The Shining Light Academy is a private, not-for-profit, English primary school that provides high quality, affordable education to over 100 children in Play Group through Class 2 from Gilgit and the surrounding areas.

Where public schools in rural Pakistan, challenged by limited supplies and teacher training, focus largely on theory and memorization, the Shining Light Academy offers a safe and supportive place where children are encouraged to learn, explore and grow through high quality teaching and resources. Employing motivated, professional, local teachers and native, English-speaking teachers, the Academy utilizes contemporary teaching curriculum developed in Pakistan in addition to supplemental internationally-developed materials and resources. Many of our library books, art supplies, posters and science equipment have been imported from the U.S.A. and Europe by the numerous foreign volunteers that assist in our programs. As much as possible, our classroom size is limited to 22 students to maximize interaction between students and teachers. Educational objectives and achievements are benchmarked against public schools in the U.S.A. to ensure our students are receiving the best education possible.

The Shining Light Academy is committed to making quality education affordable and available to all children, including those of minority ethnic groups that in the past have not had equal access to education. Over 150 children are currently on the enrolment wait list.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Through donations from international donors, space for 22 students in Class 2 was added in 2009 as part of our long-term vision to see the Academy grow "step by step". Formal creative arts and physical education programs have been implemented as part of the Academy’s overall curriculum allowing students additional opportunities to express themselves through art and movement.

FUTURE PLANS:

We are currently raising funds to purchase and install a generator to limit disruptions to students’ studies due to the region’s intermittent electricity ($10,000 US needed), upgrade the school’s playground ($1,300 US needed), purchase updated science equipment and develop a portable, hands-on science lab ($4,000 US needed), and purchase local instruments for the school’s music program ($2,500 US needed). Plans include the addition of Class Three in 2010. To make a donation to support the Shining Light Academy,

please click here.

The Shining Light Coaching Center offers after-school tutoring and supplemental learning to over 120 children and youth who attend schools in Gilgit and the surrounding areas. In addition to promoting self-confidence through games, art projects, and sports and music programs, the Shining Light Coaching Center provides homework assistance in all subject areas for Class One through Class Nine. Small class sizes, high quality tutoring support from trained teachers and native English speakers, and an encouraging, interactive and supportive atmosphere, have made the program highly valued in the community. There is currently a one-year waitlist for new student enrollment.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Renovated a former fruit-drying facility into a bright, functional, multi-purpose classroom to allow space for additional students. Upgrades to the Computer Knowledge and Training Center are completed to provide hands-on computer skills training for our Class Four through Class Nine Coaching Center students.

FUTURE PLANS:

We are currently raising funds to enhance our sports program by adding more equipment for organized activities ($1,000 US needed), and to increase our library capacity to promote after-hour reading and learning activities ($500 US needed). We are also raising funds to expand the Computer Knowledge and Training Center including purchase of two additional laptop workstations, software upgrades and audio visual equipment ($2,500 US needed). To make a donation to support the Shining Light Children's Coaching Center,

please click here.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Expanded the Shining Light Education Scholarship Program to offer support to 15 additional students. In partnership with another like-minded organization, the SLCDO began offering educational scholarships to children of minority ethnic heritage who have been brought to Gilgit from their homes in remote villages to receive access to higher quality education.

FUTURE PLANS:

We are currently raising funds to make educational scholarships available to more children from disadvantaged and impoverished families throughout the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Funds needed to provide scholarships include: