Report from BHW Pakistan Partnership Facilitator

Key People: Faisal and Beenish Manzoor 

We had arranged to visit Pakistan in March 2026, however, the problems in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan meant that the trip had to be cancelled. Currently the plan is to visit in March/April 2027. Because of this, we have been in communication to put together this report. Faisal and Beenish are very good at communicating with regular updates and responses when requested. 

Recent Events

Context

The situation in Pakistan continues to be difficult for Christians. They face many issues, poverty, persecution, child marriages, kidnapping, rape and murder. They have little recourse to justice. The people Faisal and Beenish are focussed on are the poorest of the poor, most of them are indentured labourers in the brick kilns. 

Schools

Faisal and Beenish are operating informal schools in two brick kiln communities. They began with about 75 children, but this has risen to 90. 

Early May 2026 they wrote:
“We are pleased to update you that at our formal Bright Hope School, located in Azad Town—a newly growing Christian community—we have successfully announced the final examination results for our 90 students! The result day at Bright Hope School was filled with joy, excitement, and gratitude. Children gathered with anticipation, and as results were announced, we witnessed that for many of these children, this is not just a result—it is a milestone in a journey that was once impossible.

At our Azad Town campus, we are thrilled to report a 95% overall pass rate.
• Children are progressing academically in a structured learning environment.
• Many are first-generation learners, breaking cycles of illiteracy in their families.
• Students are developing confidence, discipline, and a vision for their future.

These results reflect not only academic success but also consistent growth and dedication throughout the year.”

Annual Result Day at the end of May 2026 was a landmark event for children, parents, and the wider brick kiln community. For families who have often felt forgotten by society, this day served as a powerful reminder that education is possible, and a different future is within reach.

Honouring Excellence: Students Who Achieved Positions
They recognised the children who earned top positions in their classes. Coming from families connected to bonded labour, these children are often the first in their history to receive a formal grade, let alone an award. Seeing them stand with confidence and joy was a testimony to the growing discipline and hope within the schools.

The Heart of the Mission: Our Faithful Teachers
They presented teachers with Appreciation Awards for their selfless service. Teaching in a brick kiln environment requires more than just academic skill; it requires a heart of compassion and a 100% commitment to children living in hardship. Their teachers are not just educators—they are mentors and beacons of hope.

The Final Prize: A Reward for Excellence & Commitment
The most anticipated moment of the day was the presentation of the grand prize—a brand-new bicycle. This year the recipient was Eric, who demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and a remarkable commitment to his studies throughout the entire year.

For a child in a brick kiln community, a bicycle is far more than a toy; it is a symbol of dignity and a powerful motivator to stay faithful to their education. The sheer joy on Eric’s face as he received his prize reflected the new sense of "possibility" that now exists in this village. Eric’s success serves as an inspiration to every other student, proving that hard work and dedication can truly open new doors. 

The day concluded by sharing a meal with the children and their parents. This time of fellowship created a beautiful atmosphere of unity. It gave parents a moment of pride and joy, allowing them to see their children through a lens of potential rather than poverty.

Outcomes and Partnership's Influence within the Community

Children are actively engaged in their studies—reading, writing, and participating in structured classroom activities. Many of these children had never held a pencil before joining the school. In March 2026 the children had their final examinations and there was a 98% pass rate. They are encouraged by their progress and dedication. 

Spiritual Growth: Alongside education, children are learning about Jesus Christ, prayer, and biblical values. Seeds of faith are being planted in young hearts.

Dedicated Teaching Staff: The teachers are faithfully serving in challenging environments, showing love, patience, and commitment to every child.

Safe & Hope-Filled Environment: The school has become a place where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged—something many of them have never experienced before.

Many of these children:
• were previously involved in brick kiln labour
• had no access to education
• lived in environments marked by hardship and hopelessness

Today:
• they are learning to read and write
• they are dreaming about their future
• they are hearing about the love of Jesus

One of the most powerful changes they witness is not only educational—but spiritual and emotional transformation. Children are becoming more confident, respectful, and hopeful. They praise God that the children in the two brick kiln schools have shown exceptional dedication. This year, they had an incredible 98% pass rate across both campuses!

These children, who once had little to no hope of ever stepping inside a classroom, are now developing strong academic discipline, regular attendance habits, and the confidence to climb higher. They are witnessing more than just higher test scores; they are observing a profound transformation in their daily mindsets, behaviours, and expectations for the future.

Faisal and Beenish write: “Many of these children come from incredibly harsh, isolated environments shaped by intense poverty and manual labour. Our schools provide a safe haven where they are encouraged to speak up, express their creativity, and realize their true value. Our ultimate prayer is that through excellent education and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, these children will completely break free from the generational chains of poverty, bondage, and hopelessness.”

Ideas for the Future

Faisal and Beenish write: “As we look toward the new academic year, we are eager to continue this work. We believe the seeds planted this year will bear eternal fruit. While our hearts rejoice over what God is doing in these two schools, we remain heavily burdened for the surrounding brick kiln communities where thousands of children are still deprived of basic literacy.

There are countless kiln sites where no schools exist. Our team regularly visits these unreached areas to build relationships with families, offer encouragement, and share the Gospel. We are actively praying and believing that God will expand the borders of Bright Hope Pakistan, providing the resources needed to open new schools in these desperate areas. We cannot wait to reach the children who are still waiting for their chance to dream."

Current Issues and Challenges

1) For protection and strength for teachers and staff. These are dangerous communities for Christian women and children.
2) For continued provision of resources. Prices are constantly increasing.
3) For more stability in the region and the reduction of conflicts that are making hard lives more difficult. 

Prayer and Praise Points

1) For the Students: For a smooth transition as they begin their new classes, and for continued spiritual, academic, and emotional growth.
2) For the Teachers: For renewed strength, patience, and divine wisdom as they mentor these children daily.
3) For Expansion: For supernatural provision to plant new schools in unreached brick kiln communities.
4) For Freedom: That every child under their care would walk in the full dignity and freedom found only in Jesus Christ.

Comments

These are very good people. They are organised and efficient and very focussed. The reality here is that this could take as much resource as we could put in but I suggest we leave it as it is currently and review the budget after we visit next year.