As an ambitious student at the CARE 1 high school, Sana remembers the extreme lengths her mother, who used to work as a maid locally, had to go to ensure her children were offered the best education in that district.

“Regardless of her hardships, my mother ensured that we received a top-quality education.”

The CARE 1 schools allowed deserving students to receive quality education even though they couldn’t afford it.

Sana says: “My mother used to feed us with scraps of whatever she had gathered from work the previous day. Whenever we were hungry, we had to wait for our mother to get back from work so she could feed us. Those meals were the most delicious meals!”

Unfortunately, during Sana’s middle school years, her mother succumbed to illness and passed away. Tough times followed but Sana stayed put, she received her scholarship and was determined to pursue her higher education.

She had to face difficulties on different fronts. Her brother’s conservative attitude towards her daily activities was a major concern, to the point where her education started to suffer. Sana had to start work prematurely before completing her education.

She began work at the Sheikhupura chamber. Sana had always been extremely ambitious. She started off as a dispatch officer but then got promoted as the membership officer, all the while assisting with community building programs with the government. Sana soon rose up the ranks and completed her education.

She always saw herself working for the Pakistan Air force and got enrolled there in an empowerment programme for women. Despite the setbacks she had to face, she didn’t let anything discourage her from reaching her goals.

“Never be discouraged even if you’re the only one working for a cause.”