From One School Visit to a Global Run for Education

What Mike Nithavrianakis remembers most clearly from his first visit to a school run by The Citizens Foundation (TCF) in Pakistan is the students. The young pupils were absorbed in their lessons, displaying what he describes as a genuine "thirst for learning and knowledge." The enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom. Staff welcomed him warmly, and the head teacher struck him as both dynamic and humble, deeply committed to the school she led.

That visit gave Nithavrianakis an early view of the enormous disparities within Pakistan's education system. In a country of enormous size and diversity, educational opportunities can range from elite private schools to no classroom at all. Today, approximately 25.2 million children in Pakistan remain out of school.

"My first school visit left a deep imprint. I have many lasting impressions, but the clearest memory is of interacting with a group of quite young pupils who were so engrossed that one could literally see their thirst for learning and knowledge."

The encounter grew into a long relationship with TCF and eventually changed the way Nithavrianakis thought about what role he could play. While serving as Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi and Trade Director for Pakistan for the British Government from 2019 to 2022, he asked TCF co-founder Mushtaq Chhapra how he could help. Chhapra encouraged him to spread the word about the organization and its mission.

Nithavrianakis wanted to do something more tangible. Running offered the answer.

"I wanted to do more than that and thought combining my passion for running with fundraising for TCF would be a small gesture of support."

During his diplomatic posting, Nithavrianakis took on the London and Manchester marathons within a week of each other to raise money for TCF. The effort generated more than $350,000 and helped fund a new TCF campus in Matiari District, Sindh. TCF School, The Nithavrianakis Campus, now carries his family name.

Completed after his diplomatic assignment ended, the campus is one Nithavrianakis has yet to visit but intends to see in person.

His latest undertaking takes that effort to a larger scale. Through the 2026 Global Run for Education, Nithavrianakis aims to raise $1 million for TCF. Based on the organization's annual cost of educating one student, that amount is equivalent to supporting roughly 6,000 students for a full academic year.

His 2026 race schedule includes Milan on April 12, London on April 26, Sydney on August 30, Chicago on October 11 and New York City on November 1, before culminating in Karachi on January 3, 2027. Additional race entries may be announced as plans are finalized.

On long training runs, Nithavrianakis may turn to mindfulness exercises, music or podcasts. During an actual marathon, he narrows his attention and tries to remain in the present rather than look too far ahead.

There is room for less serious motivation too.

"Mind you, the thought of a large Pakistani meal with chicken karahi and sheermal bread is a great incentive to get to the finish line!"

The humor sits alongside a goal rooted in a much larger challenge. TCF currently operates 2,261 school units serving 320,000 students across Pakistan. Its 16,500 teachers are women, and the organization maintains a commitment to balanced enrollment among girls and boys. Its schools are designed to make education more accessible in underserved communities, including for families who might otherwise struggle to send their children to school.

In the United States, The Citizens Foundation, USA (TCF-USA) supports TCF's work in Pakistan and connects supporters with its education mission.

Nithavrianakis hopes the campaign can extend TCF's educational opportunities to more children. "I sincerely hope that it gives them the best possible chance to benefit from a fantastic education and maximize their potential. All any parent can hope for in life is that their child is given the same opportunities as others. With TCF the sky's the limit."

Given the strong support for TCF in the United States, Nithavrianakis is also considering how future race entries could help reach new supporters in 2027 and beyond.

The campaign also comes at a different point in Nithavrianakis's life. Years of diplomatic service gave him one way to contribute. Fundraising has given him another, and he says age has changed his understanding of what feels rewarding.

"Speaking from the heart, there is no better feeling than seeking support for a cause like TCF. I have realized in later life that giving is so much more rewarding and enjoyable than receiving."

The effort may be measured publicly in miles completed and money raised, but its origin remains much smaller. It began with young pupils absorbed in their schoolwork and a head teacher whose commitment stayed in the memory of a visiting diplomat. Years later, Nithavrianakis is still finding ways to respond to what he saw in that classroom.