Update from BHW Pakistan Partnership Facilitators

Michael and Carolyn Hanson were intending to visit in 2025, however, there was an outbreak of fighting between India and Pakistan, so the visit was cancelled. In March 2026 Kevin and Helen Honore were scheduled to visit, however, due to the conflict in Iran and the subsequent issues in Dubai, this trip too had to be cancelled. In light of this, a report has been compiled about the brick kiln school. 

Recent Events

Context

Late in 2025, the Government of Pakistan officially declared that anyone providing shelter, employment, or business space to illegal Afghan citizens will be treated as a criminal. All four provincial governments were instructed to strictly implement this policy. This announcement caused widespread fear and uncertainty among Afghan refugees, including many families who have been living in Pakistan for years—some for decades—after fleeing war, persecution, or poverty in Afghanistan.

In various regions, especially in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, police and local authorities have begun checking refugee settlements, and thousands are being told to return or face deportation. Many Afghan children studying in local schools, and families living peacefully in small, rented houses, are now facing eviction and loss of livelihood.

Of course, this created tension for the EGM team as they were involved in helping the people that this edict was aimed at. Since then, a full scale war has broken out between Pakistan and Afghanistan and again, these people are caught in the middle of it.  

School Update

In January 2026 they started new classes, enrolling 25 new students. Currently, a total of 40 students are studying at the school. The majority of the students belong to Afghan refugee families and the Pashtun community. Many parents work as brick kiln labourers; several children have lost one or both parents. Most families struggle to meet even basic daily needs

The students are showing encouraging improvement, with growing interest in education and active participation in class. Activities such as plantation drives, classroom participation, and creative learning are helping students grow in confidence.

They have a very committed teaching staff who are not only educating but also mentoring and supporting students emotionally and morally.

The school is committed to providing quality education to underprivileged children in a remote and underserved area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The school is bringing hope, education, and transformation to children who otherwise have little or no access to learning opportunities.

Their vision is: To empower children through education, character building, and life skills so they can become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Partnership's Influence within the Community

Despite the fact that this school is still small and operated by Christians, the local community is warming up to its influence. 

This school is transforming lives by:
- Providing access to education for children who were previously out of school
- Giving hope to orphan and vulnerable children
- Supporting families living in extreme poverty
- Building a foundation for a better future and brighter opportunities

Ideas for the Future

The EGM team see this as a wonderful bridge into the community and want to see it growing slowly into the future. Their plans are to:
- Expand classes and increase student enrolment
- Improve school facilities and classrooms
- Introduce basic computer education
- Provide more support for orphan and refugee children

Current Issues and Challenges

The ongoing issues along the borders and between the two countries. 

It is doubly unsafe for the Christians in this community. Both the Pakistani, Afghan and Pashtun people are aggressively Islamic. 

Prayer and Praise Points

1) That the area hasn’t been seriously affected by the government rules and the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan
2) That the number of children being influenced and taught is growing in number
3) That the children are learning, without this programme this would not be happening. They are getting a chance for a better education and a way out of poverty
4) That this is a helpful programme alongside the work of the churches in the area

Comments

Even if we had visited Pakistan in 2026, it would not have been possible to actually get to this location for a visit, but this school is important to the EGM team as they build a presence in this border community.  The budget is to remain the same for 2026.