing additional uniforms and school equipment for new students, along with teaching tools and equipment such as library books and a projector.
30 Wordsworth Street
Penrith, Cumbria
CA11 7QY, United Kingdom
Registered Charity Number: 1053356
