A journalist friend invited us for an event at a modest apartment. The event was organized to encourage the elite of the town to help of destitute street children in getting education.
Hundreds of thousands of children in Pakistan are forced into begging or work as child labour to support their families instead of going to schools and enjoying their childhood.
Arzu Kazmi’s apartment was small but the event was big in purpose. It was not less than an inspiration for those who believe in action, not in words.
We met Abida Yar Gul from Suran a village of Mohmand now a district of KPK- earlier part of FATA agency. Abida, in her teen, narrated the touching story. She and her other nine siblings were not being sent to school.
Their father, a daily wage worker did not believe in sending his daughter to the school. He considered sending girls to formal schools taboo-against local traditions of his area.
She always had a strong desire for education but was unable to find ways. While narrating her story I would see tears rolling down her innocent eyes.
Her family first migrated to Mardan from Mohmand. Her father started working “Tall” (timber Yard) as a woodcutter with her grandfather. Abida was kept at home to help her mother and taking care of her siblings. Later on, her family later moved to Rawalpindi to find better economic opportunities. Read More