The RISE Program, powered by Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) and The Soorty Foundation (TSF), was officially launched on Jan 24, International Education Day, at IBA City Campus. This program is designed to guide students toward financial independence by offering RISE scholarships, RISE talks, RISE podcasts and a RISE awards ceremony, all meant to help students excel academically and professionally.

The launch of this transformative initiative marked an important step toward addressing the educational needs of Pakistan’s youth. Speaking at the event, Omer Mateen Allahwala, the chief executive officer of Orange Tree Foundation, highlighted that “Pakistan’s biggest strength is its youth, with 65 per cent of the population under 30. We need to provide platforms for students to access quality education at leading institutions. Programs like RISE will help high-merit, deserving students to get the best education, leading them to financial independence and brighter futures.”

A key feature of the RISE Program is its strategic partnership with six leading universities in Pakistan:

• Institute of Business Administration (IBA)

• FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST NUCES)

• National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

• University of Karachi

• Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS)

• NED University of Engineering and Technology

These esteemed institutions will play a vital role in facilitating student applications for the spring 2025 semester, ensuring that deserving, high-achieving individuals gain access to world-class education.

The event was attended by Shehzad Roy, the renowned social activist and education reformist, who expressed his support for the RISE Program. Roy praised OTF and TSF for their unwavering dedication to transforming Pakistan’s educational landscape. “Programs like RISE are essential in removing barriers to education and opening doors for students to succeed,” said Roy. “This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to empower the next generation.”

Representatives from the partner universities also attended, including:

• Syed Ghazanfar Hussain, acting registrar at NED University

• Naeem Raza, industry liaison officer at NUST-PNEC’

• Dr Abdul Aziz, head of the school of computing at FAST NUCES

• Rushna Shamsi, resource mobilisation lead at IVS

• Prof Dr Asmat Ara, chairperson of the mass communication department at the University of Karachi

• Dr Saima Masoom Ali, assistant professor at the University of Karachi

• Malahat Awan, director of corporate relations and alumni affairs at IBA

In addition to the scholarships and financial assistance provided, the RISE Program is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community by providing a variety of educational resources, such as RISE Talks, RISE Podcasts and a RISE Awards Ceremony. These elements aim to encourage innovation, collaboration and personal development, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed both academically and professionally.

The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees motivated to continue advocating for education as a powerful force for change. With the launch of the RISE Program, OTF and TSF have set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future for students across Pakistan.

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