THE SHINING LIGHT STORY
It began with a dream...
The dream of a young Pakistani man who was determined to bring education to a handful of marginalized children in his neighborhood in Gilgit, Pakistan.
​These children were born into families where most parents were illiterate and worked menial jobs, unable to afford schooling for their children. With little hope of a brighter future, the young man took action. He raised funds to send these children to school and opened his home as a safe space for after-school tutoring. What began as a small group quickly grew to 20 children, and before long, his home could no longer hold the growing number of students.
In 2003, he partnered with a group of foreign volunteers to establish the Gilgit Children’s Coaching Center. The center became known for fostering creativity and providing a safe learning environment, growing to serve over 60 children with a waitlist of eager students. The need was clear—Pakistan was hungry for education.
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By 2005, it became evident that more than an after-school program was needed. The team launched the Shining Light Academy, a full elementary school with 120 students in preschool through 2nd grade. The Academy grew steadily, adding new grade levels each year. Today, it serves over 600 students from preschool to 10th grade, empowering children to pursue brighter futures through quality education.
But education was just the beginning...
The team soon realized that empowering women was key to creating lasting change. In 2007, the Women’s Vocational Training Center (WVTC) was established to teach practical skills like sewing, knitting, and embroidery. Women who complete the program receive their own sewing machine and support to begin sustainable careers. To date, over 560 women have graduated from the WVTC, gaining skills to provide for their families and contribute to their communities.
In 2011, Shining Light International became an internationally recognized nonprofit NGO with the mission of “bringing hope for a brighter future to northern Pakistan.” From its humble beginnings in a single home, Shining Light now reaches thousands across remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, offering education, vocational training, and community support.
