News & Events

Grant Cycle 1 - Launch Events in Karachi and Islamabad

(Islamabad, 23 August 2024 - Karachi, 26 August 2024)

DARE-RC Launches Inaugural Education Research Grant Cycle

(Islamabad, 23 August 2024 )

Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC), marked the beginning of its first research grant cycle today at the Ramada Hotel in Islamabad. The event was attended by key figures from academia, research organisations, government departments, the non-profit and development sectors, and independent researchers.

The DARE-RC programme is led by Oxford Policy Management, funded by the UK International Development, in partnership with the Aga Khan University Institute of Educational Development and SightSavers. The focus of the event was to introduce the “Call for Application Cycle-1” for research grants, providing detailed information on eligibility criteria, grant requirements, and funding modalities.

Participants were briefed on the budget brackets for Small Research Grants (Rs14M to 34M) and Large Research Grants (Rs28M to 80M), as well as the expected duration for each category. Small research projects are expected to be completed within 6 to 12 months, with a possibility of extension up to 15 months, while large projects may span 12 to 18 months, extendable up to 20 months, depending on the scope and methodology.

A comprehensive “Call for Application” document, along with a dedicated FAQ page, was shared during the event. Additionally, participants were introduced to the web-based application process, including the submission of required documents through an online platform.

Harris Khalique, Programme Director of DARE-RC, delivered the welcome note, followed by remarks from a representative of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who reiterated the UK’s commitment to educational reform in Pakistan.

Dr. Dilshad Ashraf, Deputy Research Director of DARE-RC, highlighted the consortium’s research agenda, focusing on improving learning outcomes for marginalised children and developing resilient education systems.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the DARE-RC team. For further information visit the website https://darerc.org/apply-for-grant/ – deadline to submit proposals is 12th September, 2024.

Lahore Inclusivity​:

(October 12th, 2023)

Inclusivity-focused discussions were held across all provinces including Gilgit Baltistan. Participants included CSOs, activists and government departments working on the issues and rights of marginalized communities (PWDs, religious and ethnic minorities, women). The discussion focused on the inclusion of marginalized groups in society in general and in education institutions in particular. These interactions provided a nuanced perspective on the multi-faceted issues of inclusivity and how these may be addressed.

Peshawar Inclusivity​:

(October 12th, 2023)

Inclusivity-focused discussions were held across all provinces including Gilgit Baltistan. Participants included CSOs, activists and government departments working on the issues and rights of marginalized communities (PWDs, religious and ethnic minorities, women). The discussion focused on the inclusion of marginalized groups in society in general and in education institutions in particular. These interactions provided a nuanced perspective on the multi-faceted issues of inclusivity and how these may be addressed.

Karachi Inclusivity​:

(October 12th, 2023)

Inclusivity-focused discussions were held across all provinces including Gilgit Baltistan. Participants included CSOs, activists and government departments working on the issues and rights of marginalized communities (PWDs, religious and ethnic minorities, women). The discussion focused on the inclusion of marginalized groups in society in general and in education institutions in particular. These interactions provided a nuanced perspective on the multi-faceted issues of inclusivity and how these may be addressed.

Quetta Inclusivity​:

(October 12th, 2023)

Inclusivity-focused discussions were held across all provinces including Gilgit Baltistan. Participants included CSOs, activists and government departments working on the issues and rights of marginalized communities (PWDs, religious and ethnic minorities, women). The discussion focused on the inclusion of marginalized groups in society in general and in education institutions in particular. These interactions provided a nuanced perspective on the multi-faceted issues of inclusivity and how these may be addressed.

Research Agenda:

Co-Creation Workshop

(October 12th, 2023)

FCDO-funded Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) led by the Oxford Policy Management (OPM) along with the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Education Development (AKU-IED) and Sightsavers International, organised a one-day Research Agenda Co-Creation Workshop.

This significant event brought together a diverse array of participants, including public sector representatives at federal and provincial levels, national and international knowledge partners, civil society organisations, development partners, and academia.

Evidence Landscape of Pakistan:

Mapping Gaps and existing Evidence

(December 20th & 21st, 2023)

Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), in a significant collaborative effort with the FCDO-funded Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) led by the Oxford Policy Management (OPM) along with the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Education Development (AKU-IED) and Sightsavers International, successfully conducted a two-day national workshop titled “Evidence Landscape of Pakistan: Mapping Gaps and Identifying Existing Evidence.”