What We Do

Since 2001, we have led the effort to fund education for underprivileged children of Pakistan. Currently there are 38 Baithak Schools nationwide, providing education to over 5,000 children.

Literacy is a human right that is important for each person. Education teaches us the way to live, how to behave and how to treat others. Education sector is highly important in every country as the literacy and education is directly related to the overall good or bad performance of the country. Literacy improves gender equality, eradicates poverty, promotes peace, population control, democracy, reduces child mortality rate, and most importantly, education brings sustainable development in the country. If a country has high illiteracy rate than no one can save the nation from destructive downfall that’s almost impossible to recover.

The idea of Baithak was perceived by a group of highly motivated women, who could not stand the inequality in education resources, and substandard teaching of government schools. They opened their living rooms (Baithaks) as makeshift schools to educate poor homeless kids living on the streets. What started with 1 teacher and 1 classroom gained momentum and became a movement. Today, there are 143 Baithak Schols throughout Pakistan, providing education to over 18,000 children.

In 2002, a group of motivated and concerned few, living in America, started the Baithak School Society of North America to fund some of the schools in Karachi, Pakistan. In started while Umer Shaikh, a resident of Augusta, Georgia, was visiting his family in Karachi. He was appalled by the deplorable condition of education in Pakistan, especially among the underprivileged. Consequently, he was pleasantly surprised when he visited one of the Baithak Schools. After coming back home, Shaikh Sahab convinced his friends and family to put funds together to establish and maintain schools in the Network.

By Grace of Allah, our Alumni are now beneficial members of the society. From slums to serving in academics, armed forces, and public and private sectors.

Our Mission

To fund and sustain free school education for underprivileged children in urban slums and rural areas of Pakistan.

Our Vision

Empower and uplift all street kids in underserved areas to acquire, demonstrate, and value education so they can become positive contributors to society and work towards a literate Pakistan.

“Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.”

— Maria Montessori

What Baithak School Network has Achieved