“It is the values and the teachers that make TCF what it is”

Posted on December 11, 2018 by beenasarwar

Education isn’t just about bricks and mortar… I hadn’t planned to write this report but the story I heard was so inspirational, and the overall event so well done, that I just had to. Shoutout to TCF Boston, The Citizens Foundation and all the wonderful volunteers.  My report in The News on Sunday, Dec. 9 2018 on TCF Boston’s fundraising gala last weekend that will contribute towards more schools in Pakistan. This may be just a drop in the ocean, but each drop contributes to the ocean. 

Noman-parents

Both Noman’s parents died when he was little. The school saved him. Photo: Beena Sarwar

For Muhammad Noman, growing up in poverty with invalid parents in a low-income locality in Karachi, being forced by gentrification to relocate to another locality with no gas, electricity or running water, was the easy part.

It was in 2010, just after family moved to Khuda Ki Basti, the sprawling housing society on the outskirts of the city, that tragedy struck. Noman’s mother died of kidney failure. In 2011, his father, who had severe asthma, passed away.

“When you are poor in Pakistan, you don’t have access to the best medical care,” as Noman understatedly put it. Continue reading →

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Pushing forward the cart that says “Educate Pakistan!”

Posted on May 15, 2016 by beenasarwar

My piece about the TCF fundraiser in Boston last weekend, published in The News on Sunday, May 15, 2016

Adil Najam, Nargis Mavalvala-Ateed Riaz-Beena Sarwar

Adil Najam, Nargis Mavalvala, Ateed Riaz at the speakers table. Photo: Beena Sarwar

Pitching in for education in Pakistan from Boston and beyond

Beena Sarwar

“The Citizens’ Foundation is doing an amazing job, and I’m honoured to be here,” said Nergis Mavalvala, giving the keynote address at the sold-out Third Annual The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) Boston Fundraiser on Saturday, 7 May, 2016.

Propelled to celebrity status by her role in the recent breakthrough on gravitational waves predicted by Einstein, the Pakistani-American astrophysicist at MIT added, “TCF is fantastic – give generously”. Continue reading →

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Nergis Mavalvala to be keynote for TCF Boston fundraiser

Posted on May 5, 2016 by beenasarwar
Nergis Mavalvala

Nergis Mavalvala: “The key to my success is the education I got as a girl in Pakistan”

Mavalvala to be keynote speaker at fundraiser for high-quality, low-income schools in Pakistan

BOSTON, May 04: Nergis Mavalvala, the Pakistani-American astrophysicist at MIT known for the part she played in the breakthrough on gravitational waves, will be a keynote speaker at the Third Annual The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) Boston Fundraiser on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Continue reading →

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Beyond security issues: A ‘wow’ moment and an inspiring video

Posted on November 13, 2013 by beenasarwar
For TCF success stories visit http://bit.ly/HLP1Fq

For TCF success stories visit http://bit.ly/HLP1Fq

There are many positive initiatives taking place in the field of education in Pakistan, but The Citizens Foundation is the largest and most visible, and probably also the most professionally run. Even if you drop in on a school without prior notice, you’ll find the same quality and care. Concerned citizens (not just Pakistanis) got together recently in Boston to form a chapter to support TCF. Yasmin’s experience that I’ve written about (below, published in The News and in TOI blogs) echoes my own, many years ago when I visited a TCF school. Scroll right down for an inspiring short video interview of a TCF graduate. More success stories here. Update: Harvard Pakistan Student Group is starting a summer internship programme with TCF, starting Summer 2014 (will update with details as soon as they’re finalised). Continue reading →

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Flood relief – TCF aims to provide 20 million meals

Posted on August 13, 2010 by beenasarwar

Information on flood relief fund set up by The Citizens Foundation (TCF), a leading non-profit organisation formed by Pakistanis for Pakistanis. This is a reliable NGO with a long track record in education, and also in relief work during the 2005 earthquake. TCF provides formal education to 92,000 less privileged children throughout the country and in AJ&K. TCF will use its network of 660 purpose-built school units in hundreds of rural areas and urban slums located in 68 towns and cities across Pakistan to provide 20 million meals in 30 days to flood affected people.

TCF is putting together ration bags containing flour, rice, cooking oil/ghee, lentils, dried milk, sugar, salts and spices, dates etc. Each bag will feed a family for a month and is worth approx PKR 2,500 (USD 30) including transport. Any amount of donation is welcomed. Donations can be sent to TCF in several ways. Email info@thecitizensfoundation.org for more info or see this link for more information including direct online link for donations.

Filed under: Floods | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

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