Every child we help has their own story…

Often when we talk about our work; we use facts and percentages to inform people of the shocking truth in Pakistan. But we never forget that behind every statistic is a child, desperate for an education and ultimately a new way of life.

Here are some of their inspirational stories…



Imran Ali is just 11 years old…
Three years ago, Imran's father, Haji Feroz Ali, died of a sudden heart attack leaving behind a family of ten in abject poverty. If this wasn't painful enough, Imran's paternal cousins tried to claim the family home. Thankfully, after many bitter negotiations, they resolved to allow Imran's family a small portion of the house. The rest was locked up.

The responsibility of an ailing mother and seven younger siblings fell heavily upon Imran's delicate shoulders. He had to give up school and for a long time he was the chief bread-earner of the family, collecting leftover bags at the local dump and making and selling envelopes.

That was until TCF stepped in. Our schools offer employment as domestic staff to single mothers in the community. So Imran's mother now works in his school canteen. The wage she receives helps take the pressure off of Imran, allowing him to return to school to obtain a quality education.

Imran is a Grade IV student at TCF Primary School - Gatron Campus, in Hub, Balochistan. Despite all hardships, Imran’s teachers tell us he has retained his sense of humour. He is a disciplined boy with a regular attendance record who takes part in sports and has a flair for art. He's also excelling in Mathematics - his favourite subject.

Imran still works in the evening to help support his family. But he never complains. If anything, his circumstances have only made him more sensitive towards those around him. With TCF help, he wants to get the grades to be a heart specialist. Imran dreams of setting up his own hospital where everyone, poor or rich, would receive equal treatment.

“I am Nawaz Ali Shah”
Nine-year-old Nawaz is overage for his class. But he doesn’t mind. He’s just happy to be learning again.

Nawaz’s mother passed away when he was very young, leaving him neglected in a large family desperately trying to fend for themselves. Then, after the October 8th Earthquake, things got much worse. Losing his home and school, Nawaz was forced to live a nomad’s life – desperately trying to survive on a rubbish dump.

That was until he was found by the Campus of Hope, a TCF school in Mansehra.

The school’s Principal, Shakila Waris, is dedicated to taking in street children. So when the TCF school bus passed Nawaz on the dump, the driver knew if he brought the young boy to Shakila, she could help change his life forever.

Nawaz is now in grade II at the Campus of Hope. He is surrounded today by loving teachers and the bright light of hope – a feature of every TCF School. With his new education, he has no desire to grow up to be a truck driver (his family profession). Instead, he wants to study and become a teacher and help children just like him.