Who We Are
Our Story
How a pilot project of 17 children in Pakistan grew into a movement that has touched more than 75 lives — and is breaking the vicious cycle of poverty, one family at a time.
The Challenge
The Vicious Cycle of Poverty
“Even if he goes to school he is going to end up working as a laborer. Why should we waste time and money by sending him to the school?”
— The most common response from families in abject poverty across Pakistan and the developing world
For these families, finding a way out of the vicious cycle of poverty is of utmost importance. Any activity that cannot be directly linked to alleviating poverty is a luxury they simply cannot afford. Unfortunately, for many, school is one such activity.
A few years ago, we set out to intercept this cycle through education — beginning with a humble goal of establishing a school in an economically challenged part of Pakistan. In order to build it with the right resources, we launched a pilot project to work closely with a few children and truly understand their challenges.
What We Discovered
Four Challenges That Must Be Solved
🏫
Lack of Quality Education
Most children live too far from a good school or cannot afford it. Access to quality education is the first barrier.
🧭
Lack of Guidance & Mentoring
Families don’t know anyone who can guide them from one stage of schooling to the next — leading to wrong choices or giving up entirely.
🏠
Lack of a Learning Environment
In an uneducated household surrounded by illiterate neighbors, education is never celebrated or discussed — making the journey far harder.
🏁
Lack of Persistence
Unable to see the finish line, a large number of families pull their children out at elementary or middle school level — before any real change can happen.
2008 — The Beginning
The Germination of an Idea
In 2008, with the help of dedicated local volunteers, we identified 17 children for our pilot project. What we learned was interesting — and surprising. We realized that although building a school is noble, it does not on its own intercept the cycle of poverty through education.
The critical insight emerged from how we chose those 17 children: rather than selecting one child from many families, we chose a few complete families — supporting all children within each household.
Within just 4–5 years, the conversation inside those families had completely changed. School was no longer an unimportant activity — it had become the center of everything the family did. And perhaps most powerfully, their extended families and neighbors began to follow.
The Results
A Small Spark Becomes a Fire
Even the greatest of fires start with the smallest of sparks. A project that started with only 17 children has now touched the lives of more than 75 children. It has produced six BS/BA graduates with an additional seven at various stages of university education.
Since then we have shifted our focus from building schools to the success of families. We identify children in need and ensure that all siblings are on the path to better education — covering school fees, books, uniforms, tutoring, transportation, and boarding where needed.
75+
Children’s Lives Touched
6
University Graduates
7
Currently at University
2012 → Now
What’s Next
In 2012, we founded Growing Intellect For Tomorrow (GIFT) and set out to expand our pilot project through a well-structured organization. In 2014/15 we were awarded 501(c)(3) status by both the IRS and the State of California.
Our desire is to keep expanding and evolving our program to benefit as many children as possible throughout the globe. To make this a reality, we launched the Sponsor-A-Child program — making it simple for donors to commit a small monthly donation that provides a full K–12 guarantee for one child.
“The most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it were little.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6464
We pray that Allah (SWT) accepts our efforts, your support, and gives the families benefiting from this project the patience and strength they need to succeed. Ameen.
📅 2008 — Pilot Launch
17 children across a few complete families in Pakistan. The beginning of the family-first model.
🔍 2012–2014 — GIFT Founded
Growing Intellect For Tomorrow formally incorporated and awarded 501(c)(3) status by IRS and California.
🌍 Today — 75+ Children
6 graduates, 7 in university, and an ever-growing ripple effect through extended families and neighborhoods.
🚀 Future — Global Expansion
Expanding Sponsor-A-Child and learning programs to benefit children worldwide.
Within one generation, families go from laborers to teachers, business professionals, linguists, and charity workers. Be part of that change.
P.O. Box 3001, Alviso, CA 95002-3001