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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Education Cannot Wait-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan.

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Education Cannot Wait-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan.
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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Education Cannot Wait-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan.

2025-12-31 10:00 Last Updated At:10:15

PUNJAB, Pakistan, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a lively classroom in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Salma Qadeer and Muqadas Zahra sit side-by-side, ready to learn. The desks are occupied by workbooks and pencils. The walls around them are filled with colorful posters and student artwork.

Salma and Muqadas are more than just classmates. They are mother and daughter, on a shared educational journey.

Along the way, 12-year-old Muqadas and 35-year-old Salma have found a supportive community of teachers and fellow classmates. There is no judgment based on age or background, only a shared commitment to learning. "I am so excited to be back in school. I am in grade 6 and hope to go to college and become a doctor one day," says Muqadas.

Thanks to funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nation, UNICEF Pakistan in collaboration with the local government and its implementing partner, has established eight Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) elementary centres to address education barriers faced by girls, which have only worsened following the recent devastating floods in the country. The new ALP centres mean that Salma, Muqadas, and other girls and women in Pakistan have a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow in their community.

Education Challenges in the Village

Living in a village with limited resources and no schools for girls beyond the fifth grade, Muqadas was out of school for nearly a year after completing grade 5. "After completing fifth grade, I lost hope of studying further as there was no elementary school for girls in our village or the nearby areas," says Muqadas. "My parents are poor and couldn't afford to send me to the city for further education. I could not study for almost a year. I stayed home, helping my mother with household chores, but missed school a lot."

Years ago, Salma, Muqadas's mother, faced a similar situation. She had no choice but to end her schooling after fifth grade. Even though her father, a schoolteacher, believed in educating girls, there were no elementary schools in the area for her to attend.

In such communities with limited resources and opportunities for girls, early marriage is often seen as a solution – and, really, only option – for girls, but this further interrupts their education, and restricts their future aspirations and opportunities. Salma faced this reality as a child.

"After fifth grade, I could not study further, and my parents married me off," says Salma. "Even after marriage, I wanted to get an education, but there was no opportunity as I had to take care of the family and there were no learning centres or schools for people my age."

Challenging Societal Norms

When UNICEF piloted the ECW-funded ALP elementary in the area, Salma and her family initially hosted the centre in their home. Girls from all over the village gathered at their house to learn.

Watching her daughter and the girls dive back into learning, Salma felt inspired. She wanted to return to school as well. Salma shared her desire with her family and husband, expressing her wish to attend school alongside their daughter. Despite being a busy mother and wife, Salma was determined to break gender and societal norms by pursuing her education. "I couldn't imagine that I would ever enroll in a school again, along with my daughter," she says. "When I saw young girls studying in the ALP centres at our home, my interest renewed."

As more girls joined, the small space became crowded, and the centre had to move to a bigger primary school. This move was initially a challenge for Salma, who juggled many other responsibilities at home as a mother of five children. However, her resolve to keep learning was strong and she persevered.

At home, Salma's husband offers strong encouragement to both his daughter and wife as they pursue their education, overcoming obstacles and paving the way for a better future for their entire family.

Learning Together at the Centre

At the centre, Muqadas and Salma immerse themselves in subjects such as math, Urdu and English. As they encounter challenging lessons, Salma leans on her daughter, and together they tackle difficult assignments. She says, "I feel good about coming to the school with my daughter. My teacher Ayesha encourages me and Muqadas also helps me with homework."

Twelve-year-old Muqadas has found joy at the centre. Beyond allowing her to continue her academic studies, the centre has given her a chance to gain support from her caring teachers and also play games with friends. "I feel safe and happy in the centre. The teachers are friendly, and they help us learn our lessons. We also have the opportunity to play," says Muqadas.

Salma sees the big impact a chance at a continued education is having on her daughter, but also recognizes the impact for young women and mothers like her, saying, "We need more ALP centres as not only the young girls but even married women want to learn."

Education Cannot Wait Funds ALP Centres

Pakistan is extremely susceptible to natural disasters worsened by climate change, such as droughts, floods and earthquakes. The extraordinary monsoon rains in 2022 caused massive flooding and landslides across the nation. More than 1,700 people lost their lives, and over 30,000 schools were damaged or destroyed. The floods in Pakistan impacted 33 million people, half of them children.

The ECW-supported ALP centres provide hope for out-of-school girls and women unable to access education due to the unavailability of schools in their area. The programmes provide students the opportunity to complete their middle school education in 20 months while maintaining the required learning outcomes.

Established as part of UNICEF's Flood Response Programme in two flood-affected districts of South Punjab – Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur – the centres offer a flexible learning model, bringing learning solutions to the doorsteps of girls and addressing concerns around access and safety.

ECW investments in Pakistan provide both urgent educational interventions to combat the effects of climate change and long-term support through the Multi-Year Resilience Programme. Additionally, ECW is piloting an Anticipatory Action programme in Pakistan to support emergency readiness and response to climate disasters.

Investing in Girls' Futures

For girls and women who once believed that education was unattainable, initiatives like the ALP are life-changing. "If this centre had not been established, I would have lost the opportunity to learn beyond fifth grade," says Muqadas.

Returning to school means more than just learning for Salma and her daughter, Muqadas. It's an opportunity to overcome past barriers and seek a future beyond domestic duties.

Investing in girls' education is essential. It provides them with the agency to shape their future. With education, girls break the cycle of poverty and support economic prosperity within their families and communities. An investment in girls' education is an investment in an equitable and fairer future for all.

Salma hopes that she and Muqadas have broken the cycle of an education short, and have instead set a new norm for the generations of girls that will come after them. She says, "I want all my children to be educated so they can progress in life."

 

PUNJAB, Pakistan, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a lively classroom in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Salma Qadeer and Muqadas Zahra sit side-by-side, ready to learn. The desks are occupied by workbooks and pencils. The walls around them are filled with colorful posters and student artwork.

Salma and Muqadas are more than just classmates. They are mother and daughter, on a shared educational journey.

Along the way, 12-year-old Muqadas and 35-year-old Salma have found a supportive community of teachers and fellow classmates. There is no judgment based on age or background, only a shared commitment to learning. "I am so excited to be back in school. I am in grade 6 and hope to go to college and become a doctor one day," says Muqadas.

Thanks to funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nation, UNICEF Pakistan in collaboration with the local government and its implementing partner, has established eight Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) elementary centres to address education barriers faced by girls, which have only worsened following the recent devastating floods in the country. The new ALP centres mean that Salma, Muqadas, and other girls and women in Pakistan have a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow in their community.

Education Challenges in the Village

Living in a village with limited resources and no schools for girls beyond the fifth grade, Muqadas was out of school for nearly a year after completing grade 5. "After completing fifth grade, I lost hope of studying further as there was no elementary school for girls in our village or the nearby areas," says Muqadas. "My parents are poor and couldn't afford to send me to the city for further education. I could not study for almost a year. I stayed home, helping my mother with household chores, but missed school a lot."

Years ago, Salma, Muqadas's mother, faced a similar situation. She had no choice but to end her schooling after fifth grade. Even though her father, a schoolteacher, believed in educating girls, there were no elementary schools in the area for her to attend.

In such communities with limited resources and opportunities for girls, early marriage is often seen as a solution – and, really, only option – for girls, but this further interrupts their education, and restricts their future aspirations and opportunities. Salma faced this reality as a child.

"After fifth grade, I could not study further, and my parents married me off," says Salma. "Even after marriage, I wanted to get an education, but there was no opportunity as I had to take care of the family and there were no learning centres or schools for people my age."

Challenging Societal Norms

When UNICEF piloted the ECW-funded ALP elementary in the area, Salma and her family initially hosted the centre in their home. Girls from all over the village gathered at their house to learn.

Watching her daughter and the girls dive back into learning, Salma felt inspired. She wanted to return to school as well. Salma shared her desire with her family and husband, expressing her wish to attend school alongside their daughter. Despite being a busy mother and wife, Salma was determined to break gender and societal norms by pursuing her education. "I couldn't imagine that I would ever enroll in a school again, along with my daughter," she says. "When I saw young girls studying in the ALP centres at our home, my interest renewed."

As more girls joined, the small space became crowded, and the centre had to move to a bigger primary school. This move was initially a challenge for Salma, who juggled many other responsibilities at home as a mother of five children. However, her resolve to keep learning was strong and she persevered.

At home, Salma's husband offers strong encouragement to both his daughter and wife as they pursue their education, overcoming obstacles and paving the way for a better future for their entire family.

Learning Together at the Centre

At the centre, Muqadas and Salma immerse themselves in subjects such as math, Urdu and English. As they encounter challenging lessons, Salma leans on her daughter, and together they tackle difficult assignments. She says, "I feel good about coming to the school with my daughter. My teacher Ayesha encourages me and Muqadas also helps me with homework."

Twelve-year-old Muqadas has found joy at the centre. Beyond allowing her to continue her academic studies, the centre has given her a chance to gain support from her caring teachers and also play games with friends. "I feel safe and happy in the centre. The teachers are friendly, and they help us learn our lessons. We also have the opportunity to play," says Muqadas.

Salma sees the big impact a chance at a continued education is having on her daughter, but also recognizes the impact for young women and mothers like her, saying, "We need more ALP centres as not only the young girls but even married women want to learn."

Education Cannot Wait Funds ALP Centres

Pakistan is extremely susceptible to natural disasters worsened by climate change, such as droughts, floods and earthquakes. The extraordinary monsoon rains in 2022 caused massive flooding and landslides across the nation. More than 1,700 people lost their lives, and over 30,000 schools were damaged or destroyed. The floods in Pakistan impacted 33 million people, half of them children.

The ECW-supported ALP centres provide hope for out-of-school girls and women unable to access education due to the unavailability of schools in their area. The programmes provide students the opportunity to complete their middle school education in 20 months while maintaining the required learning outcomes.

Established as part of UNICEF's Flood Response Programme in two flood-affected districts of South Punjab – Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur – the centres offer a flexible learning model, bringing learning solutions to the doorsteps of girls and addressing concerns around access and safety.

ECW investments in Pakistan provide both urgent educational interventions to combat the effects of climate change and long-term support through the Multi-Year Resilience Programme. Additionally, ECW is piloting an Anticipatory Action programme in Pakistan to support emergency readiness and response to climate disasters.

Investing in Girls' Futures

For girls and women who once believed that education was unattainable, initiatives like the ALP are life-changing. "If this centre had not been established, I would have lost the opportunity to learn beyond fifth grade," says Muqadas.

Returning to school means more than just learning for Salma and her daughter, Muqadas. It's an opportunity to overcome past barriers and seek a future beyond domestic duties.

Investing in girls' education is essential. It provides them with the agency to shape their future. With education, girls break the cycle of poverty and support economic prosperity within their families and communities. An investment in girls' education is an investment in an equitable and fairer future for all.

Salma hopes that she and Muqadas have broken the cycle of an education short, and have instead set a new norm for the generations of girls that will come after them. She says, "I want all my children to be educated so they can progress in life."

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Education Cannot Wait-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan.

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Education Cannot Wait-supported UNICEF Accelerated Learning Programme enables a mother and daughter affected by floods and other crises to return to school in Pakistan.

  • Beyond product launches, DAREU is seeking global distributors to expand its footprint
  • LAS VEGAS, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DAREU, the gaming peripheral brand built on the ethos "DARE TO BE YOU," is set to present its latest lineup of gaming peripherals at CES 2026, unveiling three new products that reflect the brand's ongoing pursuit of performance, design innovation, and player-centric engineering. The showcase will take place from January 6 to 9, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1, Booth 31931, where visitors can experience the Ultra75 hall effect magnetic keyboard, the Ultra07 gaming mouse, and the Red Dot Design Award–winning GT87 keyboard.

    Product Highlights

    Headlining the launch is the Ultra75 hall effect magnetic keyboard, a compact 75% layout designed for gamers and enthusiasts who value both customization and competitive performance. The model introduces a tool-free quick-release design, enabling users to access internal components with ease. Multiple connection options, including wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth, support flexible setups across gaming and productivity environments. Performance-oriented features such as an 8000Hz polling rate, ultra-low 0.1ms key latency, and real-time adjustable actuation down to 0.01mm highlight the keyboard's competitive focus. A built-in color display capable of image and GIF playback adds a layer of personalization, while a multi-function control knob allows intuitive volume and system control. Internally, FR4 plates combined with Poron foam and an IXPE switch pad are engineered to deliver consistent acoustics and a refined typing feel, supported by an 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.

    Alongside the keyboard debut, DAREU will introduce the Ultra07 gaming mouse, built around a snap-together shell design that emphasizes modularity and durability. Powered by the AIM-750U sensor, the mouse delivers up to 30,000 DPI, 750 IPS tracking speed, and 50G acceleration, targeting high-precision gameplay across genres. An 8000Hz polling rate ensures rapid response, while switches rated for 100 million clicks underline long-term reliability. With triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth), the Ultra07 adapts to diverse usage scenarios. Despite its performance specifications, the mouse maintains a balanced profile, weighing approximately 70 grams and housing a 300mAh battery to support extended sessions without compromising agility.

    Completing the trio is the GT87 TMR magnetic switch keyboard, a recipient of the Red Dot Design Award that combines distinctive aesthetics with advanced switch technology. The keyboard features TMR magnetic switches, enabling precise input control and a smooth keystroke experience. Carbon fiber–texture keycaps contribute to its premium visual identity while reinforcing durability. With support for wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4G wireless connections, an 8000Hz polling rate, full RGB lighting, and an 8000mAh battery, the GT87 is positioned as a high-performance solution for users seeking both design recognition and technical capability.

    Global Distribution Opportunity

    In parallel with its product launches, DAREU is expanding its global distribution network. The brand has built a solid regional presence, with established market visibility in Vietnam and a growing footprint in Korea's online mechanical keyboard segment.

    DAREU's full product lineup is also available across major global e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, OZON, Ali Express, and TikTok Shop, where select products have shown consistent sales traction. Potential partners can learn more by visiting DAREU's CES booth or www.dareu.com

    About DAREU

    Founded in 2006, DAREU operates with a singular mission: to break rules and create gear for gamers who lead, compete, and push boundaries. The brand's "DARE TO BE YOU" mantra is reflected in every product, from the Ultra07's modularity to the GT87's award-winning design, positioning DAREU not just as a hardware provider, but as a companion for players who refuse to conform.

    For more information, please visit:

    Website: www.dareu.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dareu.global/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dareuglobal
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dareu.globalofficial/
    Discord: https://discord.com/invite/NzQdFTUPGP 

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DAREU, the gaming peripheral brand built on the ethos "DARE TO BE YOU," is set to present its latest lineup of gaming peripherals at CES 2026, unveiling three new products that reflect the brand's ongoing pursuit of performance, design innovation, and player-centric engineering. The showcase will take place from January 6 to 9, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1, Booth 31931, where visitors can experience the Ultra75 hall effect magnetic keyboard, the Ultra07 gaming mouse, and the Red Dot Design Award–winning GT87 keyboard.

Product Highlights

Headlining the launch is the Ultra75 hall effect magnetic keyboard, a compact 75% layout designed for gamers and enthusiasts who value both customization and competitive performance. The model introduces a tool-free quick-release design, enabling users to access internal components with ease. Multiple connection options, including wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth, support flexible setups across gaming and productivity environments. Performance-oriented features such as an 8000Hz polling rate, ultra-low 0.1ms key latency, and real-time adjustable actuation down to 0.01mm highlight the keyboard's competitive focus. A built-in color display capable of image and GIF playback adds a layer of personalization, while a multi-function control knob allows intuitive volume and system control. Internally, FR4 plates combined with Poron foam and an IXPE switch pad are engineered to deliver consistent acoustics and a refined typing feel, supported by an 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.

Alongside the keyboard debut, DAREU will introduce the Ultra07 gaming mouse, built around a snap-together shell design that emphasizes modularity and durability. Powered by the AIM-750U sensor, the mouse delivers up to 30,000 DPI, 750 IPS tracking speed, and 50G acceleration, targeting high-precision gameplay across genres. An 8000Hz polling rate ensures rapid response, while switches rated for 100 million clicks underline long-term reliability. With triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth), the Ultra07 adapts to diverse usage scenarios. Despite its performance specifications, the mouse maintains a balanced profile, weighing approximately 70 grams and housing a 300mAh battery to support extended sessions without compromising agility.

Completing the trio is the GT87 TMR magnetic switch keyboard, a recipient of the Red Dot Design Award that combines distinctive aesthetics with advanced switch technology. The keyboard features TMR magnetic switches, enabling precise input control and a smooth keystroke experience. Carbon fiber–texture keycaps contribute to its premium visual identity while reinforcing durability. With support for wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4G wireless connections, an 8000Hz polling rate, full RGB lighting, and an 8000mAh battery, the GT87 is positioned as a high-performance solution for users seeking both design recognition and technical capability.

Global Distribution Opportunity

In parallel with its product launches, DAREU is expanding its global distribution network. The brand has built a solid regional presence, with established market visibility in Vietnam and a growing footprint in Korea's online mechanical keyboard segment.

DAREU's full product lineup is also available across major global e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, OZON, Ali Express, and TikTok Shop, where select products have shown consistent sales traction. Potential partners can learn more by visiting DAREU's CES booth or www.dareu.com

About DAREU

Founded in 2006, DAREU operates with a singular mission: to break rules and create gear for gamers who lead, compete, and push boundaries. The brand's "DARE TO BE YOU" mantra is reflected in every product, from the Ultra07's modularity to the GT87's award-winning design, positioning DAREU not just as a hardware provider, but as a companion for players who refuse to conform.

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.dareu.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dareu.global/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dareuglobal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dareu.globalofficial/
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/NzQdFTUPGP 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

DAREU to Unveil Three High-Performance Gaming Peripherals at CES 2026

DAREU to Unveil Three High-Performance Gaming Peripherals at CES 2026

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