I’m a teenage girl from the Bay Area, and like many teens, I’ve always wanted to do something meaningful—something that made a real difference beyond my everyday life. That’s how I found the Givelight Foundation, a nonprofit that dedicates itself to helping orphans around the globe.
When I first heard about Givelight, I was inspired by how it wasn’t just about giving children shelter—it was about giving them family, education, and hope. Their work felt personal, and I wanted to be part of it. I started small: helping with local donation drives and learning more about how education can transform lives. Over time, my involvement grew, and eventually, I got the chance to visit the Givelight Home in Multan, Pakistan—an experience that completely changed how I see the world, and myself.
Before my visit, I wanted to bring something that could last. I organized a book drive in my community and collected over 500 early-reader books—from picture books to chapter stories. I also worked with the Global Speak Program, tutoring kids in English and learning how to make reading fun and accessible.
At the same time, I spent weeks researching how to help children who were behind in school—how to teach them in ways that build confidence, not just skills. I wanted to arrive in Multan not just with supplies, but with ideas that could help long after I left.
When I arrived at the Givelight Multan Home, it was nothing like I expected—it was better. The building itself was bright, colorful, and filled with laughter. Kids were studying, playing tag in the courtyard, and proudly showing off their workbooks.
I’ll never forget the joy on their faces when I started unpacking the boxes of books. Together, we reorganized the entire library, sorting books by level and topic so everyone could find stories that matched their reading skills. Seeing them flip through the pages, tracing words with their fingers, was a moment I’ll carry forever.
I also spent time training the staff on AI-powered tutoring tools and helping design a simple English and reading curriculum—something tutors could use to track each child’s progress. It wasn’t about doing something huge; it was about helping them take steady steps toward stronger learning.
And of course, there were the moments that made me feel like part of the family—laughing with the girls while making friendship bracelets, playing tag in the yard, and taking what felt like a hundred photos because each girl wanted one just for herself.
Leaving Multan was hard. The kids hugged me tightly and asked me to come back soon or call them on video when I could. That’s when I realized: this wasn’t a one-time visit. It was the start of something I’ll carry with me for life.
Givelight didn’t just give me the chance to help others—it helped me grow into a more compassionate, confident, and capable version of myself. I learned how to organize a project from scratch, work with people across cultures, and see the real impact of education.
That’s why I want to tell other teens: you don’t have to wait to make a difference. You don’t have to have all the answers or tons of experience. You just have to start—right where you are.
How You Can Get Involved
If my story inspired you, here are a few ways you can join the Givelight movement and make a difference:
📚 Start a book drive or collect learning materials for Givelight homes.
💻 Volunteer your time—tutoring, fundraising, or even helping with tech and design.
💝 Donate! Every dollar helps give a child safety, education, and love.
🌍 Share their stories and raise awareness so more people can help.
You don’t have to change the whole world—just one corner of it. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Because if there’s one thing Givelight has taught me, it’s that even as teenagers, we have the power to bring light into someone’s life—and in doing so, discover our own.
Jannah Imam
