2025 Supporting Education

High in the mountains of northern Pakistan lies the remote village of Askole, a small community in the Gilgit-Baltistan region at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Karakoram range, Askole is known as the last inhabited settlement before the route to some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2. Despite its global significance as a gateway for mountaineers and trekkers, life in Askole remains challenging due to its isolation and limited access to basic resources.

The village is home to a resilient and close-knit community, primarily belonging to the Balti people, who have lived in harmony with this rugged environment for generations. However, the remoteness of Askole also means that access to education, infrastructure, and essential supplies is often limited. Schools in the area face significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of materials, and limited facilities for students. In some cases, hundreds of children must share only a few classrooms, highlighting the urgent need for support.

With this in mind, a small but meaningful project was launched with our group of trekkers who where on their way to Baltoro glaciar and Gondogor pass. The goal? To support the local school in Askole. Thanks to a total budget of €1200 and the generosity of donors, essential educational and hygiene materials were provided to the children.

The project focused on improving both the learning environment and the well-being of the students. A wide range of items—including stationery, hygiene kits (such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo), chairs, and carpets—were purchased and carefully distributed among the children. These materials are vital in a place where even the most basic school supplies are not always available.

Today, the impact of this initiative is already visible. Classrooms are more comfortable, children have the tools they need to learn, and hygiene awareness has been strengthened. The project has reached approximately 370 students, including around 130 children in the primary section.

We have also received beautiful photos from Askole, capturing these meaningful moments—children sitting together in improved classrooms, smiling, learning, and benefiting directly from your support. These images are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collective effort and care.

While this progress is encouraging, there are still important needs to address. Additional chairs for early childhood education (ages 5–7) would greatly improve comfort and participation for younger students. Carpet sheets for classrooms remain essential, especially in a region where children often sit on the floor. Continued support in the form of stationery and hygiene materials would also make a lasting difference.

Projects like this show that even small contributions can have a big impact—especially in remote communities like Askole, where access to resources is limited but the desire to learn is strong.

On behalf of the Askole community, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity, commitment, and continued support.