Empowering Education in the Heart of Baltistan Since 2011
To provide secure hostel accommodation, essential facilities, digital and academic resources, and mentorship to students from Braldo Valley so they can complete school (up to 12th/FSc), pursue higher education, and become self-reliant professionals.
A future where every child from Braldo Valley has access to quality education, technology, and guidance — enabling local youth to contribute to their communities as teachers, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
From Humble Beginnings to Transformative Impact
The Upper Braldo Hostel (now Baltoro Social Welfare Foundation) emerged in March 2011 as a direct response to the dire educational voids in the Braldo Valley — a cluster of nine small, high-altitude villages in the Braldu Valley at the foothills of K2.
These communities, home to generations of mountain porters whose labor sustains global expeditions but traps families in cycles of poverty and illiteracy, lack basic schooling infrastructure. Children here often complete only primary education before economic pressures force them into work, with girls facing compounded barriers from cultural norms.
The initiative was co-founded by Hassan Askoli, a dedicated local guide and manager from Askoli village, and the nascent efforts of what would become Les Enfants du K2 — a French association formalized in 2013 but rooted in 2011 collaborations.
Early momentum came from Pierre Neyret, a renowned French high-mountain guide and current president of Les Enfants du K2, who assumed leadership after the passing of the association's initial collaborator. Neyret's involvement, sparked by his expeditions encountering "invisible porters" — underrecognized laborers enduring extreme conditions — has been pivotal, channeling funds for sustainable education.
In 2024, the hostel was officially registered as the Baltoro Social Welfare Foundation under the Government of Pakistan, a milestone enabling broader fundraising and legal partnerships.
Dedicated Individuals Driving Our Mission
Founder & Manager
The indomitable core of BSWF, Hassan's visionary leadership secured initial Les Enfants du K2 funding and drove all expansions. His unyielding dedication, from solar installations to alumni engagements, continues to guide our mission.
Founder, Les Enfants du K2
A Chambéry-based guide whose expeditions inspired the 2011 partnership. He manages ongoing French-side support, ensuring continued funding and collaboration.
First Warden (2011-2020)
A student-warden who spent a decade managing, teaching, and studying. His multifaceted contributions built the hostel's ethos before transitioning to teaching in Askoli.
Current Warden (Since 2020)
Oversees resident discipline, daily routines, and provides pastoral care to our 16 students, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
Together We Make Education Possible
Our primary partner since 2011, this French association supports child protection and education for porter families in the K2 region. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in our success.
Visit Their Page
Our Austrian supporter who generously funded the solar system installation in 2021, enabling 24/7 electricity and reliable internet access for our students.
Solar System Donor
Focus on Braldo Valley's Underserved Youth
Braldo Valley, Skardu, Baltistan — a cluster of 9 small villages with traditionally weak education infrastructure in the shadow of K2.
Priority given to students from Braldo Valley only. Admissions are limited and prioritized for those from the nine villages who lack local educational facilities.
Students arrive from "very bad education systems" — where they had little awareness of curricula and struggled with communication. After joining the hostel, their academic performance improves remarkably, and they gain confidence, discipline, and agency.
Breaking Cycles of Poverty Through Education
The Braldo Valley and surrounding regions lack proper secondary education and accommodation facilities, especially for girls. We provide the leap-forward opportunity students need.
Trained students return as teachers, businesspeople, and professionals, contributing to their villages and breaking cycles of poverty and limited education.
Our model demonstrates how French-Pakistani collaboration (Les Enfants du K2 + local management) can foster local capacity and sustainable impact.
Beyond accommodation, we build empowerment, role models, and community leadership through alumni mentoring and comprehensive support.
Together, we can expand our reach and provide more students with life-changing educational opportunities.
