Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), Dolomuch Lower Chitral, Pakistan
In 2021, Worldwide Education Fund (WEF), USA ignited a spark of change in Chitral Valley of Northern Pakistan through an innovative pilot program of technology-enabled English Language Labs in five private schools. This pilot has benefited over 2,000 students, 100 teachers, and 6 skilled language trainers. From that spark a broader vision began to take shape: one that brings together the nurturing care of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers for 3–5-year-olds and English language skills labs for primary school students ages 5–11. The vision is now becoming reality through our latest – and most innovative – initiative – Bright Beginnings: Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC) – now scaling across both Lower and Upper Chitral.”
WEF opened its first ECD center at a local private school in the town of Booni in 2021. This was only possible through the generous sponsorship of Ramzan and Zamila Karimi of Atlanta, Georgia, and their children. Their gift catalyzed and inspired others to give and, thanks to that inspiration and the continued support, 10 more ECD centers are now flourishing in Booni’s free government schools where 2000 young children are currently learning, growing, and thriving. It’s a shining example of how one family’s generosity can ignite lasting change, not just for a school but for an entire community. “Even the most expensive schools in Chitral do not offer this”, says one community member.
The ECLC initiative is further strengthened by our partnerships. We are proud to work closely with the Foundation to Empower Students (FES), Pakistan. Our network of collaborators also includes Aga Khan University Professional Development Centre, Chitral, Aga Khan Rural Support Program, and local private and free government schools. Together we are aligning innovation with local leadership and creating solutions rooted in sustainability and community ownership.
At the heart of the ECLC initiative are the educators themselves – 11 Montessori-trained ECD teachers and a growing team of dedicated English language trainers who are already supporting over 2,000 primary students. These educators are more than instructors; they are mentors, nurturers, and champions of every child’s potential.
WEF started its Chitral programs with 5 In-School English Language Labs, added a pilot ECD Centre, expanded to 10 ECLCs and is poised to open 15 more Bright Beginnings ECLCs in September 2025. Our ambition is bold yet deeply rooted in community need. By the end of 2027 we aim to establish 100 learning canter’s, serving more than 3,000 children every year. These canters’ will not be simply classrooms, but rather joyful, safe, and nurturing environments where curiosity can bloom, confidence can grow, and the foundation for lifelong learning is laid. The need is real.
As one mother of a current 4-year-old student commented,“Before this center, my daughter spent her days playing in the street. Now she comes home singing, drawing, and sharing stories about her new friends.”
Our mission to bring ECLC to all the children in Chitral is fuelled by the generosity of people like you. Our founders, Connie and Kamal Daya, have already committed $60,000 to sponsor 25 new ECLC. Inspired by their leadership, other donors have stepped forward to sponsor 3 to 10 centers each. To bring the vision fully to life, we aim to raise $240,000 with each Centre requiring just $2,400 in sponsorship.
Your support and encouragement are vital and will help to shape a brighter future for thousands of children. Thank you for walking alongside us every step of the way
