The story of our fight against illiteracy

In 2016, we embarked on a visionary mission to revolutionize education for underserved communities around the globe. From its inception, the Foundation dedicated itself to pioneering innovative solutions to enhance literacy and learning. In our founding year, we introduced our groundbreaking proof-of-concept in Karachi, Pakistan, setting up a digital MicroSchool in a makeshift classroom. The results surpassed even our own expectations — with students who had never been to school learning to read and do basic math in a matter of weeks — and were quickly validated by the esteemed Nielsen Institute.

This early success was not just a testament to the potential of our unique approach to tackling illiteracy, but also a crucial stepping stone that set the stage for our future endeavors. In 2021, we were able to launch Pakistan's first MicroSchools, working with local partners to reach out-of-school children in Razzaqabad, a low-income neighborhood on the outskirts of Karachi that houses internally displaced settlers from Sindh and Balochistan. Early results showed promise and in one year, we reached four MicroSchools in Karachi, two in Lahore, and one in Badin. Our evaluation results for these schools showed a 2x improvement in scores on numeracy and literacy, using assessment tools developed and validated by the Center for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP), which is among the most credible research institutes in the country.

Throughout our journey, we've proven time and again that we can create scalable and efficient literacy programs that truly make a difference. By blending innovation, commitment, and strategic partnerships, we've effectively tackled numerous educational challenges that have brought literacy within reach for those least likely to attain it.

Insightful Leadership

Our success can be attributed to a unique synthesis of expertise and leadership. The organization benefits from the guidance and insight of a diverse team comprising global business, digital technology, and education leaders. This leadership is complemented by the hands-on experience and local knowledge gained through our onsite operations across various regions. In countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malawi, we’ve implemented programs that resonate with local needs and cultural contexts, thereby maximizing impact and sustainability.

Adapting in Crisis

Our ability to adapt to changing environments and needs is especially evident in our proactive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. When schools closed and traditional educational systems faced unprecedented disruptions, we quickly developed and launched a smartphone-based at-home learning program. This initiative ensured that children's education continued uninterrupted, using technology to bridge the gap caused by the crisis and keeping learning within reach for those who needed it most.

Our dedication to education, unique approach, and adaptability in the face of challenges is what sets us apart, making a lasting impact on the lives of children around the world.

To date, we’ve made remarkable strides in transforming education for over 13,500 children. This achievement is not merely a reflection of the numbers but a testament to individual stories of empowerment and opportunity. Each child reached by our programs represents a life potentially redirected towards a brighter future through the power of education.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. With ongoing projects and future initiatives, we aim to innovate further, addressing not only literacy but also other critical educational needs. By continuing to harness technology, foster partnerships, and adapt to emerging challenges, we are poised to continue our mission of teaching the world, one child at a time.

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Timeline

2016

TTWF initiated a groundbreaking pilot study in 2016, partnering with AC Neilson Co. In this study, 23 students from low-income backgrounds, with little or no prior education, were brought to Railway Colony School in Karachi. Each student received a tablet and had access to it for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 3 months. To measure the effectiveness of the program, a matched group of 20 control students following the regular curriculum at the same school underwent pre- and post-tests.
2017-2018

Building on the success of the initial study, a larger pilot was conducted across Pakistan and Bangladesh from 2017 to 2018. This expanded study involved partnerships with organizations like TCF, Iqra Fund, SOS Villages (Pakistan), and OBAT Helpers (Bangladesh), with Idara-e-Taleem o Agahi serving as independent third-party assessors. A total of 525 students participated, showing impressive learning gains of up to 30% in Math and 36% in English. The study also documented increased familiarity with digital technology, improved cognitive skills, enhanced self-confidence through student-led learning, and a heightened eagerness to learn via gamified apps.
2018-2019

Buoyed by these positive results, we launched an InSchool program with CARE Foundation in Punjab for 400 students and Moawin Foundation in Islamabad for over 300 students. Simultaneously, the InSchool program was introduced in Malawi, Africa, for Joshua. A partnership with Junior Jinnah Trust (JJT) was also in development in Islamabad.
2020

The COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures, prompting some deployments to shift to a smartphone modality for at-home learning. An AtHome pilot project was launched, with CARE students moving online and JJT establishing a smartphone internet hub for nearly 300 students.
2021

After extensive prototyping and testing, we launched our flagship Digital MicroSchool program in January 2021, starting with two schools in Karachi. Over the next 7 months, the program expanded to over 6 schools in Karachi, Lahore, and Badin, serving 600 students.
2022

In 2022, we added 700 more students to our MicroSchool and InSchool programs, bringing the total to nearly 2,900 students.
2023

Additional MicroSchools were opened in Malawi, Bangladesh, and, in partnership with Junior Jinnah Trust, in Islamabad, Pakistan. In April, Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, Pakistan, championed our proposal, resulting in a cabinet-approved grant supporting 125 schools and enrolling over 12,000 students. By year's end, our programs in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malawi were serving over 3,500 students.
2024

By June 2024, the Sindh government partnership, along with our existing schools, increased the number of engaged learners to 7,500.
By the end of 2024, we expect to have over 14,000 students benefiting from our innovative educational programs.