The Mohammad Jawed Akhai Foundation (MJAF), the philanthropic arm of Martin Dow Group, has inaugurated an Early Learning Centre (ELC) at the DMC Boys and Girls School on Baba Island, off Karachi’s coast. Established under MJAF’s Leher program, the initiative is designed to provide children with access to quality early childhood education, giving them a strong start in their formative years.
The ELC will serve children aged 3 to 5 years, using kinesthetic learning – an approach that encourages children to learn through play, exploration, and experience. This hands-on method develops mental, physical, and emotional growth, building the foundations of confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ali Akhai, Chairman of Martin Dow Group, said:
“When we began the Mohammad Jawed Akhai Foundation, the goal was not to create another welfare program. We wanted to build an institution — a living legacy — that would stand for dignity, access, and opportunity. Each project we take on is part of that vision: to build communities that are healthier, better educated, and more self-reliant.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Anum Akhai, Chief Growth Officer, Martin Dow Group, said:
“Early learning is not just about classrooms. It is about giving a child a head start in life, about breaking cycles of disadvantage before they take root. With Leher, we are shaping the future of our nation at its very first stage – when a child begins to discover the joy of learning.”
The Baba Island ELC is the first step in a broader vision. MJAF plans to replicate and expand Leher across underserved communities in Pakistan, ensuring that no child remains invisible to opportunity.
Rustom J. Boga, CEO of MJAF, added:
“The Early Learning Centre is a tangible example of how strategic community support can create real change. By introducing kinesthetic learning to Baba Island, we are investing in the human capital of tomorrow.”
For Martin Dow Group, community investment is not an afterthought but a responsibility. Through MJAF, the Group continues to support health access, education, and community development, aligning its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reaffirming its commitment to building healthier, better-educated, and more self-reliant communities.
The Mohammad Jawed Akhai Foundation (MJAF) is the philanthropic arm of Martin Dow Group, committed to advancing education, healthcare, and sustainable development initiatives in underserved areas across Pakistan. Through its diverse programs, the Foundation aligns with the Group’s vision of integrating social responsibility into its business functions for long-term, measurable impact.