THE PROGRAM
From Orphanage to Cadet College
Intensive preparation, educational and related expenses covered, and a mentor family for every student who earns a place
WHO THE PROGRAM IS FOR
The program is for children living in orphanages in Pakistan who have done well at school and are ready for a more demanding education. Children join through an orphanage that has partnered with Ek Qadam. Places are limited, so every candidate is assessed carefully before a place is offered.
Ready for a more demanding education
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Four stages, one continuous commitment
From nomination to admission — and through the years that follow
01
Partner orphanages nominate
We work with reputable orphanages across Pakistan. Each partner orphanage nominates children it believes are ready for the challenge of cadet college.
02
We select carefully
We look at each child’s school record, their behaviour and their social circumstances. Places go to the children most likely to thrive.
03
Intensive preparation
Selected students receive intensive pre-cadet preparation for the entrance test, taught by experienced teachers.
04
Support from then on
Students who pass are admitted to cadet college. Ek Qadam then covers their fees and approved expenses for the rest of their education.
What Ek Qadam pays for
FULL SUPPORT
Our cadet college scholarship covers the full cost of a student’s time at college — fees, everyday needs and the expenses that continue beyond the school gate
Approved costs during school breaks and mentor outings are covered too, so no student’s opportunity depends on what they can afford
A fuller breakdown will be published once the program’s financial policies are finalised
CARE BETWEEN TERMS
Life during school breaks
Cadet college students come out of college for weekends, monthly breaks, and longer summer and winter holidays. Our long-term plan is to open an Ek Qadam residence where students can stay during these breaks. Until the residence is ready, a student may stay at their orphanage when needed, and their mentor family spends time with them, takes them on outings and makes sure they get back to college safely.
MENTORSHIP THAT STAYS
A mentor for every student
Each student is matched with a mentor or mentor family, with two students to each mentor. Mentors receive updates on results and homework through the Ek Qadam app, and they stay in touch through the students’ years at college and after they leave.
Become a Mentor →
THE FIRST COHORT
Our first group of students
Our first group of students came to Ek Qadam through a partner orphanage and prepared for the entrance test together. Those who passed are now studying at Steel Mill Cadet College, with all of their educational and related expenses covered by Ek Qadam.
Become a Mentor →
SUPPORT THAT STAYS
What the program gives each student
Every student who earns a place through Ek Qadam receives the same support, from the first day of preparation through to the end of their education.
A place at a respected cadet college
Students who pass the entrance test study at a cadet college, with educational and related expenses covered by Ek Qadam.
An education that is fully paid for
College fees and everyday expenses are covered for the rest of a student’s education, inside the college and outside it.
Preparation from experienced teachers
Before the entrance test, students receive intensive preparation from teachers drawn from some of Pakistan’s best private schools.
A mentor family for the long run
Each student has a mentor or mentor family who stays in touch through college and after it, with two students to every mentor.
School breaks with someone who cares
During holidays, mentors take students on outings to parks, museums and similar places, and make sure they get back to college safely.
Progress that someone follows
Mentors receive updates on results and homework through the Ek Qadam app, so a student’s progress never goes unnoticed.
WATCH THE FILM
Meet the students in their own words
We made a short documentary with students currently studying at a cadet college. In it they introduce themselves in their own words and talk about their interests and what they hope to do next.
