As part of the Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship project, Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment (Shehri-CBE) organized a field engagement activity at Government Girls Primary School #3, Ibrahim Haidri, Karachi, on 12 September 2026. The activity was conducted under Component No. 1, “Democracy Lab: Incubator for Civic Action,” and focused on youth mobilization, civic education, and democratic participation through community action.
Titled “Collaborating for Public School Improvement,” the engagement brought together students, faculty, school management, children, parents, and community members to work collectively towards improving learning conditions at the school. The activity marked a transition from research and community engagement to practical impact creation, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives and community collaboration could contribute to positive change.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Bilquis, Principal, Government Girls Primary School #3, followed by an event briefing and project context presented by Farhan Anwar, Project Manager. Bushra Altaf, Nuzhat Nazeer, and Wania Raheel from the Millennium Institute of Technology & Empowerment (MITE) introduced the “Every Child Deserves a Real Classroom” campaign, explaining its purpose and the role of community support in improving the school environment. Amna Raza Naqvi, Project Intern, subsequently briefed participants on taking the campaign forward.
The campaign had been developed by MITE students following their engagement with the school’s faculty, management, students, and surrounding communities. It aimed to connect the school with potential supporters who could contribute through donations, materials, or volunteer time. The campaign model was also designed to be applicable to other government schools seeking community assistance.
As part of the field engagement, cohort students from MITE, Aga Khan University, and Habib University, along with school faculty, management, parents, and community members, worked together to establish learning spaces. The activity included setting up a library and learning area with reading books, stationery, educational toys, seating spaces, and other educational materials. These contributions were supported by donations collected through the campaign, including books, toys, stationery items, a water cooler, and bathroom facilities.
The engagement also included fun learning activities and games involving the cohort students and school children. These activities encouraged interaction, participation, and a positive learning environment while allowing young volunteers to engage directly with the children and contribute to their educational experience.
The field engagement demonstrated the value of collaboration between educational institutions, civil society, and local communities in addressing public school needs. It provided students with practical experience in civic action, community mobilization, and collective problem-solving, while reinforcing the importance of informed citizenship and youth participation in creating positive social change.
