85,000 students join education fundraising drive across Karachi
KARACHI (PR): More than 85,000 students from 161 school campuses across Karachi participated in an education fundraising campaign organised by The Citizens Foundation (TCF), reaching over 100,000 households to raise support for the education of underprivileged children.
The figures highlight the scale of student and community participation in fundraising for education, with schools, families and volunteers joining efforts through TCF’s annual initiative, Obhartay Sitaray.
The campaign culminated in the Grand Finale of Obhartay Sitaray 2026, held at a local hotel in Karachi on November 11, where students showcased their singing abilities.
According to TCF, 464 students representing 170 teams also competed in the school-level singing rounds. The final performances were judged by renowned singers Tina Sani and Salman Alvi.
First launched in 2012, Obhartay Sitaray was initiated by Supporters of The Citizens Foundation (STCF), a group of women volunteers who sought to combine children’s interest in music with fundraising for education.
Over the years, the initiative has developed into an annual activity involving students, parents, teachers and supporters.
The fundraising campaign comes amid the continuing importance of non-profit organisations in expanding access to education for children from underserved communities.
TCF, established in 1995, operates a network of 2,342 school units across Pakistan and reports reaching approximately 343,000 students. Girls account for nearly 50 percent of its overall student enrollment.
The organization operates purpose-built schools in urban slums and rural communities, focusing on providing education to children from less-privileged backgrounds.
However, the latest campaign figures do not disclose the total funds raised, the average contribution per household or the number of additional children whose education will be supported through the initiative.
The winning teams in the primary and secondary categories were from St. Joseph’s Convent School, while Beaconhouse Senior Campus Gulshan won the senior category. Heuser College secured the college-level title.