When I first joined the Sunbeams internship, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It was my first time working with an NGO, and I came across it through a classmate who mentioned that one of their interns was delivering a free session on freelancing, with paid sessions being used to raise funds for students’ education. The idea fascinated me, so I applied, thinking it might just be routine online assignments. But as the days went by, I realized it was much more meaningful.
Sunbeams is not just an NGO, it is a network of schools spread across twelve districts, dedicated to providing education, empowerment, and sustainability for communities. Since I live in Islamabad, I was able to visit a few schools in person. Seeing children learning in challenging circumstances made me more empathetic and deeply connected with the cause. Even when working remotely, I felt part of something that stretched far beyond my own city.
One of the first things I learned was Sunbeams’ vision: that education is not limited to textbooks and exams, but about creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping brighter futures. I admired how the organization not only provides schooling but also emphasizes women’s empowerment, environmental awareness, and inclusivity, accepting even those children who are past traditional school-going age through accelerated learning programs under the non-formal schools. To me, this represented true educational equity.
This commitment to literacy is embodied in Sunbeams’ flagship initiative, PK 100 for 100, which envisions achieving 100% literacy by Pakistan’s centenary. What makes this initiative remarkable is its spirit of unity: instead of viewing others as competitors, the Chairperson, Ms. Ainee Nasir Jamy, says, “We only have partners, as we are all working on the same mission. We are always ready to collaborate to spread literacy.” That mindset of collective effort is exactly what I witnessed at Sunbeams, an ecosystem where education, empowerment, and inclusivity move hand in hand.
My role was mainly in writing, research, and content creation. Initially, I wasn’t sure if these tasks would feel connected to the bigger picture. But every time I drafted content, highlighted challenges in Pakistan’s education system, or contributed to awareness campaigns, I could see how my work directly supported Sunbeams’ mission. Beyond these tasks, I also participated in running an awareness campaign. This campaign not only benefitted the organization, but more importantly, it reached out-of-school children and gave them new opportunities. I found myself naturally sharing information about Sunbeams with people in my daily life, including my house help, who became so interested in the program that she is now considering enrolling her own child in a Sunbeams school. That was when I realized how advocacy creates real impact.
Another highlight was raising funds through selling eco-friendly, reusable bags made by women in Sunbeams’ vocational training centers. What seemed like a simple fundraising activity turned out to be much deeper: these women were building livelihoods for their families, and the proceeds from the bags funded children’s education. It was a powerful cycle of empowerment, where women’s skills sustained children’s futures.
This internship also opened my eyes to the larger challenges in Pakistan’s education system: millions of children remain out of school, and those enrolled often lack resources or access to holistic learning. Sunbeams, however, integrates co-curricular activities and environmental awareness into its model, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. Witnessing this approach was an eye-opener for me.
On a personal level, the internship helped me grow in unexpected ways. My research and writing skills improved, but more importantly, I became more socially aware and motivated to play my part in creating change. It taught me that one doesn’t always need to be physically present to contribute meaningfully, commitment and sincerity matter most.
Looking back, this experience was transformative. I joined with limited expectations, but left with a stronger sense of purpose. Sunbeams showed me that education changes lives, empowerment builds communities, and even small efforts can create ripples of hope. I may have started as an intern, but I will always remain a volunteer and supporter of Sunbeams’ mission.
For anyone who wants to contribute to something larger than themselves, to learn, and to make a real difference, Sunbeams is the place to start.
Omer Saghir is a Computer Science student at Bahria University with interests in web development and data science. He is currently an intern at Sunbeams School System, passionate about bringing social change through literacy and education.
