Since its inception, IRM through its Vocational Training Programme has given special attention to the capacity building and skills enhancement of the youth, explicitly, coming from the rural background. For quite some the need was felt for establishing a fund where the deserving poor can be served who remain excluded to reap the benefits of development process, simply for the reason that they are not situated within the parameters of project interventions. Despite our good intentions, we are unable to serve them due to the funding restrictions.
The purpose of the creation of Social Initiative Fund is to build the capacities of the individuals or community-based organizations that have the drive but lack opportunity. Through the creation of this Fund, IRM provide pro-bono skilled support to marginalized youth that is sustainable and offers long lasting benefit.
Based on principle of first serving the people with least resources, the beneficiaries will include:
- Poor (focusing women, rural population and PWDs)
- Relatives of IRM’s auxiliary staff
- Members of small community based organization’s staff
In this regard a committee has been established that prioritizes the need and develops the mechanism of selection of appropriate candidates. The Fund committee is headed by CEO and two Programme Managers are its members. All the requests are forwarded to SIF Committee for final approval. Initially, IRM is allocating an amount of PKR 5 Million for the Fund. Other donors would also be approached to contribute to this fund in the form of cash any other resource.
IRM Bookstore’s contribution to IRM Social Initiative Fund (SIF):
IRM Bookstore is prime contributor to Social Initiative Fund as income generated by selling products at Bookstore is directly contributed to the SIF.IRM Bookstore provides a convenient and efficient source of Insignia clothing, corporate stationary, souvenirs, office supplies and other services. It is making a significant contribution towards the artisans and skilled workers of the Community by providing a platform to market their products.
