🌟 From Shy Smiles to Bold Performances: My Two-Week Transformation at TCF Gadap Town- by Muneeba Shaikh Grade IX- C

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I’m Muneeba Shaikh from Beaconhouse- Jauhar Campus. Thanks to the encouragement of our career counselor, Sir Sanaullah, I had the privilege to join The Citizens Foundation (TCF) for a two-week summer internship at Gadap Town. For me, TCF is more than just a prestigious organization—it’s a place where hope, resilience, and quality education come together to uplift underprivileged communities

12 Days of Learning & Laughter

Module#.1: Taught five new English words—students were quick to grasp definitions, craft sentences, and even suggest synonyms.

Module #.2: Immersive storytelling or theatre/drama module—built confidence, voice, and body language in once-shy

Module #.3: Arts & crafts—origami, painting, and creativity galore.

Module #.4: Indoor/outdoor games depending on weather—energy release and team spirit.

🌱 From Shyness to Brilliance
At the start, the kids—mostly fourth graders—were a bit reserved, though friendly. But here’s what happened:

They became super frank and confident, often initiating questions.

Vocabulary sessions turned playful: “Can we learn two synonyms?” they’d challenge.

In drama class, kids discovered their inner performer—projecting voices and moving freely on stage.

Their transformation reminded me that learning thrives on trust and encouragement.

🎭 Theatre Triumph: My Proudest Moment
Assigning roles and teaching performance skills was a major highlight. These kids, who had never acted before, learned quickly:

They showed up shy and unsure.

Within just a few classes, they were expressing emotion, using body language, and enjoying their roles.

Observing their final performance—full of passion and pride—brought tears of joy.

It confirmed a powerful lesson: confidence is a learned habit.

🏫 School Culture & TCF’s Ethos
From what I observed and learned from TCF teachers and staff:

The campus was professionally run—organized, positive, and inviting.

Teachers follow strong lesson structures and are supported through continuous training .

The staff was deeply committed—adapting to each child, encouraging involvement, and maintaining discipline with care.

It’s clear why TCF runs over 1,800 schools educating more than 280,000 children across Pakistan
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đź’ť A Farewell That Broke Our Hearts
On the final day, the children surprised us with handmade cards and asked for autographs. The room filled with tears, smiles, and a heavy sense of goodbye. That moment was emotional, raw, and unforgettable—proof that real connection knows no boundaries.

✨ Lessons I’ll Carry Forward
This internship reshaped me:

Humility: Learning alongside students who teach through their curiosity.

Gratitude: Appreciating education and teamwork in a new light.

Purpose Clarity: I’m more determined than ever to work in education, children’s rights, and empowerment.

📣 Call to Action: Take the Leap!
To anyone considering the TCF Internship: go for it. You’ll arrive wanting to help—but you’ll leave profoundly changed. The students, the teachers, the energy—they’re all real, earnest, and beautifully hopeful.

In the words of a child I met: “Miss Muneeba, please do come next time as well, we will miss you!