Education as a Pathway Out of Poverty

Dunya is a 13-year-old student currently enrolled in Class 8 at Riverside Community High School (RCHS). She comes from an extremely poor and vulnerable household, where access to education is challenged by daily struggles for survival. Her father, a fisherman, is her only surviving parent. His seasonal and low-income work provides barely enough to meet the family’s basic needs. As the eldest child, Dunya carries significant responsibilities at home. She helps care for her seven-year-old brother who has a disability and supports her nine-year-old younger sister. The absence of a mother has further increased her caregiving role at a very young age.

Growing up in extreme poverty has impacted Dunya’s learning journey. Limited learning resources, household responsibilities, and emotional stress have contributed to her being a slow learner. However, she remains determined, disciplined, and eager to continue her education. Dunya regularly attends school and believes education is her only pathway toward a better future for herself and her family. Like many girls in marginalized communities, Dunya was at high risk of dropping out of school. Financial hardship often forces families to prioritize survival over education, especially for girls. Timely intervention made a critical difference in her life.

With support from Riverside Development Organization (RDO), Dunya has been able to continue her education at RCHS. This support has helped reduce the financial burden on her family and provided Dunya with stability, encouragement, and hope. Education has become a source of confidence and resilience for her.

Dunya’s story reflects the reality of hundreds of girls living in similar conditions, girls who are capable and motivated but constrained by poverty, disability within the family, and lack of support systems. With sustained assistance, these girls can remain in school, develop their potential, and contribute positively to their communities.

By supporting girls like Dunya, donors are not only investing in one child’s education but are helping to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and exclusion.

"My life is not easy. At home, I help my father and take care of my brother and sister. Many times, I felt worried that I might not be able to continue my studies. The support of Riverside Development Organization (RDO) has helped me stay in school and continue my education. I am especially thankful to my Principal, Ms. Sana Malik, who always encourages me, understands my situation, and motivates me not to give up. Her guidance and care give me strength and confidence. With the support of RDO and my school, I believe I can complete my education and create a better future for my family."

Why This Matters?

Dunya’s journey demonstrates how timely financial support, committed educators, and institutional backing can collectively prevent school dropouts among marginalized girls. Her story represents many others who need similar interventions to continue their education with dignity and hope.

Remark by Ms. Sana Malik 

_{Principal, Riverside Community High School (RCHS)} 

"Dunya comes from a highly vulnerable background, yet she shows remarkable resilience and commitment. Despite being a slow learner due to social and economic pressures, she attends school regularly and makes consistent efforts to improve. The support provided by Riverside Development Organization (RDO) has been critical in ensuring her continuity in education. Along with institutional support, we have made personal efforts at the school level to provide encouragement, academic guidance, and emotional support to help Dunya stay motivated. With sustained assistance, I strongly believe Dunya can complete her education and build a stable future."

A Note on RDO’s Role and Growing Need for Support

Riverside Development Organization (RDO) has been a transformative force in communities where education was absent for generations. Many of the families supported by RDO had no history of schooling at all parents, grandparents, and extended family members had never attended school. Through sustained community engagement and trust-building, RDO has brought these families onto the path of education, often for the very first time.

To date, RDO has supported more than 6,500 students, 70% of them are girls, from marginalized and extremely poor backgrounds by providing free education, safe transportation, and continuous mentoring. These interventions have helped reduce dropout rates, encouraged girls’ enrollment, and created hope in communities long excluded from formal education. 

The BBC has also highlighted the stories of girls going through same type of situation and covered the RDO School, Principal and student’s remarks.

"In the city of Rohri, Sindh, there is an informal settlement where Gen Z youth, despite difficult circumstances, are determined to pursue education. At the same time, their millennial-generation mothers are striving to send every child to school, challenging long-standing customs and traditions to secure a better future for their children. In this way, two generations have come together and succeeded in bringing about positive change."

Appeal for Donor Support

Riverside Development Organization (RDO) humbly requests the continued and generous support of donors to sustain its mission of providing education to the most marginalized children. Your support can ensure that girls like Dunya remain in school, receive mentorship, and continue their journey toward a brighter future. Even modest contributions can help cover essential costs such as school fees, learning materials, transport, and academic support.

By partnering with RDO, donors become part of a life-changing movement one that breaks cycles of poverty, empowers first-generation learners, and strengthens entire communities through education. We warmly invite you to stand with RDO and help safeguard the right to education for those who need it most.

Support Options for Donors to Support RDO Education

Your Support Makes a Difference

Even small contributions help RDO continue educating children from families where no one had ever gone to school for generations

Account Details:      

Title:                   RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION   

IBAN:                 PK15DUIB000000248986006   

Bank:                 Dubai Islamic Bank   

Address:           Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited Sukkur Branch