does not permit her to be present on her usual seat and her friend, Mrs. Farkhunda Ahmed, substitutes in place of her till her condition improves.
“Shagufta has done a fantastic job and her efforts in establishing the school in this kachi abadi are producing results. Parents are willing to send their children to school so that they can get the best education,” comments Mrs. Ahmed
Currently, the school holds classes till the 7th grade but future expansion plans aim at increasing classes till 10th grade. Despite the fact that the situation has improved to what existed 5 years back, problems become an established norm. The administration is concerned about the hygiene conditions in which the students have to attend classes. Moreover, poverty is rampant because of which many families migrate to places where they can earn a better livelihood. Yet enrolment has increased. The school is considered as a barometer against which the standard of other schools is measured. As a result parents are keen on sending their children to the school as it offers unmatched quality education in the vicinity.
The primary reason for enrolment has been improvement in teaching methodology whereby classroom activities have been made interesting and the learning process creative and fun. In addition to this computer classes are being offered and a number of students have developed computer skills, some of them even becoming increasingly proficient with different software and spreadsheets. Currently the administration is planning on introducing vocational training for students so that they learn and enhance on indigenous skills as carpentry, masonry, tailoring and the like.
On the student front, the pupils are extremely satisfied with the education that is being provided to them. In fact these little ones hope that their knowledge will empower them to create a difference in the environment in which they reside and result in positive changes for their communities. “I want to change the environment around and encourage the residents of this area to live a clean life. We want to make this a beautiful place,” replied a conscientious 5th grader.
“I know what is right and wrong. I wear clean clothes, brush my teeth and take care of my hygiene”, responded another when was asked the difference between a child who goes to schools and one who does not. According to one pubescent “going to school” opened opportunities towards a better tomorrow.
The children nurtured in this school have dreams and talking to these sharp 11 year olds, one realizes how these are not very different from ours. Behind the world of 26th Commercial Street, reside these children of the world, hoping, watching every day go by, in search of a better tomorrow.
