Pakistan is facing one of the world’s most serious education and gender gaps. More than 22 million children are out of school, and 52% of them are girls. Poverty, inequality, and lack of access continue to shut girls out of classrooms and limit their futures. At the same time, climate vulnerability, limited skills training, and restricted economic opportunities disproportionately affect children and young women, leaving millions unprepared for work, income, or resilience in a changing climate.
Despite recent progress, millions of children in Pakistan—especially girls—are still locked out of education. Poverty, early dropouts, climate shocks, and limited access to schools and skills training continue to cut off opportunities.
Climate change makes things worse, disrupting learning, livelihoods, and health. Real change requires long-term, community-led solutions that connect education, practical skills, and climate awareness—so girls and young people can build resilient futures.
children educated free of cost
women empowered through skills training
women trained every year
lives transformed through education, skills, climate awareness, and community programs
ZWEE Foundation works exclusively in Pakistan to deliver free, long-term programs that create sustainable impact.
We have provided completely free education to over 3,000 children, offering up to 10 years of continuous learning that supports academic achievement, values, creativity, health, and personal development.
In 2025, we launched our first 100% scholarship program for young women, supporting 30 students in continuing their education. We are committed to expanding this program every year to ensure sustained access to higher education.
We have empowered over 6,000 women through free skills and vocational training, with 200+ young women trained annually in employable and entrepreneurial skills that promote economic independence.
Our Climate Change Program equips children and young women with knowledge, awareness, and practical skills to understand climate challenges and build resilience. Through environmental education, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives, we empower young people to become informed climate advocates and responsible stewards of their communities.
Education at ZWEE Foundation goes beyond academics. Our holistic approach includes:
A Pakistan where every child has access to quality education, every young woman has the skills and confidence to lead an independent life, and communities are informed, resilient, and prepared to face climate challenges.
To elevate the status of women and children by providing education and empowerment, enabling them to exercise equal rights, opportunities, and agency in their lives.
Education is a fundamental right and should never be limited by income or gender.
Educated and skilled women strengthen families, communities, and economies.
We prioritize underserved communities and remove financial and social barriers to learning.
Environmental awareness and climate action are essential for a sustainable future.
True empowerment includes health, creativity, rights awareness, and leadership.
We focus on long-term change through continuous education, skills training, and climate resilience.
This remarkable initiative was founded by a young girl at the age of 13 (Sister Zeph), who, regrettably, had to confront gender discrimination within her own family. Facing an attempt on her life at the tender age of three, perpetrated by her uncles and aunts due to her gender, she later encountered discrimination and physical violence in her school. Consequently, she made the courageous decision to withdraw from conventional schooling and, in 1997, established her own educational institution.
This educational institution was founded within the confines of her home’s courtyard. Not only did she educate herself, achieving two Master’s degrees as an independent learner, but she also dedicated fourteen years of her life to imparting knowledge to numerous other girls in the same courtyard.
At the age of 15, she embarked on full-time employment to sustain her educational mission. Her school has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing free education from its inception, and she single-handedly supported this endeavor for fourteen years. Simultaneously, she undertook the responsibilities of teaching at the school, furthering her own education, and maintaining her job.
In 2014, she ventured into the realm of social media, subsequently earning global recognition and accolades for her teaching and writing efforts. The prize money she received was judiciously allocated towards the construction of a modest school building. November 2023 Sister Zeph won the Global Teacher Prize From the Varkey Foundation in partnership with Dubai Cares and UNESCO in recognition of her sustained efforts to empower and educate thousands of women and children over the past 26 years.
Today, the Zeph Center boasts an enrollment of over 206 students, all of whom receive a comprehensive ten-year education, completely free of charge. As well as a women’s vocational center with over 200 women a year learning different skills for employment and more. With a curriculum encompassing a diverse array of subjects and skills, including sewing, party and bridal makeup, hairdressing, self-defense techniques, science, drawing, acting, playwriting, IT education, English language proficiency, health education, finance management, blogging, career counseling, national testing services, and peace-building.
Moreover, the school’s teaching staff consists of 12 dedicated educators, with an additional 10 volunteer teachers instructing the girls remotely on a wide range of subjects, hailing from Europe, the USA, and India.
