When I support a not-for-profit organization, I want to know that my time and funds are being used responsibly to make a tangible difference to people in need. We hear it in the news everyday that there are overwhelming needs in rural Pakistan. And I've seen firsthand the incredible positive impact that Shining Light Community Development Organization (SLCDO) projects are having in the lives of children and families in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. And these aren't just "aid" projects ... these are programs that are equipping entire families to move from poverty to prosperity. This is a movement and an NGO worth supporting!
I volunteered for a month in Summer 2009 with this organization. I did photography work to be used for promotional materials and assisted in some village visits/making contacts. The organization provided good orientation before hand, fostered a positive environment during assignments, and helped me reflect/debrief my experience. The local and foreign staff of this organization have a real heart for the people they seek to serve; their commitment to provide quality education is evidenced by their hard work, flexibility, and willingness to try new ideas. Also, my observation was that SLCDO has an excellent relationship and reputation in the community. They are more relational in their ethos than administrative. I highly recommend this organization and will be pleased if I have the chance to volunteer with them again.
I have volunteered at different times with SLCDO since 2004. The first time I came to the Northern Areas, I wasn't sure what to expect because of the bad reputation of Pakistan that I hear from the news, etc. But, once I got here, I fell in LOVE! I love the culture, the people and the gorgeous mountain scenery! I also fell in love with SLCDO. The work they have been doing with education, training and development is an incredible gift to the people of the Northern Areas. Through SLCDO, I was able to spend a combined time of 2.5 months in a remote village where I lived with a local family and taught English, Science and Math at a local school. I am not a professional teacher, but the quality of education in Pakistan is so poor that my community-college education was more of a qualification than what the teachers at the school had! I absolutely loved the village life! The people treated me like royalty! The school I was teaching at is one of six schools that has been adopted by Shining Light under the Remote School Development Program. The principal and teachers were so appreciative of the support of SLCDO and always welcome volunteers from SLCDO. After several short-term trips to this place I finally moved here in 2008. I now work with SLCDO, helping coordinate trips for volunteers. I love living here and seeing first-hand the exciting opportunities that SLCDO has to expand its reach to the poorest peoples of the Northern Areas. The local people are the friendliest, most hospitable people I have ever met and they deserve the support that SLCDO proivides.
I had a great time working with SLCDO for 6 weeks this summer. My time working with the children in the Shining Light school and coaching center was extremely productive and I loved every second of it. Also, the work I was able to do as a volunteer of SLCDO in the local villages was just incredible. I got the chance to visit 6 or 7 remote villages up in the valleys, and see what type of future work SLCDO could do in those places. They truly are making in impact in Central Asia and are an invaluable part of their local community. I can do nothing but sing my praises for the work of SLCDO.