Sarai Kharbooza, Islamabad is a small village with a population of a thousand with the nearest public school a one hour’s walk away. Poverty, inadequate school infrastructure and the long distance, are the main barriers to education for children in the village. The EAC and Alight joint project is helping to address the concerns of parents who are hesitant to send their children to schools far from home. The team initiated community consultations on the value of education (especially for girls) and sought out community activists who would walk to school with the children. Observing the struggles of the students, a community helper, Shafiqa Shah generously provided space in her home for a non-formal school. The new school caught the eye of 10-year-old Sapna, who lived across the street. She was curious and excited about the new school after being inspired by her friend who enjoyed going to the new school. Shafiqa appreciated Sapna’s interest and attempted to convince her parents to enrol her. It took two months of discussions, addressing their concerns of safety and cost, to get Sapna’s parents to finally agree and enrol her in the school.