A group of students sitting on the grass in an outdoor setting, with some standing at the front. Most students are wearing headscarves in various colors, and a few adults are distributing papers or talking to the students. The background shows trees, a stone retaining wall, and a small blue building.

mates pakistan

The Mountains of Change Scholarship is an education program designed to support girls from remote communities in northern Pakistan to complete their final years of high school (Years 11 and 12).

Developed in partnership with local community organisations, the scholarship focuses on access, continuity, and long-term opportunity for students who face structural barriers to education beyond Year 10.

Our Story

A group of students dressed in school uniforms and headscarves standing outdoors in a courtyard, listening to a woman reading from a paper at a wooden podium.
A classroom filled with students wearing white headscarves, listening to two male teachers at the front. One teacher is standing near the whiteboard, the other is smiling and covering his mouth, both engaged in teaching.

The scholarship was created in response to this reality, in direct consultation with local partners.

The Mountains of Change Scholarship was established following time spent in Machulo, a remote mountain village in northern Pakistan. While the region is known for its natural beauty, daily life is shaped by limited access to services, infrastructure, and educational opportunities.

During this time, it became clear that many girls are eager to continue their education but are unable to do so due to financial constraints. In households with limited resources, education beyond Year 10 is often unaffordable — and when choices must be made, boys are frequently prioritised over girls.

  • The Mountains of Change Scholarship is a two-year scholarship that enables one female student from Machulo to complete Years 11 and 12 at a school in a nearby city. Support is designed to remove the financial barriers that would otherwise prevent continued education, covering:

    • school fees

    • accommodation

    • meals

    • textbooks and stationery

    • uniform and clothing

    • shoes and personal essentials

    • modest living and incidental costs

    The total cost of supporting one student for two years is approximately AUD $3,000.

  • The scholarship recipient is selected by a locally based committee in Pakistan, ensuring decisions are grounded in community knowledge and context.

    Selection considers factors such as:

    • a strong - “why?” showing an eagerness to learn

    • commitment to education

    • leadership potential

    • kindness and responsibility

    Academic performance is considered in the form of an exam, but it is not the sole criterion. In collaboration with the teachers be provided references and have an opportunity to interview the shortlist.

  • To ensure transparency and accountability, the Mountains of Change Scholarship is delivered in partnership with a locally registered, community-based non-profit organisation in Pakistan.

    This partner:

    • manages and distributes funds directly toward the student’s education

    • oversees payments related to schooling and living costs

    • provides regular updates on the student’s progress

    Funds are not used for administration, travel, or overhead costs.

  • Access to education creates lasting change. Supporting a girl to complete her schooling increases her future opportunities, strengthens her ability to support herself and her family, and contributes to broader community wellbeing.

    While the Mountains of Change Scholarship currently supports one student, its impact extends beyond the individual — influencing families, peer networks, and future generations.

Group of students in white headscarves sitting on the floor inside a traditional decorated room, listening to a man standing at the front.

Looking ahead

The long-term vision of the Mountains of Change Scholarship is to:

  • support two students per year as funding allows

  • expand support beyond high school into further education or university

  • build sustainable, long-term pathways for girls ready to lead

Growth will remain guided by local capacity, funding transparency, and community priorities.

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Get In Touch

If you’re interested in learning more about Mates Pakistan, supporting the Mountains of Change Scholarship, or exploring a partnership, please get in touch using the form below. We’ll respond as soon as we can.