Foundation to Empower Students (FES), a public limited company established under the Companies Act 2017. Our mission is to support and uplift needy and deserving students through scholarships, grants, and various educational incentives. Sponsored by the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF) of the Dallas Foundation, we are dedicated to providing the resources necessary for students to succeed academically and personally.
Booni, a beautiful town in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is known for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. However, beneath its scenic beauty lies a pressing issue: the urgent need for quality education. Like many remote areas, Booni’s government schools face significant challenges in providing high-quality education. These challenges—limited resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of opportunities for both students and teachers—hinder the growth and development of children in the region.
Recognizing these challenges, the Foundation to Empower Students (FES) is committed to transforming education in Chitral, starting with Booni. Our vision is simple but powerful: to create a future where every child has the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to making this vision a reality by offering early childhood development programs, enhancing English language skills, and providing scholarships to ensure all children have access to quality education.
In 2020, we launched Phase 1 of our initiative by setting up In-School Language Labs and an Early Childhood Development Center in five low-cost private schools in Booni. Through partnerships with these schools, we have made a meaningful impact on the community. Our efforts to improve English language skills, provide career guidance, and enhance teacher training have reached about 1,500 students and over 100 teachers. These Language Labs are more than just classrooms—they create a nurturing environment where language learning becomes a stepping stone to a brighter future.
Encouraged by the success of Phase 1, we began Phase 2 in 2024, expanding our work to 19 government schools in Booni. This new phase focuses on creating Learning Centers that combine early childhood development with Technology-Assisted English Language Labs. By partnering with the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we aim to bridge the gap between private and public schools, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
Our work is not just about providing resources; it’s about reimagining what education can be in Booni. By focusing on early childhood education and using technology to teach languages, we aim to raise the standards of government schools to match or even exceed those of private schools. Our goal is for every child in Chitral to have access to high-quality education that helps them excel academically, think critically, and become lifelong learners.
FES is deeply committed to working in Chitral because we believe in the incredible potential of its children and the transformative power of education. We are here to overcome the barriers that have held back progress in this remote region and to build a future where education is a gateway to empowerment and opportunity for every child.
Our Initiatives in Booni Chitral, Pakistan
Reforming Public Schools in Pakistan is needed to address various challenges that Public Schools face such as:
In-School Language Labs
Established in five low-income private schools in Booni, Chitral, these labs enhance English language skills, focusing on listening and speaking. Currently benefiting 1,250 students and 100 teachers.
Montessori ECD Center
The first of its kind in the region, this center in Booni, Chitral, uses the Montessori Method to serve children aged 3-5 years, with certified teachers from the Pakistan Montessori Council. It has graduated 60 students over the past three years and currently serves 40 children.
Learning Centers
Integrating Early Childhood Development and Technology-Assisted Language Labs, these centers benefit over 2,000 students, 144 teachers, and 30 facilitators across 19 government schools. Five centers have been established as of May 1, 2024.
Teacher Training
In partnership with Bridge Education Group, WEF has launched an English Language Skills Training initiative, providing TEFL certification to teachers in Booni, Chitral. Eight teachers received certificates in the first round, with a total of 21 teachers trained to date. WEF also supports these teachers with technology and weekly reflection sessions to ensure effective engagement and practical application.
Years working for Education
Students Enrolled
Students Benefited
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Board Exam Success
The Need for Public School Reform
Reforming Public Schools in Pakistan is needed to address various challenges that Public Schools face such as: