Quality education is a basic right for every child as it is a fundamental building block for personal growth and societal progress. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, this right remains a distant dream for many. A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, and low-income segments still lack access to quality education due to various socioeconomic factors, including poverty, gender inequality and a lack of infrastructure. This educational divide has far-reaching consequences, not only for individuals but also for the collective wellbeing of the country.
Adding to the challenges faced by Pakistan's education system is the ongoing hyperinflation, which exacerbates the problem of access to quality education for the deprived. One solution found by a large number is to send their children to madrassas where they get boarding and lodging. In their view, boarding school by its nature is the most effective form to take the child away from his home environment and groom him in an environment decided by the managers of the boarding school who are seen as experts.
To address this issue The Noorani Foundation has embarked on a low cost model of boarding schools where the deprived pay what their family can afford.
The Noorani Foundation was established with a clear vision – to bridge the education gap in Pakistan, particularly among the most marginalised communities and to ensure that underprivileged child gets an environment equal to that in the best ‘cadet’ colleges of the country while they pay only a token fees. In this model the infrastructure is intelligently planned to keep it modest but healthy and adequate and ensure the operation cost remains low so fundraising requirements are minimised.
In a ground breaking achievement, students at The Noorani Foundation - Akhuwat School in Faisalabad have set a new academic benchmark for the country. This not-for-profit institution, founded in 2019, is making waves by providing quality education and mentoring to less-privileged students, and the latest 9th-grade board exam results are a testament to their innovative approach.
Outdoing well-established private schools in Faisalabad in academic performance, The Noorani Foundation's students have showcased their potential with remarkable success. Among the 48 students who appeared for the Board Exams, every single one passed with flying colours. Astonishingly, 42 students achieved the highest grade possible, A+, while another 6 secured grade A. This achievement underscores the profound impact of The Noorani Foundation's commitment to education and empowerment.
Founder of The Noorani Foundation, Mr. Tasneem Noorani, shared his thoughts on expressed immense pride in the students' academic performance. "This success showcases the immense potential within every child, merely waiting to be nurtured and provided equal opportunities. At The Noorani Foundation, we recognize the pivotal role of education in empowering the underprivileged and bringing them at par with the well off," said Noorani.
The core principles of equity, compassion, and education drive The Noorani Foundation's efforts. Drawing inspiration from the Akhuwat Foundation's philosophy of interest-free microfinance, The Noorani Foundation extends nearly 100% scholarships to all students, covering their room and board expenses. What started as a small initiative has now evolved into a full-fledged educational institution, offering a scalable and replicable model that can transform education across the nation.
The school caters to students from across the country, who can apply to the school after completing their 6th grade education. After clearing a written test and an interview, the selected students are admitted to the boarding school.
In a short span of time, the school has been able to generate multiple success stories, from students who previously were not really academically inclined, scoring top grades, and many who in addition to academics actively engage in extracurricular activities be it debates to sports that help build the foundation of well-rounded personalities.
The recent success of The Noorani Foundation Akhuwat School's 9th-grade students in the board exams is not merely a single triumph but a testament to the effectiveness of the Foundation's approach. This achievement inspires hope for the future, showcasing what can be achieved when dedication, compassion, and education combine.
Beyond Faisalabad, the Foundation is expanding its reach across Pakistan and is in the process of establishing a second school in Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, furthering its mission to empower students and uplift communities across the country.
The Noorani Foundation's model offers a practical solution to transform Pakistan's education landscape. It proves that with the right support, dedication, and innovative thinking, every child can reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. As The Noorani Foundation continues to shine as a beacon of hope and change, its impact on the nation's future is immeasurable.
In a world where quality education remains a fundamental right for all, The Noorani Foundation stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together to create transformative change.