On January 24th, International Education Day, the RISE Program, powered by Orange Tree Foundation and The Soorty Foundation, was officially launched. The launch event took place at IBA City Campus, where the program was introduced to guide students toward financial independence by offering RISE Scholarships, RISE Talks, RISE Podcasts, and a RISE Awards Ceremony, all designed to help students succeed academically and professionally.
Mr. Omer Mateen Allahwala, CEO of Orange Tree Foundation, shared his thoughts on the importance of empowering Pakistan’s youth. He stated, “Pakistan’s biggest strength is its youth, with 65% of the population under 30. It’s crucial that we provide platforms for students to receive quality education at leading institutions. Programs like RISE will help high-merit, deserving students gain access to the best education, ultimately leading them to financial independence.”
The chief guest, renowned social activist and education advocate Shehzad Roy, expressed his strong support for the RISE program. He praised the initiative, highlighting that more programs like RISE are needed to remove barriers to education and give students the chance to succeed. Roy emphasized that these efforts are crucial for empowering the next generation.
A key feature of the RISE program is its partnership with six top 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), and NED University of Engineering and Technology. These universities will support students in applying for the Spring 2025 semester, helping them gain access to quality education.
Representatives from the partner universities attended the launch event, including Mr. Syed Ghazanfar Hussain, Acting Registrar of NED University; Mr. Naeem Raza, Industry Liaison Officer at NUST-PNEC; Dr. Abdul Aziz, Head of the School of Computing at FAST NUCES; Ms. Rushna Shamsi, Resource Mobilization 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; and Ms. Malahat Awan, Director of Corporate Relations and Alumni Affairs at IBA.
The RISE program aims to promote innovation and inclusivity in education, providing students with both financial support and valuable learning resources. This initiative is dedicated to creating a brighter future for students in Pakistan by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
As the event concluded, attendees were inspired to work together to support education as a powerful force for change, and to invest in a brighter, more educated future.
RISE Applications Link:
bit.ly/3yC6iQE
