UPDATES: SAMWF Academy of Excellence, Rawat, Rawalpindi
Sirat Al Mustaqim Academy of Excellence is an educational institution that provides quality schooling and also serves as a community center to strengthen bonds among the community.
Sirat Al Mustaqim Welfare Foundation in collaboration with Free Quran Education will be working on establishing of the institution and running its operations.
Currently, the pilot run of the school has initiated at FQE Rawat Center for children between 4 to 6 years old. Moreover, the construction of the 6 storey building is under construction. Basement and Lower Ground is expected to be completed by March 2024.
Pakistan education challenges pose risk to the development of a robust and inclusive education system within the country. One of the prominent issues is the stark disparity in educational opportunities between urban and rural areas, between different social-economic classes. While urban centers often boast better facilities and qualified teachers through private sector run schools, rural regions, largely supported by the government, struggle with insufficient infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a shortage of trained educators.
“Pakistan faces a severe education crisis, with 22.8 million children aged 5-16 out of school. This makes Pakistan the second-highest globally for out-of-school children. Alarming disparities persist in regions like Sindh and Balochistan, where 52% of the poorest children (58% girls) and 78% of girls are not in school. Gender, socio-economic, and geographic disparities compound these challenges.”
Sirat Al Mustaqim Welfare Foundation is establishing an innovative educational initiative by the name of Al Fajr School dedicated to nurturing holistic development in children while fostering sense of compassion, brotherhood and community building. Our project is designed to promote social and emotional development, enhance cognitive and language skills, encourage creativity and imagination, and build self-esteem and confidence in young learners. The school is being built in the middle of urban and rural communities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to provide equal opportunities to education to all the children living in the vicinity.
At al Fajr School, we are also envisioning to bridge the gaps between the haves and the have nots. Non-affording parents would be offered seats on subsidized rates at the school, while children from vulnerable segment of the society – such as poverty struck, orphans, abandoned, and/or disabled – will also be eligible for free schooling.
We envision a future where children will not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate, confident individuals deeply connected to their community and enriched with Islamic values. Our community center at the school aims to provide a multifaceted space that uplifts and unifies the community. We are committed to creating a hub for the community, offering a range of services and activities that bring people together. This includes workshops, counselling, events, and resources that benefit families, creating a sense of belonging and unity.
In 2024, our goals are two-fold. In terms of construction, we want to complete the construction of three floors that will house, the primary section, community section and the administration of the school and project staff. The cost for completing the structure and finishing works is PKR XXX Million.
In terms of improving access to education among vulnerable groups, in the first year of operations we want to provide 50 seats to students to non-affording patients. The cost of providing education to one child in the school is PKR 120,000/year, i.e. PKR 6 Million is required to fund the education of non-affording students.
Let’s collaborate and create an educational experience that transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a generation of well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Every Positive Change Counts
At Sirat Al Mustaqim Welfare Foundation, every life transformed, every individual uplifted, is the result of a selfless act of kindness. Our work is driven by the generosity of those who voluntarily choose to make a difference. Your donation is not an obligation; it’s a powerful choice that makes a life changing impact in the lives of those who are in need.