Autumn 2025
Welcome to Kin!
It’s my great pleasure to introduce this edition of Kin and say a personal thank you for your generosity. I hope you will be inspired by what you read, proud of what you’re a part of, and energised by the work of VSO volunteers.
I grew up in a village in Nepal – the seventh child of a mother who never had the opportunity to learn to read and write. I walked half an hour each day to my primary school where there were 70 children in my class. If it rained, my lessons would be cancelled because we had no shelter. Despite the challenges, my parents encouraged me to work hard and continue my education and, today, I am working for VSO.
My personal journey is living proof that education lives. So, the knowledge that many children continue to be denied the chance to go to school hits hard. Among those left the furthest behind are children like Nazia, who have disabilities.
Opening the doors to a life-changing education is a vital step towards a fairer world. Day after day, Nazia had to sit and watch as other children went to school. As a child with a disability, she was unable to get to class until VSO volunteer Marya came to visit her home (read more on pages 4-5).
Throughout Kin, you’ll see how far VSO volunteers go to lift people out of poverty. I’m grateful to you for sharing their belief in creating a fairer world. As someone who is committed to achieving lasting change, you’re needed more than ever. Please continue your support in solidarity and hope.
Purna Shrestha
VSO Global Technical Lead – Resilient and Inclusive Education
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Previous editions
Kin Issue 13 - September 2024Kin Issue 12 - September 2023Kin Issue 11 - March 2023Kin Issue 10 - September 2022Kin Issue 9 - March 2022
All children deserve to be seen, heard and go to school.
Every day thousands of children with disabilities in Pakistan go unseen and unheard, left watching as their brothers and sisters go to school. Denied an education, they are trapped in a cycle of poverty with little chance of a brighter future. Will you help give a child like Nazia* the gift of a life-changing education?
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*Pseudonyms have been used to protect identities.