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About The Dawood Foundation

The Dawood Foundation (TDF) is a non-profit family foundation based in Karachi, Pakistan registered Under the Societies Act 1860 which works to empower individuals through education to create a collective change. TDF has been working in Pakistan since the 1960s and has been heavily involved in establishing various formal and informal education institutions across the country.

TDF’s formal education initiatives include Dawood Public School, one of the largest girls school in Karachi, offering O and A level education to over 2500 girls. Dawood Public School offers a comprehensive and holistic academic program to empower young women to become self-reliant and active members of their communities, and Karachi School of Business and Leadership, a graduate business school that focuses on developing the next generation of Pakistani leadership.

Since the last few years, however, TDF has morphed into establishing informal and inclusive spaces of learning that serve everyone as informal learning by its nature is less regimented and allows for better accessibility, flexibility, fluidity, interactivity, and the freedom to develop capabilities for new forms and ways of learning and engaging with people.

TDF’s informal learning initiatives include popularizing science through its umbrella of TDF MagnifiScience raising awareness about the environment through TDF Nature Series and establishing a cultural space by restoring a 1930s home to reminisce about the glorious history of Karachi.

The Foundation wishes to participate in or initiate projects that will create better opportunities for people to groom their character and expand their horizons in their chosen interests for the betterment of themselves, their families, their communities, their countries, and the world. Knowledge of science and technology are especially crucial in regard to shaping the way we provide products and services, as well as empower people with the cognitive tools to observe, analyse and solve problems. Science and technology is advancing at an accelerated pace. A society bereft of its knowledge and tools cannot be prosperous or relevant in a world where the confluence of information technology and biotechnology will fundamentally redefine people and the societies in which they live in.

VISION

Education Inspiring Social Change

MISSION

Empower individuals for social uplift and prosperity, in harmony with the environment, through value-based informal and formal learning platforms.

VALUES

  • Character and Good Manners
  • Diversity
  • Build Capabilities
  • Inclusion
  • Curiosity

The Dawood Foundation’s MagnifiScience Initiatives

Since 2016, The Dawood Foundation has been working on establishing informal learning spaces to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking among the people of Pakistan. TDF organized Pakistan’s largest science exhibitions in 2016 and 2017 with the attendance of more than 40,000 and 50,000 people respectively, established Pakistan’s first children’s science studio, TDF’s MagnifiScience Children’s Studio with over 27,000 visitors since 2018, has been taking science exhibits to various educational events across the country via TDF Travelling Exhibits and are now in the process of establishing Pakistan’s first contemporary and interactive science centre, TDF’s MagnifiScience Centre, in Karachi.

The Dawood Foundation’s MagnifiScience Centre

TDF’s MagnifiScience Centre is a pre-engineered building located in the financial and industrial hub of Karachi on a plot area of approximately 77,000 square feet. It will feature ground + three floors, a Planetarium, and a Green space comprising playground activities. Each floor will delve into a different theme addressing different aspects of scientific topics and concepts.

TDF MagnifiScience Centre will be Pakistan’s first contemporary and modern interactive science centre that will bring public, private, academic, and corporate organisations together to promote science at all levels. This specifically curated and designed infrastructure will host permanent and temporary interactive science exhibits and themes. Visitors of all ages and demographics will have a first-hand interactive experience of the practical application of science.

TDF’s MagnifiScience Centre is a public service that The Dawood Foundation is providing to the citizens of Karachi and beyond to explore the wonders of science, to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for problem solving, critical thinking, and experimenting new tools and ideas.

TDF Nature Series

TDF Nature Series is a collection of documentaries created with the aim of highlighting the natural environment of Pakistan, its wildlife, and its people. Since its launch on 10th September 2015, TDF Nature Series seeks to create awareness and inspire action regarding climate change and the sustainable protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of Pakistan’s natural systems.

TDF Nature Series documentaries are available to screen or download for free in English, Urdu, and regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, and Pashto. TDF Nature Series documentaries have also been provided to schools and colleges across Pakistan through USBs, CDs, and digital media.

TDF Nature Series documentaries include Margalla Hills—Urban Wilderness, Cliff-walkers of Chitral Gol, Mangroves—Custodians of the Coast, and Frozen Giants of the Karakoram.

TDF Ghar

Retaining the history and heritage of Karachi, The Dawood Foundation restored and renovated a 1930’s house (Ghar in Urdu). TDF Ghar is open to public with an aim to promote informal learning spaces in Karachi. It is a platform where people from all ethnicities can come together to share their culture and indulge in discussions and events about art, music, culture and education.

TDF Ghar is a tribute to the city of Karachi. With a view of the Mazar-e-Quaid and original hand-crafted tiles, Hajiani Hanifa Bai’s 1930s home is an enchanting sanctuary in the heart of old Karachi’s Jamshed Quarters. Each piece of furniture depicts the confluence of Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Parsi, and Jewish traditions in a home. TDF Ghar preserves and presents these heritage features to remind people of Karachi as a place of heterogeneity and harmony.