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Research Project

Evidence for Inclusion

Rahe ILM’s work extends beyond advocacy; it contributes to original research that informs inclusive education policy and practice. The research project is based on qualitative and ethnographic field study conducted by our founder, Mohammad Daud Husain, under the guidance of Monisha Jackson, PhD Georgia State University (GSU) and is being submitted at the Journal of Student Research and presented at GSU. The research project, “From Exclusion to Ability: Rising Sun’s Inclusive Education Model in Pakistan,” explores how community-based organizations can create sustainable inclusion for children with disabilities. The study builds on Rahe ILM’s mission to ensure that no child is denied education due to poverty or disability-turning compassion into evidence and impact.

From Exclusion to Ability: Rising Sun’s Inclusive Education Model in Pakistan

Educational inequality in Pakistan has a significant impact on children with disabilities. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) often bridge such gaps. The objective of this study was to examine, the Rising Sun Institute (RSI), as a qualitative case to understand how CBO’s can succeed in converting the idea of inclusive education into reality while facing several challenges. To anchor the study, I reviewed research papers on disability and inclusion in South-east Asia, ethnographic and comparative studies and reports on CBOs along-with interactive sessions with experts at UGA and GSU. Building on that foundation, I used a qualitative case approach and interviewed RSI leaders, alumni, and two currently sponsored students (with parents), took field notes during a 10-day field trip to Pakistan, and reviewed organizational documents. All interviews were conducted in Urdu (my native language) and then translated into English for analysis.
The study findings show success of RSI in pairing simple decisions (calmer classrooms, transport, therapy alongside academics) with clear founding ethos -“disability is not inability”- to transform student identity from “burden” to “capable.” The parents reported less tears in the morning, growing confidence, and visible community respect. Moreover, alumni linked regular school routines to workplace readiness and dignity. The study also highlighted several continued challenges such as unstable funding, lingering stigma and limited teacher training. It also points to practical steps that schools and policy makers can act upon such as reliable transport, parent education, and employer partnerships, supported by stable public investment. This single-site study offers depth rather than generalization and acts as a seed for future research. RSI success in achieving inclusion is a model other CBOs can adapt to. The future research work should test such patterns across regions and track longer-term outcomes for graduates.

Research Project

What We Learned

Our research revealed how community-based education models can create real, lasting inclusion, from the classroom to the community.

Inclusive Practices

Pairing therapy with academics builds confidence.

Family Empowerment

Parents report greater community acceptance.

Future Vision

CBO models like RSI can guide national policy.

Sustainable Impact

Community-led efforts ensure lasting change.

Our Team

Meet the Changemakers

Behind Rahe Ilm is a team of passionate individuals dedicated to making education accessible and ending child labor. Together, we believe in creating brighter futures for children.

Vice President

Iffat Salman

Founder / President

Mohammad Daud Husain

Executive Director

Uzair Khan

General Secretary

Munawwar Sultana
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Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about how Rahe Ilm operates? Explore our FAQs for clear and quick answers.

What is Child labor?

Child labor is the exploitation of children for work, often in hazardous conditions and without proper compensation or education.
The mission of Rah-e-Ilm is to eradicate child labor and ensure access to quality education for all children in Pakistan.
You can get involved with Rah-e-Ilm by donating and publicizing the use child labor which will help support our efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable education system for all children in Pakistan.
Rah-e-Ilm’s services are designed to benefit all children in Pakistan, with a focus on eradicating child labor and providing quality education for children with diverse needs.
Rahe Ilm works tirelessly to end child labor through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community-driven initiatives that promote education and create opportunities for children to thrive.

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Recent Updates

Stay updated with the latest stories, insights, and progress from Rahe Ilm’s journey to empower children through education.