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.
No One Talks to the Young Men
Another commented that no one talks to the young men about sexual education, and this was enlightening for them.
Talent in the Room
The quality of training and product in all areas was professional; the standard had been raised.
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,
Partnerships Transform Families
Sharif* grew up in a very conservative village. He was bullied at school by students and teachers. His family had heard of our partner’s Scholarship Program and their partnership with the local center to provide housing and support for students just like him.
“I’m not going anywhere!”
Ajnur* came to STEP 4 following her sister, who had completed STEP Cycle 3 before her. Both were orphans on their father’s side, bonded not just by blood but by loss.
“I’m playing for my family.”
North Macedonia – STEP: Rrustem’s StoryRrustem joined us three years ago when the football project first began, and he has remained one of the chief “veterans” of the Skopje Eagles.
A Tent School That Travels with the Shephard People
Over the past three years, through our Monitoring and Evaluation Program, our team has noticed that while enrollment in school is high in the five mountain villages that we work with,
Building Bridges through Education
Sher Azam is a community leader who supports public projects among the shepherd people in remote villages in northern Pakistan, including making improvements to education in village schools.
Together for the Neighbourhoods
One school director partner has been a pathfinder for Operation Mercy´s youth dimension of STEP in the toughest neighborhood in the city.
Rescued From Revenge
After forgiving, Enam no longer desires to take revenge and now even prays for her former husband.
Building Relationships Through Literacy
In the village of Roushan, as the grain in the nearby fields started to grow, 25 women gathered to enroll in a Shining Light Adult Literacy Center.
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.
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
We are seeing a breakthrough in understanding that all deserve to have an opportunity to access education.
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.
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.
Transforming Grief into Hope
Our work goes far beyond seminars and trainings.
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.
Character Affects Relationships
While attending a character development training, Heba was reminded of a past conflict with her manager and close friend at work. Once, while her manager was traveling,
An Unexpected Apology
Winding along dirt roads on the outskirts of Mosul, 34-year-old Ahmad, together with his wife and extended family, awaited a home visit from our training team.
Professional Excellence
Operation Mercy’s partner organisation has worked to develop a monitoring and evaluation program to ensure its programmes are pursuing professional excellence