Pakistan is a place where breaking news is rarely positive. The economy often teeters on the brink of collapse and political unrest leaves future leadership unpredictable at best.
Pakistan is the fifth most populated country in the world, with more than 251 million people. 64% of this population are below the age of 29.
Through it all, this is a place where Presbyterian mission and ministry has lifted thousands of lives for 160 years. There is an enduring Presbyterian educational institution in Pakistan that’s making a huge difference: Forman Christian College.
About Forman Christian College
Today, Forman Christian College provides education from preschool to PhD. For Christian families, Forman is a haven in a country where several million of them make up just over one percent of the population.
Christians often lack opportunities and even experience hostility. While Pakistan has often been a hotbed of religious and social unrest, Forman is successfully bringing Christians, Muslims, and many other perspectives together, forming life-long friendships and shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
“Forman has the possibility of changing the world,” said Tom Taylor, president and CEO of the Presbyterian Foundation. “And it’s already doing just that.
Stories of Real FCCU Students
Several students embody the Forman spirit through their studies and attitudes.
Not only are students gaining a top-tier education, they’re learning more about each other. Your support for Forman is needed now more than ever to continue the university’s academic success and its even more critical mission to bring together students of different faiths to increase cultural understand and decrease violence against Christians.
Arbab’s Story
Arbab says she simply wanted to wear a cross without being shamed or ridiculed. She wanted to openly practice her faith. Forman has allowed her to do that in peace.
“My identity is in God,” said Arbab. “My identity is with me, always. I joyfully walk on the FCCU campus and can sing gospel songs. No one can touch me or pull on my cross. I don’t know how to express my happiness.”
Labeed’s Story
Labeed simply wanted to pick his own courses as part of his liberal arts education. Forman is the only higher education institution in Pakistan where he can do so.
“What I like about FCCU is the fact that there’s room for discussion,” said Labeed. “We are all open and here to listen to each other. We can all agree or disagree and go home with our differences and still have an open mind again the next day. Everyone is allowed to express themselves.”
Jessica’s Story
Jessica relies on her courage and faith to pursue her dream of bringing education to children whose families work difficult and draining jobs in the brick kilns. These jobs of the lowest levels in society are often relegated to Christians—any times to their children, who as a results receive no education at all and who head to work at a frighteningly young age.
Jessica’s work will break that generational poverty.
“I have a passion to teach those underprivileged students who work in the brick kilns,” she said. “Before coming to FCCU, we started our school four years ago on the outskirts of Lahore. Now by the grace of God, we have our own land. This year, we will complete our school.”
“When I get a degree from FCCU, I’ll serve these kids with even more passion because they are our future. I just wanted our future to be more bright and secure. In the future, they won’t have to fear. They can be independent students and face criticism with bravery.”
Bringing Students of Different Backgrounds Together
If you visited the FCCU campus, you could stop any student on campus and you’d hear even more stories just like these. Students repeatedly express how happy they are to be in a place that helps them excel and supports their dreams.
But their dreams aren’t for themselves alone. They dream of creating a different kind of Pakistan—one where freedom and hope abound.
Forman is one of the only places in Pakistan where Christians, Muslims, and those of other faith traditions can meet and become friends. This dispels errant views about one another’s lives and cultures.
Training Pakistan’s Leaders of Tomorrow
During the last 20 years, Forman has been steadily growing. Your support means this growth can continue – and the entire world can benefit from these bright, young minds.
“I put a lot of faith in the power of education and the difference it can make to all the communities in Pakistan,” said FCCU Rector, Dr. Jonathan Addleton. “It’s an education that’s not just about class, but what takes place outside the class.”
Forman’s role is preparing to lead the next generation according to the motto: “by love, serve one another.” Your support means that more students with this kind of educated hope will become tomorrow’s leaders.