Human Interest Story – Pakistan

Like Mother, Like Daughter

ECW-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by recent floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan

In a lively classroom in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Salma Qadeer and Muqadas Zahra sit side-by-side, ready to learn. The desks are occupied by workbooks and pencils. The walls around them are filled with colorful posters and student artwork.

Salma and Muqadas are more than just classmates. They are mother and daughter, on a shared educational journey.

Along the way, 35-year-old Salma and 12-year-old Muqadas have found a supportive community of teachers and fellow classmates. There is no judgment based on age or background, only a shared commitment to learning.

Thanks to funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nation, UNICEF Pakistan in collaboration with the local government and its implementing partner, has established eight Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) elementary centres to address education barriers faced by girls, which have only worsened following the recent devastating floods in the country. The new ALP centres mean that Salma, Muqadas, and other girls and women in Pakistan have a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow in their community.

Learn more: ecw.exposure.co/like-mother-like-daughter