By Aftab Hussain
SHANGLA: A new residential educational institution is being established in Swat under the auspices of the HOPE Foundation (Humanitarian Orphans Protection and Education) to provide quality education to poor, orphaned and deserving children from Shangla.
According to project organizers, the initiative aims to offer modern education in a safe and supportive environment, particularly for children from underdeveloped and marginalized areas who are often compelled to work in hazardous occupations, including mining. The institution is designed to help such children transition from unsafe labor conditions to structured academic learning.
The facility will operate as a fully supported residential school. Enrolled students will be provided free hostel accommodation, meals, uniforms, textbooks and other essential educational resources. Organizers said the goal is to remove financial barriers that prevent families from sending their children to school.
The project will be supervised by retired educationist and former principal Sultan Sikandar Advocate, legal expert Muhammad Arif Advocate and social activist Abid Yar. The supervisory team stated that education remains a key driver of long-term social and economic development and that access to quality schooling is essential for sustainable progress.
They noted that several areas of Shangla face high poverty levels and limited livelihood options, leading some families to send underage children into physically demanding and risky jobs. The planned institution seeks to provide an alternative by creating a protected learning environment and structured academic pathway for affected children.
Organizers said the initiative is intended as a long-term investment in human capital development in the region. By focusing on education, they aim to support future generations in breaking cycles of poverty and social vulnerability.
The management added that philanthropists and well-wishers may register their interest in supporting the project on a monthly basis. However, they clarified that no formal fundraising campaign has been launched yet. A public announcement regarding operational details and opportunities for community participation will be made once the administrative framework is finalized.
