- By: Seema Batool
In an unprecedented move to combat Pakistan’s education crisis, Sunbeams, in collaboration with the Hashoo Foundation, has launched the Pakistan 100 for 100 (Pk100) initiative—an ambitious nationwide movement aiming for 100% literacy by 2047. This groundbreaking initiative, unveiled at a high-profile event at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, is set to transform the future of millions of children across the country.
With over 25 million out-of-school children, Pakistan faces one of the largest educational challenges in the world. The Pakistan 100 for 100 initiative aims to change this narrative by ensuring every child between the ages of 5 to 16 years has access to quality education, starting with a focused pilot in Islamabad and gradually scaling to districts nationwide.
Ainee Nasir Jamy, Founder and Chairperson of Sunbeams, emphasized the urgency of this mission, stating that education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and unlock Pakistan’s true potential. “We cannot afford to lose another generation to illiteracy. Pakistan 100 for 100 is more than just an educational initiative; it is a national movement to empower our youth and build a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan,” she said.
The initiative brings together an extraordinary coalition of policymakers, corporate leaders, donors, and civil society organizations, all united in their resolve to make education accessible and affordable for every child. With Islamabad chosen as the pilot city, the initiative will begin at the Union Council level, offering a replicable model that can be expanded across the country in a phased rollout.
Haris Qayyum Khan, CEO of Hashoo Foundation, described the project as a game-changer for the nation’s future, highlighting the foundation’s decades-long commitment to education and social development. “This initiative is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right vision and collaboration, Pakistan can achieve 100% literacy and become a knowledge-driven society,” he remarked.
Sunbeams, a leading non-profit organization, has been working tirelessly for over a decade to provide quality education to underprivileged children. Starting with just one school in Lahore, the organization has now grown to 150 schools across 12 districts, positively impacting 15,000 children. With the Pakistan 100 for 100 initiative, Sunbeams aims to extend its reach even further, creating an ecosystem of learning that is sustainable, scalable, and community-driven.
The initiative focuses on providing affordable education by leveraging community partnerships, digital learning solutions, and strategic alliances with the public and private sectors. It seeks to address the systemic barriers to education, ensuring that no child is left behind.
The launch event witnessed an overwhelming response from key stakeholders, who pledged their support to the initiative. The organizers urged businesses, policymakers, and individuals to contribute to this cause, whether through funding, volunteering, or advocacy. “This is not just Sunbeams’ or Hashoo Foundation’s mission—it is Pakistan’s mission. We need everyone to step up and take responsibility for our children’s future,” said Ainee Nasir Jamy.
Islamabad’s selection as the starting point for the movement is symbolic, representing a vision that can be scaled nationwide. The initiative will introduce innovative education models that include digital classrooms, teacher training programs, and community engagement strategies to reach even the most marginalized populations.
The Pakistan 100 for 100 movement is already in motion, and now is the time for all Pakistanis to unite and contribute towards this historic goal. Achieving 100% literacy by 2047 is not just a dream; it is an achievable reality that requires the collective effort of the nation.
Together, we can rewrite Pakistan’s future—one child at a time.