On an ambitious and inspiring mission, a 27-year-old finance professional from New York, Tabarak Rehman with roots in Pakistan took on a unique mission to support education. Rehman, who is running 1,600 km: from Cadet College Hasan Abdal to Karachi, in 35 days, hopes to raise USD 1 million for The Citizens Foundation (TCF). TCF is among Pakistan’s leading non-profits in education, with over 1,900 schools spread across underserved communities across Pakistan. Rehman hopes through this monumental effort to shine Pakistan’s education crisis lights and alter thousands of lives.
The Motivation Behind the Mission
His father was the pioneer in the field of education in rural Taxila and setup 16 schools in places that had basic educational infrastructure. Tabarak remembers growing up and witnessing how education could change a region, the learning opportunity in which other regions certainly had very little. It is not only a fundraiser, it is a tribute to his father’s legacy as well as a symbol for his passion to get an education to every child in need. He is determined to subsidize all 7,000 of those children’s schooling costs and help them build a better future with the resources that they deserve.
The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
With an estimated 22 million children missing out on formal education, Pakistan has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children. Albeit numerous challenges of the education sector, particularly, lacking infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and poor instruction in rural and poor areas. However, TCF breaks the deadlock by creating purpose-built schools in underserved communities. The focus is on offering quality instruction and support so children from under-resourced areas might have the same opportunities as those in more developed areas.
The Journey: Running Across Pakistan
Begin his journey with Cadet College Hasan Abdal his alma mater, where he finished his undergraduate days at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Tabarak. This is a sentimental route because it’s where he went from high school to university and even where he would achieve some of his academic accomplishments. He’s running through various cities, towns, and rural areas meeting people along the way and sharing stories and awareness about his mission.
Along the way, he is documenting his experience on social media, posting daily updates, and reflections on the physical and emotional toll he is taking. His posts also give followers a hook to join in and contribute towards the mission. Not only is the run a test of physical endurance, it is a way to draw attention to the necessity for education for every child.
The Impact of Education:
It’s a $1 million goal, a big target that will help TCF expand its education to 7,000 students in Pakistan. Educating children from bad communities can stop poverty cycles help young people become economically independent and help families and development in the nation. This mission is a chance for me to give back, and give future generations a path to the same success that I’ve had.
According to him, education isn’t a basic right but the key to a better life with possibilities to open. With education, he wants to see a new generation that would one day become doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders; a stronger, and more prosperous Pakistan.
How You Can Support
Support for Tabarak’s journey has come from all around the globe, and there are several different ways to join. Various platforms are being used to collect donations that will go towards TCF’s mission of accessible, quality education and every dollar contributes. Along with financial support, it’s important to spread the word about Tabarak’s mission. He hopes in the process to raise awareness, encourage others to support similar causes, and realize that there are ways through education to transform lives.
If you’re following his run, Tabarak often posts statuses on his social media accounts filled with insights, tales, and highlights about his journey. Supporters become a part of this inspiring story which proves that when you believe and if you commit to something ruthlessly, there is no endpoint.
Wrapping Up
It’s not just a physical challenge, it’s a statement about the value of education: for Tabarak Rehman, this is his run across Pakistan. Hope, unity, vision for a better future are what he brings to Pakistan’s youth on his journey. He continues his mission and invites everyone to do their part to offer opportunities, especially where they can be needed the most, and prove that one person can make a difference.
