Mrs. Mahvesh Ali Khan, an IVLP alumna and member of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), is a social entrepreneur and changemaker, creating a positive impact on the lives of out-of-school and street children in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Through her social development initiative, the Ran’aa Child Welfare Foundation—an NGO registered with the Directorate of Social Welfare, KP—she provides informal education, healthcare, and nutritious meals to these vulnerable children.
Ran’aa has also established a skill development center for underprivileged women, offering entrepreneurial training to empower them to earn a livelihood for their families. Mahvesh’s efforts extend beyond education, creating sustainable opportunities for the most marginalized communities.
Mahvesh has participated twice in U.S. exchange programs: first under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) / Voluntary Visitors (2017), and later in the Community Engagement Exchange (Global Leaders) in 2023. She has also implemented an Alumni Small Grant (ASG) project titled “I Dream,” supported by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network. Through this initiative, 25 girls aged 13 and above from the Ran’aa Child Welfare Foundation and Peshawar Model School visited various locations in Peshawar, meeting professional women—journalists, bureaucrats, archaeologists, and others—to inspire them to pursue successful careers.
Additionally, Mahvesh participated in the PUAN Masterclass program, “Creative Writing for Peace, Human Rights, Social Cohesion, Democracy, and Freedom of Expression.”
This video highlights how Mahvesh is making a real difference in the lives of children in Peshawar. Watch to witness the positive change she is creating!
#PUANChangeMakers’, is an exciting new video series that showcases the incredible journeys of Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) alumni. From empowering women in sports to fostering peace in communities, from transforming the lives of street children to reducing waste at the source—these stories are sure to inspire and uplift you! Stay tuned for the full series, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more updates! About PUAN: With over 44,000 members, the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) is one of the world’s largest alumni communities of U.S. government-funded exchange and in-country educational programs. PUAN members are dedicated to making a positive impact on Pakistan through community service, mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of exchange participants. This network is jointly managed by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).
