Shahneela Chaudhry

Winfred Mercy Namaganda, a bright-eyed young woman from Uganda, has a story that embodies the power of education and the transformative impact of charity. Her journey began in 2022 when she became a beneficiary of saMas Charity, an organization dedicated to supporting students in their educational endeavors. Before joining saMas, Winfred faced immense financial challenges that threatened to derail her dreams of becoming a surgeon. With the support of the charity, she was able to continue her studies at St. Julian High School in Gayaza, without the burden of tuition fees or other educational expenses. “Thank you for this opportunity,” Winfred expressed with heartfelt gratitude. “The journey has been good and so it is. I greatly thank you for being so good and favorable to me for the two years we have been together. However, the journey has been with some hills and slopes in different ways.” Winfred’s journey was not without its challenges. Despite the support she received, she encountered obstacles along the way. But through it all, saMas Charity remained a constant source of encouragement and assistance. “Best of all, you have been there for me,” Winfred continued. “And I promise to always give you the best results in my studies.” Now in senior five biological, Winfred is studying biology, chemistry, foods and nutrition, and general paper. With the support of saMas Charity, she is determined to achieve her goal of becoming a surgeon and helping those in need. “Lastly, I dedicate you in Allah’s embrace to reward you and to continue protecting you,” Winfred concluded. “Thank you.” Winfred’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of education and the power of compassion. Through the unwavering support of saMas Charity, she has been given the opportunity to pursue her dreams and make a positive difference in the world.

  Omer Ali, a bright-eyed six-year-old, was once a familiar sight on the bustling streets of Lahore. His days were spent accompanying his mother, a maid in a local household, as she worked tirelessly to provide for their family. Despite his young age, Omer had already learned the harsh realities of life, his childhood dreams overshadowed by the constant struggle for survival. His life took a turn for the better when saMas Charity stepped in. Recognizing the importance of education, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, saMas Charity made it their mission to bring children off the streets and into the classroom. Omer was one such child who was identified and offered a lifeline. With saMas Charity’s support, Omer was enrolled in a local school. His parents were assured that all his educational expenses, from tuition fees to school supplies, would be taken care of. The weight of financial burden was lifted from their shoulders, allowing them to focus on providing a nurturing environment for their child. Omer’s journey began in 2021, and since then, he has thrived in the classroom. Now in grade 2, he has shown remarkable progress, his curiosity and eagerness to learn evident in his interactions with teachers and classmates. His once-gloomy outlook has been replaced by a newfound hope and enthusiasm for the future. Omer’s story is a testament to the power of education and the positive impact that organizations like saMas Charity can have on the lives of children. By providing opportunities for children like Omer to access quality education, saMas Charity is not only breaking the cycle of poverty but also nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

  Maheen Abid from Multan, Pakistan,  resumed her educational journey post-COVID crisis, a challenging time when her father encountered severe financial difficulties. With a deep passion for art and a desire to excel in this field, Maheen’s aspirations seemed distant until saMas Charity stepped in. By taking on the responsibility of her educational expenses, saMas Charity has made it possible for her to attend school and actively pursue her love for art, thus enabling her to fulfill her dreams and hone her talents. In South Asia, the gender gap in education is a pressing issue, with girls disproportionately affected. According to statistics, girls in the region are twice as likely as boys to never set foot in a classroom. This alarming disparity highlights the significant barriers that girls face in accessing education, including cultural norms, economic constraints, and societal expectations. Zainab Irfan from Lahore, Pakistan, together with her younger sister, is now attending school, thanks to saMas Charity covering all their school and study expenses. As children of a single parent, this support has been a significant relief for their mother. Zainab, a bright and eager student, is thriving in her studies and showing great promise. The opportunity to receive a quality education is shaping a hopeful future for both sisters, opening doors to new possibilities and dreams. saMas Charity, recognizing the critical importance of girls’ education, has made it a central focus of its mission. The organization is committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every girl in South Asia has the opportunity to receive a quality education. Through its various programs, saMas Charity provides scholarships, school supplies, and infrastructure improvements to schools in underserved communities. These initiatives not only increase access to education but also create a supportive learning environment for girls. Additionally, saMas Charity works to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education, challenging harmful stereotypes, and promoting gender equality. Sawaira Sajjad from Lahore, Pakistan, shares her inspiring journey, highlighting the pivotal role saMas Charity played in her educational success. Sawaira’s matriculation from the Lahore Board marked a significant milestone in her academic pursuits. Her journey has been nothing short of incredible, filled with fascination and growth. saMas Charity has been an unwavering companion throughout this transformative phase. With a spirit of aspiration and clear goals, Sawaira is now embarking on a new chapter at Aspire College. She expresses her sincere gratitude to SaMas Charity for their continuous support and encouragement, which have been instrumental in shaping her academic journey. By empowering girls through education, saMas Charity is not only improving their individual lives but also contributing to the broader development of their communities. Educated girls are more likely to participate in the workforce, become active citizens, and lead healthier lives. They are also more likely to invest in their own children’s education, perpetuating a cycle of positive change. Navish Pervaiz, a resident of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been an integral part of the saMas Charity program since 2022. Despite the warmth of her family, the lack of material resources made her dream of pursuing higher education seem distant. However, the discovery of the saMas Charity education program proved to be a turning point. The program provided not only financial support but also essential resources like books, uniforms, and a dedicated mentor. Thriving in this nurturing environment, Navish excelled academically, becoming a beacon of inspiration within her community. She actively advocated for the program, encouraging others to seize the opportunity it offered. With her newfound knowledge and ambition, Navish aspires to become a doctor, aiming to uplift those in need. saMas Charity ignited a flame of hope and ambition within her, a guiding light that will illuminate her path for years to come. After successfully completing her Matriculation, Navish has embarked on a new chapter at Superior College with the continued support of saMas Charity. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the positive impact of organizations like saMas Charity on the lives of underprivileged youth. saMas Charity’s efforts to address the gender gap in education are a vital step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous South Asia. By providing girls with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, the organization is helping to build a brighter future for generations to come.