IRC recognizes the need of relevant, up-to-date education and the importance of imparting employable skills as the demands of the global economy. Apart from grass root activities in the education sector, IRC passionately advocates, with influential and government officials, to improve the system of education and to reduce the gender gap. In addition, it actively contributes to increasing the literacy rate through its non-formal education and adult literacy programs.
IRC has been working with marginalized communities since 2000 and firmly believes that for development programs to have long-lasting, sustainable impact, poverty stricken groups need to be aware of their potential and rights, and should have the necessary knowledge and skills to negotiate their lawful demands in a power structure that usually favors the rich. Governance & Advocacy elements such as community mobilization, awareness raising, capacity building and linkage of civilians with relevant government departments and local community groups are embedded in the bedrock of all IRC interventions.
This is an overarching programme which covers rural technologies, environment, water and sanitation, promotion of arts and crafts, capacity building of artisans, and small community infrastructure initiatives. It also covers provision and development of such skills and assets for disaster affected communities. Sindh is an agricultural society and as such, heavily dependent on natural resources. Environmental degradation, use of unsustainable farming practices and inadequate benefits to the farmer have affected livelihoods drastically.