Building Bridges: SOE MPhil ELM Graduates' Path to Success
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Nestled in the heartlands of Pakistan, where educational opportunities are scarce, the Kawish Welfare Trust stands out as a beacon of hope. Nimra Irshad, Hannia Masood Awan, and Ramsha Khan—students of SOE MPhil Education Leadership and Management (ELM) Class of 2024 —were three like-minded partners united by a shared vision. They embarked on a transformative journey with the Kawish Welfare Trust to address a pressing issue: the increasing dropout rates in free primary schools. Collaborating closely with the organisation on their final year practicum project, titled 'Need Evaluation and Strategy Development for Reducing Dropout Rates at an NGO operated school', they delved into the root causes.
What began as a mandatory degree requirement soon evolved into a mission-driven endeavour, inspired by the dedication of Kawish organisers and faculty. Through rigorous research and dialogue with key stakeholders—including students and faculty—the team uncovered crucial insights into the socioeconomic and community dynamics influencing dropout rates.
Armed with this knowledge, they crafted a compelling narrative highlighting the Trust’s efforts to enhance facilities and support within the learning environment. Their practicum projects findings on dropout rates formed the basis of a proposal submitted by Kawish Welfare Trust for a 60,000 USD project offered by the UN aimed at upgrading the education system. This proposal aims to guide the younger population towards responsible citizenship through physical and mental nourishment, ethics-based education, and value-added technological vocational training at the primary level. If approved, this initiative promises significant benefits for underprivileged students, enhancing their prospects for higher education and computer literacy, thereby contributing to the country’s GDP and enabling them to better support their families. Research and dialogue with important stakeholders, specifically students and faculty, revealed critical insights. The knowledge armed them for the creation of a compelling story on what the Trust had actually been doing to provide top-notch facilities and support in a learning environment.
Nimra Irshad, now serving as Vice Principal at the PakTurk Maarif International School Boys Campus, Lahore, remains a passionate educator. Hannia Masood Awan, who transitioned from Middle School Teacher at Learning Alliance DHA to O-level teacher at LGS Paragon, brought her teaching experience and commitment to bridging social divides. Ramsha Khan enriched the team with her international teaching experience from an Australian organisation, adding a global perspective to their educational efforts.
Together, Nimra, Hannia, and Ramsha are deeply committed to inclusive education and community empowerment. Their ongoing collaboration with Kawish Welfare Trust continues to pave the way for a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.
