THE VALLEY THAT LEARNED TO DREAM
On the Afghan border, nestled deep within the remote stretches of the Pakistani Hindu Kush, lies the valley of Chipursan. This secluded region is home to the Ismaili Wakhi community—a Muslim minority in Pakistan—who, despite their isolation, are known for their remarkable achievements in education and local development.
The Wakhi community, residing in valleys such as Upper Hunza, Passu, and Chipursan, has a long-standing association with education and social development.
This stems from the teachings of the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, who has historically prioritized the importance of education as a means of empowerment. As a result, the literacy rates in these isolated regions are significantly higher than the national average, with an impressive majority of Wakhi youth—both male and female—completing secondary and higher education. For example, in some villages of Upper Hunza, literacy rates exceed 90%, and women’s participation in education rivals or surpasses that of men
A notable feature of the Wakhi community is their emphasis on gender equality in education. Girls’ schools are thriving, and many young women have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in fields like medicine, engineering, and social sciences, often becoming role models within their communities.
"When I learn something new, it feels like a door opens in my head, and I can see a little more of the world."