Pakistani singer and education activist Shehzad Roy is urging every school in the country to set up a “Wall of Secrets”, a simple but powerful tool that lets children express their problems without fear or embarrassment.
Roy launched the initiative in collaboration with educator Anam Shakil and his non-profit organisation, Zindagi Trust. The idea is to help schools identify and address child abuse through anonymous student expression. Roy described it as a tool that gives children a safe space to share experiences they may otherwise struggle to put into words, adding, “My request is that every school should have a Wall of Secrets. It is incredibly important in identifying whether children are facing any form of abuse, violence, or, especially, sexual abuse.”
The artwork children create on this wall is reviewed by a counsellor who helps uncover and resolve cases. Roy also noted that schools running this curriculum include lessons on safe and unsafe touch. Importantly, he stressed that even schools without a counsellor can benefit, the wall alone helps educators understand what children are feeling.
The initiative quickly spread on social media. Actress Sarwat Gilani, who has previously praised Roy’s education work, noted that when public figures speak up about children’s issues, it signals that “the conversation is shifting, and that the need for change can no longer be ignored.” She has also called for an education system that nurtures creativity and emotional well-being, not just grades. Actor Omair Rana also reacted warmly to Roy’s video about the initiative on social media, showing solidarity with the cause. Actress Zhalay and Sidra Niazi also praised the initiative.
Educators, parents, and celebrities praised the initiative widely, calling it a much-needed step toward protecting children’s mental and physical safety in Pakistani schools.
