Schools: Educating underserved youth in Pakistan

Last March, Executive Director Silbi Stainton made a surprise visit to MDF schools. Staff and students are always excited to see the Marshall Direct Fund U.S. staff who help make their access to education possible and a visit from the founder is even more exciting! Silbi was moved by the changes she saw in the older children who started several years ago who have now grown into capable, compassionate, and dedicated students.  Silbi shared, “The children I once knew had grown into confident young men and young women.  Instead of them looking up to meet my gaze, it was I looking up to them”. You can check out our Spring 2012 newsletter on our website to read more from Silbi.

 Not only are the students showing the benefits of having consistent nutrition from lunches that our supporters (that’s you!) help to provide, they are also academically achieving at every level. Four Girls and four boys from Barakahu that took their central examinations passed with high scores! In addition, the field office staff and administrators continue to develop new tools and programs to ensure the children’s success. New policies and procedures have been adopted and implemented to refine best practices.  One of the activities includes weekly meetings where teachers and staff share their experiences with their colleagues regarding lessons learned, challenges, and solutions. The Country Director says, “This exercise is helping teachers and staff gain confidence in communication…and is helping generate a sense of ownership, creativity, equity.”

Thank you so much for being an active member of our community. Please contact us with any questions or concerns or to share ideas. Want to learn more or connect? Visit our website at www.marshalldirectfund.org or become our fan on facebook.

Just as I now looked up to them, I came to learn that their own communities do the same.  These young graduates are the pride and hope of their towns.   - Silbi