“I want to be a doctor – so I can serve poor communities”, 11-year-old Merry told our project partner in Pakistan.
Merry’s dream is not unusual. Becoming a doctor is one of the most common ambitions held by young children.
But Merry has a problem. As a Christian girl in Pakistan she faces discrimination, marginalisation and poverty. She faces an uphill struggle that many other children will thankfully never face.
You can help. Barnabas Aid funds Christian schools that help Christian children in Pakistan get the start in life that they would otherwise go without.
Poverty and discrimination
Christians in Pakistan are often among the poorest and most disadvantaged. Parents cannot afford fees at many schools – or the expense of textbooks, exercise books, stationery or school bags.
“My father is poor,” says Merry, who is one of four children. “He cannot afford our education.”
Christian children in Pakistan face discrimination, marginalisation and poverty. Many do not have the opportunity to get the education they need
Christian children who do attend free state-run schools can suffer discrimination for their faith – bullying from their peers and teachers, being marked down in tests and exams, and pressure to convert to Islam.
The result is that many Christian children miss out on gaining the literacy and numeracy skills they need.
So did their parents. So did their grandparents. So – if nothing changes – will their children and grandchildren.
Breaking the cycle of hardship
Barnabas-funded Christian schools aim to break this cycle of illiteracy and poverty that blights Pakistan’s Christian community.
These schools are a blessing to our brothers and sisters, God willing, for generations to come.
11-year-old Merry is thankful to God that she can now attend a Barnabas-funded Christian school. As well as learning more about her faith, she hopes the skills and qualifications she gains can set her on the path to becoming a doctor and serving others
Children are taught about their Christian faith alongside their academic study. Pupils appreciate the care and compassion they receive from Christian teachers who take a personal interest in their wellbeing and development.
“I thank God,” says Merry, who is now attending a Barnabas-funded school in Punjab province. “My teacher teaches us with love and care. I have a great opportunity to learn about my Christian religion at this Christian school.”
Merry is just one of the Christian children now receiving their education in a safe, nurturing environment, so that one day they will have the skills and employment opportunities to be able to bless their churches, their families, the Christian community, and their society as a whole.
But many others do not yet have this opportunity. Could you help us to continue this vital work by making a small donation? Could you commit to praying for our young brothers and sisters in Pakistan?
How you can help
We never cease to value your gifts and prayers on behalf of our suffering and persecuted Christian family.
£9 ($11; €10) is a typical* cost to support a Pakistani Christian child in school for a month
£28 ($33.50; €31) could pay the monthly salary of a Christian teacher in a Barnabas-supported Christian school in Pakistan
£30 ($36; €33) could pay a Christian school's electricity bill for one month
*Cost varies with type and location of school, age of children and other factors
