Shumaila Vocational Institute (SVI) was founded in 2016 as a humble initiative in a rented space in Saeedabad, Baldia Town. It began when our founder, Ms. Neelam Suleman, decided to tackle the lack of opportunities for women in her community. Together with a like-minded colleague, Beenish, she started by teaching a small group of local women how to stitch and craft items for a living. The center was named “Shumaila” as a tribute to the vision of uplifting women (“Shumaila” being a cherished name symbolizing grace and light). What started with a few sewing machines and a handful of students has since blossomed into a full-fledged vocational training institute touching hundreds of lives.

In the early years, Neelam and her team went door-to-door to encourage families to let their daughters and wives learn skills at SVI. As word spread and more women joined, SVI expanded its courses beyond basic sewing – adding embroidery, handicrafts, and even baking classes. Despite limited resources, the institute thrived on community support and the passion of its founders. By empowering women with income-generating skills, SVI aimed to break the cycle of dependency and poverty. This grassroots effort has so far trained over 350 women in Karachi in various skills – from tailoring clothes to baking confectioneries – enabling them to earn an independent income. During this journey, respected women’s organizations like Shirkat Gah stepped in to mentor and support SVI and the women we serve, helping us refine our programs and reach more people.

Today, SVI is a registered non-profit vocational center buzzing with activity. Located in the heart of Baldia Town, our institute has become a second home to many women eager to learn and better their futures. We take pride in the warm, welcoming environment at SVI – where women of all ages (teenage girls to grandmothers) come together to share knowledge, support one another, and celebrate each other’s achievements. From a small room of hopeful learners, we have grown into a community institution that stands as a beacon of women’s empowerment and community development in the area.