In the heart of Lahore’s historic Heera Mandi—a neighbourhood once celebrated for its rich tradition of art and culture—lies a beacon of hope. Amid its narrow lanes filled with the harsh realities of the red-light district, an extraordinary educational initiative exists. Run by the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), the small, informal school in Heera Mandi occupies a dimly lit room tucked away inside a modest home. There are no heavy desks, no crisp uniforms, and no formal bells. Instead, children sit on a simple carpet (chitai), their bright eyes fixed on a teacher who is determined to give them more than just literacy—they are learning to hope.
The students, many of whom come from families of adult workers, pimps, musicians, and courtesans, represent a segment of society that has too often been neglected, shunned, or outright rejected by formal institutions. This school is run because traditional government schools in Pakistan frequently deny admission to children born outside socially sanctioned norms.The goal of the IRM SMART Schools is to offer the marginalised children a chance to complete primary-level coursework, prepare for their Grade 5 board exams, and eventually transition into mainstream government schools.
On a smoggy, cold morning in Lahore, we travelled through the twisting streets to reach the school. The passage was lined with small shops, hawkers, and centuries-old structures reflecting a bygone era. Inside the classroom, however, the atmosphere was bright and hopeful. Small smiles and murmured greetings filled the space. Even the youngest students, nursery-aged children, were reciting rhymes—“A-B-C” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”—words that bridged a gap between their tough surroundings and a more hopeful future.
The informal nature of the school requires the teacher, who earns around 10,000 Pakistani Rupees per month, to adopt a flexible, multi-grade approach. The instructor, having completed her own matriculation, is not just an educator but a mentor and community mobilizer. Before the school ever opened its doors, she walked the byways of Heera Mandi, encouraging mothers—some hesitant, some hopeful—to allow their children to attend. Her perseverance and empathy were essential in enrolling these young learners, many of whom had never before experienced a classroom environment. The classroom itself is modest but well-kept. Clean floors, a tidy arrangement of supplies, and a sense of order reflect both the teacher’s pride in her work and the NGO’s commitment to treating these children with dignity.
Ultimately, the IRM SMART School serves as a beacon in a place where opportunities are scarce. It is not simply imparting education—it is restoring self-worth and nurturing dreams. In a community where societal stigma and poverty converge, this small, informal school offers more than academic advancement. Walking back through the narrow lanes of Heera Mandi, one carries away a sense of optimism. In this quiet classroom, the seeds of change have already taken root, reminding us that even in places overshadowed by hardship, education can illuminate the path to dignity and hope.
