Success Stories
Shazia's Journey: Overcoming Adversity through Education and Empowerment
Harimera ALP Center
Location: Harimera, District Mansehra.
Shazia Bibi, a 14-year-old Afghan refugee in Pakistan, overcomes poverty, restrictions, and social marginalization to pursue her dreams. The Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) supports her success, highlighting the transformative power of education and the urgent need to address basic rights.
Shazia Bibi's family is burdened by poverty and health issues. Her father, M Rasool, is unemployed due to a debilitating accident, and her mother suffers from gall bladder stones, leaving them without access to proper medical care. Shazia, along with her five sisters and two brothers, works tirelessly to support their family. Despite their circumstances, the family receives support from a compassionate community leader, Syed Shah, who provides them with food, clothing, and shelter.
Shazia's determination and intellect drive her to pursue education and escape poverty. Despite financial constraints, she worked as a maid and honed her skills in stitching and embroidery, contributing to her family's survival and fostering her future aspirations.
When the Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) reached out to the community, Shazia was identified as a deserving candidate for support. The WEO team successfully mobilized Shazia's family and community members, encouraging them to enroll in the ALP (Accelerated Learning Program) centers. These centers, staffed by skilled and experienced teachers, provide free education to Afghan and Pakistani students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating a platform for success.

Shazia's story highlights Afghan refugees' struggles in Pakistan, including poverty, limited education, and social exclusion. Financial constraints and societal restrictions perpetuate illiteracy and marginalization. Despite ridicule and bullying, Shazia remains confident and grateful for school assistance from WEO and CARE International – Pakistan Program.
SUCCESS STORY: BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION
Chichana ALP Center
Location: Chichana, District Kohat.
Accelerated Learning Centers (ALCs) are educational institutions established by Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) in Kohat, Bannu, Mansehra with financial assistance of CARE International, Pakistan program. ALP centers offer condensed or intensive programs to help students quickly gain academic knowledge and skills. These centers are designed to provide focused and efficient learning experiences, with the ultimate goal of preparing students to continue their education successfully.
In Chichana, district Kohat an ALP center for girls has also been established. A total of 40m girls are enrolled in this center. 2 female teachers are engaged at this center for teaching purpose.
Rehmat Wali, being an Afghan Refugees School teacher and owner of the house that ALP center has been established in, initially placed a single soap outside the washroom, as a small gesture. The idea behind this was; to encourage the students to adopt good hygiene practices and make them aware of the importance of using soap for cleanliness. Observing the excitement of the students using soap, ALP center Chichana, owner distributed soaps among the entire students. Soaps were given as a token gift, which they can use for personal hygiene purposes.
The positive response from the students motivated the house owner Rehmat Wali (ALP center established in) decided to provide more soap and distribute it among the students.
Students reacted positively and with enthusiasm when they were presented with the idea of receiving soap. Perhaps they were enthusiastic about the distribution and appreciated the good motion.
Replying to a question, house owner said, "he recognized the importance of good hygiene practices and wanted to encourage the students to adopt them”.
He further said, “this initiative aimed at promoting and encouraging good hygiene practices among the students, which is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of different diseases”. He thanked Women Empowerment Organization for establishing ALP Center in this area and hoped that these girls will learn quality education to become useful member of the society.
Expressing joy and happiness, few of the ALP center students said. “It's wonderful that we are using soap to wash our hands and feeling secure because of it. It saves us from getting sick and help us to attend our classes regularly”


