Education & Enterprise
The SUR Foundation is proud to support education and enterprise projects in Pakistan through our partnership with the Institute of Rural Management.
Together, we are helping to create opportunities for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. One of our key areas of support is the development of Smart Schools in deprived areas, giving children access to primary education who may otherwise be left behind. This includes street children and girls, who often face the greatest barriers to learning.
We are also supporting training programmes such as Smart STEP, which help women build confidence, develop practical skills and explore ways to earn a living. These programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where women who have been marginalised can learn, grow and take steps towards greater independence.
Through this work, the SUR Foundation aims to support long-term change by giving people access to education, skills and opportunity.
IRM Smart Schools
At IRM Smart Schools, we believe education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about cultivating the ability to live with dignity, hope, empathy, and purpose. While knowledge enlightens, education transforms lives.
Our goal is to bring out-of-school children (OOSC) into the formal education system by providing quality primary education (Grades 1–5) in multi-grade classrooms, preparing them for board exams and smooth integration into mainstream schools.
Schools established in remote areas beyond a 3 km radius from the nearest government school.
Each teacher educates ~30 out-of-school children using a tailored, multi-grade approach.
Students follow the national syllabus and prepare for the official Grade 5 board exam.
Equal opportunity for boys, girls, and children with physical disabilities.
Teachers nurture ethical behaviour, social skills, and moral values alongside academics.
Teacher training, student uniforms, stationery, and per diem allowances included.
IRM Smart STEP
Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme
Smart STEP is a women-focused initiative designed to empower marginalized women from urban slums and underserved rural communities across Pakistan. The programme supports those most often overlooked: widows with dependent children, orphans, destitute women, women with disabilities, and those living in extreme poverty.
Smart STEP provides quality vocational training alongside entrepreneurial and essential life skills to help women achieve economic independence and support their families with dignity.
IRM believes that investing in women is both the right and the smart path to breaking cycles of poverty and building resilient communities. The programme strengthens women's agency, participation, and access to sustainable livelihoods.
Launched at IRM Tech, Rawalpindi, Smart STEP is now active across:
IRM welcomes organizations and philanthropists to join hands in scaling this initiative and transforming more lives. Together, we can help more women build futures defined by dignity and independence.
Smart Schools
Education for All
IRM Smart Schools
“Education dispels doubt, nurtures peace, and empowers humanity.”
At IRM Smart Schools, we believe education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about cultivating the ability to live with dignity, hope, empathy, and purpose. While knowledge enlightens, education transforms lives.
About IRM Smart Schools
IRM International CIC supports 111 Smart Schools, reaching 4,125 students across underserved communities in KP, Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad.
Our goal is to bring out-of-school children (OOSC) into the formal education system by providing quality primary education (Grades 1–5) in multi-grade classrooms, preparing them for board exams and smooth integration into mainstream schools.
Key Features
Strategic Locations: Schools are established in remote areas lacking access to government schools (beyond a 3 km radius).
Multi-Grade Classrooms: Each teacher educates ~30 out-of-school children using a tailored, multi-grade approach.
Standard Curriculum: Students follow the national syllabus and prepare for the official Grade 5 board exam.
Inclusive Enrollment: Equal opportunity for both boys and girls, including children with physical disabilities.
Character Building: Teachers focus on nurturing ethical behavior, social skills, and moral values.
Support Provided: IRM offers teacher training, student uniforms, stationery, and per diem allowances.
Education for All: We are committed to solving the OOSC crisis in Pakistan—ensuring every child has the right to learn, grow, and thrive.
Smart STEP
Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme: IRM Smart STEP is a women-focused initiative designed to empower marginalized women from urban slums and underserved rural communities across Pakistan. The programme supports women who are often overlooked, including widows with dependent children, orphans, destitute women, women with disabilities, and those living in extreme poverty.
Smart STEP provides quality vocational training along with entrepreneurial and essential life skills to help women achieve economic independence and support their families with dignity. IRM believes that investing in women is both the right and the smart path to breaking cycles of poverty and building resilient communities.
The programme strengthens women’s agency, participation, and access to sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to better withstand economic shocks and contribute meaningfully to society. Launched at IRM Tech, Rawalpindi, Smart STEP has expanded across Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, Punjab, and Sindh. IRM invites organizations and philanthropists to join hands in scaling this initiative and transforming more lives.
