Rast is a Persian word (راست) meaning "right" or "direct". It is also the name of basic note in Panjgah (پنج گاه), Persian, Arabic and Turkish ‘makam’ systems of music. This ancient and revered word was chosen as the identity of our efforts, to denote the beginning and the basics of a new renaissance in developing World. RAST Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2013 by a group o
f citizens in response to opportunities for improvement in educational system in the third world countries especially in Pakistan. RAST Foundation is registered as Rafia Anam Siddiqui Welfare Foundation in Pakistan under Societies Act XXI of 1860 (Registration number KAR NO 132 – 2014-15). We, the board of governors of RAST Foundation, believe that illiteracy is the root of cause of poverty in developing countries and the panacea lies in education. Most effective approach to bring education in a country is by enhancing teachers teaching skills. The vision of RAST is to eradicate illiteracy and bring age of reasoning to the developing countries. We believe that education should be an empowering process that allows and guide students to develop their passion, critical thinking, compassion, and orientation towards wisdom for timely action. To achieve these goals, our first project is Bureau of Teachers Professional Development (BTPD) which provides training sessions for primary school teachers. BTPD offer its services to improve the educational effectiveness of primary schools. As of June 2015, BTPD has successfully trained more than 168 teachers free of cost with the help of their highly dedicated faculty and volunteers in Karachi. Similar training would cost Rs. 60,000-150,000 vary institutionally per participant in a commercially operated training center. This amount is out of reach for most primary teachers whose median salary is Rs. 7000 to Rs. 15000 per month. All expenses for this ongoing program are being borne by RAST Foundation. Another project in planning and inception stage is KAMAAN which will bridge and facilitate access to foreign scholarships. RAST also plans to develop and promote virtual libraries for general public to promote reading and enhance intellect. RAST is a registered Non-Government-Organization as Rafia Anam Siddiqui Welfare Foundation in Pakistan under Societies Act XXI of 1860.
