Karachi, July 17, 2023 – Professional Education Foundation (PEF), a non-profit organization established in January 2009, proudly announces its exceptional achievements in supporting underprivileged students’ professional education. With a primary focus on disciplines such as Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Business Management, and IT, PEF has become the largest privately funded scholarship program in Pakistan.
Since its inception, PEF has made substantial strides in fulfilling its mission of creating opportunities for brilliant but underprivileged students. The foundation started with supporting 75 students in the academic year 2009-10 and has now grown to provide over 2,650 scholarships in 2022-23. This reflects a significant 20% increase in number of scholarships compared to the previous year. What is more eye-catching is the profile of these 2650 students at PEF. They come from families whose per capita income is Rs 5000/month. They are the sons and daughters of parents whom you may find in your own homes as driver, gardener, guard, maid, or a farm labourer. About 11% of our students on scholarships are orphans. Despite their financial status, it is amazing that the average marks in their HSc exams is above 85%. Without such high grades, they would not have obtained an entry into one the coveted 41 universities approved by Higher Education Commission. PEF’s commitment to transforming lives through professional education has enabled thousands of students to pursue their dreams of professional education and become successful individuals in life.
Since its inception in 2009, PEF has educated 2700 alumni, which includes about 1100 doctors, 1000 engineers, 300 agriculturists, 200 Computer Science and 100 Business Management professionals. The impact of PEF’s initiatives extends beyond numbers, as these alumni get employed, their standard of living changes for the better. Moreover, they become a catalyst of spreading the value of education within their family and their community. They become role models of success to other family members and in their villages, bringing an amazing transformation in our society at large. By focusing on financial assistance, PEF removes barriers that hinder students’ access to quality education, thus playing a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable progress.
Commenting on these accomplishments, Hafizul Haq, the founding President of PEF said “We are thrilled to have achieved remarkable growth in the number of scholarships awarded in FY 2022-23. Our focus on providing financial support to underprivileged students for their professional education sets us apart from other philanthropic organizations. We firmly believe that professional education is a powerful tool to alleviate poverty and drive sustainable development in Pakistan. Moreover this is a cause where zakat donations turn into Sadqa e Jariya upon graduation of a professional student”
The Professional Education Foundation remains committed to its mission of Changing Lives through Professional Education. By continuing to empower deserving students and facilitating their educational journeys, PEF aims to create a positive and lasting impact on society.
