Musician and philanthropist Shehzad Roy is once again making waves and not with his music, but through his powerful advocacy for educational reform in Pakistan.

 

In a series of heartfelt and inspiringly viral social media posts, Roy has been spotlighting students from the schools run by his nonprofit organization, Zindagi Trust, drawing widespread praise for the confidence, intelligence, and eloquence of the children, especially young girls like Amara, Umaiza, and Khadija.

 

Roy’s videos often show these students speaking on complex topics with clarity and self-assurance that defy their age. In one viral clip, a student named Amara corrects Roy on his definition of “news,” prompting laughter and admiration across social media platforms. In others, students discuss education, history, and social issues, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of the Zindagi Trust’s progressive curriculum and learning environment.

 

Instagram Post

Instagram Post

 

 

“She corrected me, and she was right,” Roy said in one video, smiling proudly. “That’s what education should do—teach children to think critically, to speak up, and to be confident in their knowledge.”

 

Founded by Roy in 2003, Zindagi Trust has become a beacon of hope in Pakistan’s struggling public education system. The organization takes over government-run schools and revamps them with better infrastructure, trained teachers, a child-friendly curriculum, and a focus on arts, sports, and technology—elements often missing in conventional public schools.

 

The Current reached out to Roy to learn more about his ongoing work in the education sector, particularly through the initiatives of Zindagi Trust and Durbeen.

 

“We want to change the paradigm of teacher training in this country,” Roy told The Current. “We’re bringing major changes in government schools and government colleges, and we want people to see and understand the impact.”

 

To amplify their work, Roy and his team are using satire and storytelling to engage the public. “We’ve incorporated satire in our videos to highlight this in a more relatable way,” he said. “We’ve also created a number of videos featuring children in Geo’s show Chal Parra.”

 

Looking ahead, the campaign will also include a new song and a film titled Alif Noon, both aimed at capturing attention and generating wider interest in educational reform.

 

“We’re not preaching, we’re telling stories in an interesting and engaging way,” Roy emphasized, “We’ve already achieved major success in transforming the teaching and education model, and even bigger changes are coming.”

 

According to Roy, the broader goal is to connect with the public and build momentum for replicating these reforms nationwide. “This campaign is about helping people understand what Zindagi Trust and Durbeen are doing and encouraging them to be part of it.”

 

Under Roy’s leadership, flagship institutions like Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School and Fatimah Jinnah Government School have been transformed into model schools. These schools not only provide quality education but also foster critical thinking, gender equality, and creativity.

 

By showcasing young girls from these schools, Roy is also challenging long-held gender stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of investing in girls’ education. His posts often go beyond showcasing academic excellence, portraying these students as confident individuals capable of independent thought and leadership.

 

“These girls are proof that when you give children—especially girls—access to quality education, they thrive,” Roy shared in one of his captions. “They’re the future of Pakistan.”

 

Roy uses his platform not just to celebrate these students but also to advocate for broader education reform. His approach—mixing storytelling with social impact—has earned him widespread recognition both in Pakistan and internationally.