Indus Resource Center-IRC

Established in 2000 as a non-governmental organization, registered under Societies Act 1860, Indus Resource Centre (IRC) has come a long way to become a key player in providing sustainable and replicable models for integrated social and economic development in Sindh, Pakistan. IRC believes in equality of human beings; opportunity for all; human potential; dignity of labour and judicious use of resources. IRC has grown from a volunteer based small initiative in 2000 to an effective organization with over 1000 employees in 2016. IRC has also increased its geographic outreach from its field operations in Khairpur and Dadu in 2000 to a total of 9 districts (Jamshoro, Karachi Coastal belt, Kambar-Shahdadkot, Larkana, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Khairpur, Dadu and Ghotki) in Sindh by 2016. However, the major transformation has been in the thematic areas and special projects, from an initial focus on girls’ education and capacity building of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to current four thematic areas which include: Governance, Democracy and Human Rights; Education and Literacy (where primary focus still remains on girls’ education); Sustainable Livelihoods; and Disaster Preparedness and Response with cross cutting themes of environmental sensitivity, respect for human rights and gender equality. Under these four pillars, IRC strives to achieve the following 5 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- SDG #1 No Poverty
- SDG #4 Quality Education
- SDG #5 Gender Equality
- SDG #10 Reduced Inequalities
- SDG #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Under the Education & Literacy wing, IRC focuses quality education with the inclusion of Life Skills Based Education (LSBE), Adult Literacy Programs and Non-Formal Education Programs. Sustainable Livelihoods program has agricultural initiatives, artisans’ training and handicrafts trade and entrepreneurship initiatives for local women. The following national and international donors have assisted IRC in achieving its mission: Developments in Literacy (DIL), The Lucilie and David Packard Foundation, Oxfam GB, Concern Worldwide, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Oxfam Novib, Trocaire, USAID through IRD in CMP, Karachi Youth Initiative, Alif Ailaan, and Unicef. A large number of philanthropists and concerned citizens in Pakistan and abroad contribute to the IRC cause, particularly for education.

Vision
Indus Resource Centre (IRC) envisages a democratic Pakistani society where all are equal, live with responsible freedom, are afforded justice, are able to make their life choices in an informed manner, and use their skills to optimal potential, contributing to economic, intellectual, social and moral development of society.

Mission
Mainstream the marginalized through various approaches to human and institutional development.