Shazia, a 9-year old, enrolled into school for the first time: Find out how HDF made it happen

Shazia, a 9-year old blue-eyed girl, was born in a peasant family in the village of Somar, 227 kilometers from Karachi. Her father Ali Omer works for a local landlord. Omer was very keen to enroll his daughter in school but could not afford the fees.

But thanks to HDF, Omer's dreams of educating his daughter have come true. She is currently in class 1 at Sachal Community Primary School. In a mere three years, she'll have completed class 5.

The school is a joint venture between HDF and the local community and was set up in November 2000. The construction of the school and its expense were taken on by the local community while the cost of running and maintaining the school is met by HDF.

A government school exists in the vicinity but has not been functional in years.When HDF approached us about setting up a primary school, we called a general meeting in the village. It was unanimously decided to benefit from this offer," Gul Muhammad, a village elder, said.

Originally, the school was set up in a house in the village. There was such a positive response from the people, the community decided to construct a separate building for the students.

A charity drive was launched in the village and the residents managed to raise Rs 5 000 in 15 days. Soon after, construction began," Gul Muhammad said.

Even though the one-room school has mud walls and a roof made of dry branches, it is a source of pride for the students, teachers and the entire village.

Shazia, the little girl, stands before a group of journalists to recite a poem by Allama Iqbal. She looks shy and confused when a photographer takes her picture. But after being consoled by her teacher,she recites the poem loudly and with confidence.

Shazia also spells the names of various body parts and explains their function. Later, a group of girls and boys present a short skit based on a poem.

"Our emphasis is on joyful learning," says Miss Gulabi, Shazia's teacher. She did her matriculation a few years back and has also taught at a private English school in Tando Muhammad Khan Council. "I can say with authority that these kids have the same potential as those who grow up in the city," she said.

The village women are active participants in the school. They run the Parent-Teacher Association and supervise and monitor HDF's education projects.

"We want our daughters and sons to be able to compete in every field with children who live in the cities," said Mrs Firdous, the PTA chair. "This dream can never come true without education."