Vocational Training and Character Formation
Our partner’s Scholarship Project aims to see students in northern Pakistan receiving a quality education that equips them to become leaders.
A group of middle school boys – all from very challenging home situations including extreme poverty and, in some cases, parents struggling with addiction – were not attending classes regularly and had been accused of drug use. As a result, they were at risk of losing their scholarships.
When their school principal demanded they be expelled, our Scholarship Program staff worked with our local field partner to pilot an after-school group for the boys. Twice a month the boys were invited to an event led by several young men who had been scholarship students themselves. They’ve gone on hikes together, played cricket and had music lessons, and in the process, the boys are being supported by young leaders who know what it’s like to face these types of challenges.
In just a few months, the pilot program led to positive gains for these young men. Our team is now considering incorporating this type of programming into the Scholarship Program in the future.
Ties that Bind
The STEP program helps women from the north side of the city literally take a step and to move forward together with others.
Breaking Chains of Unforgiveness
Hassan, a 27-year-old university student studying English, first heard about our character training through a friend. Through the training, he learned the importance of commitment and consistency,
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Looking forward, we have our ears to the ground, to listen to the community and discern a path of hope into the future.
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
We are seeing a breakthrough in understanding that all deserve to have an opportunity to access education.
Can I Change?
Shy, nervous, tense. Sarah, a 29-year-old mother of two, heard about our character and trauma training from a friend and wanted to see if she could change.
The Right People, Ripe for Change
Operation Mercy is about people. At its heart, it’s about believing in the right people—those who are ready for transformation—and praying that they find their way to us.
Mobile Tent Schools
In remote, seminomadic communities in Pakistan, the school year used to come to a halt during the seasonal migrations. Children missed out on up to seven months of education,
The Road to the Top
Our Galaxy Event for STEP graduates each year is a dazzling display of talent and creativity. Dresses, wedding gowns, hairstyles, and stunning cosmetic creations are there for all to admire.
Underdogs
“When we have the breaks in the training programme, some of the boys catch me and want to talk about how things are going at home.
Equipping the Next Generation
Working in partnership with local education institutions, more than 2,000 students go through various parts of the life skills program each year.
Transforming Grief into Hope
Our work goes far beyond seminars and trainings.
Human Capital
The World Bank´s most recent diagnostic of North Macedonia records one of the worst development of human capital records in Europe, where N.E.E.T. (youth who are Not in Education,
Helping Me Accomplish My Dreams
“Recently I completed my master’s degree in mathematics. I give all the credit to the Scholarship Program that has always stood behind me from kindergarten to university education.
Taking Courage
It is not easy to be a widow caring for a family in a culture where women are expected to remain at home and must guard their reputation carefully.
Character Affects Relationships
“Where did you learn gratitude? It seems that your teacher is teaching you some moral matters.”
Germination for Change
Young mother Amina*, a graduate of the Skills/Startup Training Empowerment and Practice (STEP) vocational training programme, is opening her dress shop today. The 31-year-old completed the course in 2022,
A Teacher’s Heart
The goal of the education project, run by our partner organisation, is to work with remote communities to improve access to education through adult literacy classes and operational support for five remote village schools.
The Class of Transformations
The STEP class of this year has been a story of new beginnings.
Professional Excellence
Operation Mercy’s partner organisation has worked to develop a monitoring and evaluation program to ensure its programmes are pursuing professional excellence
Talent in the Room
The quality of training and product in all areas was professional; the standard had been raised.