My name is Patty Smith, and I am the founder and director of Books For Bricks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literacy ministry. Our mission is to provide education to children in the brick kiln villages of Pakistan and the remote mountains of Kathmandu, Nepal, where access to education is almost nonexistent. These children’s parents are indentured laborers, working tirelessly under difficult conditions for brick kiln owners, with little hope of breaking free from the cycle of poverty.

My journey with Books For Bricks began several years ago when I was invited on a mission trip to Pakistan. During that trip, I fell in love with the people and their resilient spirit. A few years later, I was contacted by two women I had met during the trip. They were helping families in a brick kiln village who were struggling with severe food and clothing shortages. When they asked if my husband and I could lend our support, we gladly agreed.

The women shared a video of their efforts, and as I watched them distribute food and clothing, something caught my attention. The children were playing during the day. I asked why they weren’t in school, and I learned that there were no schools in the village. In fact, neither the children nor their parents had ever received an education. At that moment, I felt the Lord calling me to help these children.

Within two weeks, our first school was launched, serving 42 children. Today, through God’s provision and guidance, we now oversee 12 schools across various villages in Pakistan and in the mountains of Kathmandu, Nepal. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to love and serve these children, empowering them with the gift of education and sharing with them the love of Christ.

As the Lord continues to open doors for Books For Bricks, we remain committed to supporting and blessing children and their families, trusting Him to lead the way in transforming lives and entire communities.