OTHER INITIATIVES
EDUCATION FOR ALL
After the successful implementation of the Akhuwat Microfinance Program, it occurred to the Akhuwat founders that effectively uprooting poverty would require a more powerful tool. In response, Akhuwat entered the domain of education with the aim of changing lives in a way that would yield long-lasting impact.
“Education is the fundamental right of every human being and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is getting one’s due right.”
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AKHUWAT SCHOOLS
We create a benchmark so that other organizations can convert similar schools into fully functional educational institutions. 300 nonfunctional government schools in Pakistan have already been revitalized following this model.
Our implementation of modern pedagogical systems has helped in achieving high enrollment and quality education.
We have appointed 828 teachers and enrolled 21,554 students.
AKHUWAT COLLEGE
Initiated as a pilot project in October 2015, we now provide a residential facility for talented and deserving students from all over Pakistan who cannot afford quality education. We complement knowledge with strong values and a diversity of religions and languages.
Currently Enrolled students: 450
AKHUWAT UNIVERSITY
Pakistan’s first fee free university’s first phase was launched in August 2018, providing a world-class education and modern facilities for up to 600 underprivileged students.
Facility Amount ($)
Class Room 25,000
Science Lab 60,000
Sports Complex 480,000
IT Lab 95,000
Library Block 480,000
Auditorium 290,000
Central Dining Hall 285,000
Hostel Facility ( 1 Block) 1,450,000
Language Centers 95,000
Endowment Fund for one
student Scholarship 48,000
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EQUALITY FOR TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES
The social and economic exclusion of the Khwajasira (transgender) community has left them dependent on alms and vulnerable to violence and abuse. The Akhuwat-Fountain House Program (AF-KSP) aims to achieve Akhuwat’s vision of establishing solidarity in our society by supporting and reintegrating Khwajasiras into society as equal citizens.
Akhuwat now relies on registered Khwajasiras to introduce more members to the program. Through its peer-based outreach program, Akhuwat is able to reach out to deserving individuals while empowering local Khwajasiras to play a more proactive role in the development of their community.
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INCOME SUPPORT
Vulnerable Khwajasiras are registered for a monthly stipend of USD $15 on the basis of seniority in age, economic isolation, and lack of access to social networks. This stipend, which serves as a gesture of goodwill, imposes no restrictions on its use and is funded by Zakat contributions. It is intended to provide some economic relief for the Khwajasiras who, due to extreme social and economic exclusion, are unable to afford basic necessities.
HEALTH SERVICES
Under this program, registered Khwajasiras are provided with basic healthcare resources, including routine medical check-ups, diagnostic facilities, medicine, and treatment for chronic illnesses through Akhuwat Health Services.
Members receive health cards so that they may access high quality, subsidized health services from different medical centers and professionals. During each month’s gathering, qualified professionals give seminars on the fundamentals of hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention, with a special focus on hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
PSYCHO-SOCIAL THERAPY
Social exclusion and prejudice against Khwajasiras manifests in years of emotional and physical violence. For this reason, psychologists and psychiatrists from Fountain House hold regular therapy sessions to help Khwajasiras overcome their emotional distress, depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions.
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Each month, registered Khwajasiras and community members are invited to come together to participate in open conversations. These gatherings have been extremely successful in fostering dialogue and contributing to a mutual understanding and respect between Khawajasiras and other members of the society.
INTEREST-FREE LOANS
We offer interest-free loans, or Qarz-e-Hassan, to program members, supporting them in launching or expanding their enterprises and promoting a culture of self-reliance.
SKILL & VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Skill and vocational trainings are imparted to members so that, through their own hard work and talent, they can acquire a livelihood that does not compromise their dignity.