Karachi(Cliff News)The Citizens Foundation (TCF) successfully concluded the 2026 cycle of its Baghbaan Summer Internship Programme (BSIP), which brought together 2,296 young volunteers aged 15–24 from across Pakistan to raise awareness of the country’s education crisis and mobilise support for children who remain out of school.
Over six weeks, Baghbaan interns dedicated their time, energy and skills to becoming ambassadors for education. Working under the guidance of Chapter Heads, the volunteers engaged their communities, organised awareness and fundraising initiatives and encouraged individuals to take collective action to help ensure that every child has access to quality education.
This year, the programme recorded participation from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Gilgit, Attock, Khushab, Sargodha and Mansehra, making BSIP 2026 a truly nationwide, youth-led movement.
The 2,296 volunteers collectively raised an impressive Rs. 43 million in just six weeks. This contribution will help TCF send approximately 1,000 children to school for an entire year, transforming the efforts of young volunteers into tangible and lasting impact on children’s lives.
BSIP is designed not only as a fundraising initiative but also as a learning and leadership experience for young people. Through the programme, interns develop practical skills in leadership, communication, fundraising, project management and emotional intelligence while gaining first-hand exposure to the realities of educational inequality through visits to TCF schools and interactions with students.
Speaking about the programme, a TCF representative said, “Baghbaan is an opportunity for young people to move beyond simply understanding the education crisis and become active participants in addressing it. The energy and commitment demonstrated by this year’s volunteers show what is possible when young people come together around a cause they believe in. Raising Rs. 43 million in six weeks is an extraordinary achievement, but the real impact lies in the approximately 1,000 children who will now have the opportunity to attend school for an entire year.”
The name Baghbaan, meaning “one who nurtures and tends a garden,” reflects the programme’s belief that young people can help nurture a more educated and equitable Pakistan. By empowering young people to advocate for education and mobilise their communities, BSIP seeks to create a generation that understands the importance of education and actively contributes to making it accessible to all.
The success of BSIP 2026 demonstrates the power of youth-led action in creating meaningful social impact. With thousands of young people stepping forward across Pakistan, the programme continues to build a community of changemakers committed to breaking barriers of class and privilege and supporting every child’s right to education.
BSIP 2026 at a Glance
Total number of youth volunteers aged 15–24: 2,296
- Karachi: 1,156 volunteers
- Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan: 500 volunteers
- Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Gilgit, Attock, Khushab, Sargodha and Mansehra: 640 volunteers
Funds raised: Rs. 43 million in six weeks
Estimated impact: Approximately 1,000 children supported in attending school for one year
