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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ YesPakistan Newsletter *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A service of the Human Development Foundation: Helping people help themselves
Friday, November 8, 2002
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ http://www.YesPakistan.com *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*~*~*~ Ramadan Mubarak
*~*~*~ Pay your Zakat to HDF
*~*~*~ Zakat Page
*~*~*~ HDF Success Stories
*~*~*~ Virtual Tours of HDF activities

Assalamu Alaikum!

As a Pakistani American who does not get to see a lot of Masjids in the USA, whenever I am in Pakistan, I enjoy visiting different Masjids. And it is not very difficult to do. All you have to do is to walk in a new direction on a new street after each Azan and you will find a Masjid where you have not prayed before.

On one such occasion, I ended up with my five-year old nephew in a new Masjid in our neighborhood. It turned out to be one with a residential Madrasah. As we were sitting in the courtyard waiting for prayer to begin, my curious nephew asked me what a particular chain was for, pointing his finger towards one of the open dorm rooms with a heavy-duty metallic chain hanging from the room's window. My heart sank as I thought it must be used to tie up children in the Madrasah. I remained silent for a few minutes as my nephew kept repeating his question, and then I engaged a passing student with my Salam. He was about twelve-years-old and from Gilgit, about a thousand miles north of Karachi. I asked him about the chain. He whispered his answer that it was used to tie up those students who try to run away from this Madrasah. I asked him whether he had seen students being chained like that, his answer was affirmative, as he saw someone approaching and moved away as though he was not talking to us.

It was difficult for me to concentrate on my prayers as my thoughts kept going back to the punishment and reward system in our schools, whether Madrasah or public. Although the Madrasah I went to did not have any extreme disciplinary measures like this, coercion and physical punishment remain a big part of the teaching system.

We love children but most of us do not respect them or their opinions. Their mind moves with as much energy as their body. They ask questions. They observe behavior. They learn from adults, less from what is told them to do, but more from what their elders do.

Back in our family home, our big clan sat down along with our children and discussed what we saw, only to hear many other stories of mini-tyrants around us.

I hope and pray that brave young man at the Madrasah learns to hate chains and resolves to liberate all children from it once he grows up, instead of subjecting others to what he has been subjected to.

*~*~*~ Parents and teachers working together
In all schools run by HDF in Pakistan, parents and teachers work together through their PTA. It is a must, but we also think that all Pakistani schools, including Madrasahs, should have a PTA for the better development of children. Here are some ideas on this on how to set one up at
http://YesPakistan.com/forpakistan/ptainpak.asp

*~*~*~ Pay your Zakat to HDF
Rewards for good deeds are multiplied during the month of Ramadan. The Prophet's hand used to be busy with giving charity during this blessed time. Reap the benefits of this month by donating to HDF. You can also send us your Zakat.
https://www.YesPakistan.com/hdf/whatyoucando/donation.asp

*~*~*~ Zakat Page
Zakat is a fallen pillar of Islam. It is the core of charity in our society. Find out more about it
http://YesPakistan.com/zakat

*~*~*~ PAKORA: the most popular Iftar item among Pakistanis
http://www.yespakistan.com/ramadan/pakora.asp

*~*~*~ Corruption in South Asia
Corruption will continue until the corrupt are caught and punished. Unfortunately, the level of accountability in South Asia is so low that many government officials choose to take bribes because they are almost certain they will never be caught and would escape punishment because of legal delays. Accountability is low at four different levels: at the international level, within government agencies, by the judicial system, and even at the hands of society" - Human Development In South Asia 1999. Pg. 103

*~*~*~ Send Ramadan Mubarak E-Cards
http://YesPakistan.com/ecards/step1.asp?cat_fldAuto=25

*~*~*~ HDF Success Stories
A nation is built by its people, not a few politicians. At HDF, we focus on people. After all, that's what "human development" is about. We do not claim to be perfect, but we will strive for excellence and will succeed if all of you help, Inshallah.
http://YesPakistan.com/hdf/hdf-success.asp

*~*~*~ Photo Stories
Take a virtual tour of HDF activities.
http://YesPakistan.com/stories/

*~*~*~ Frequently Asked Questions
http://YesPakistan.com/hdf/faq.asp

*~*~*~ Indus Valley
At a time when the people of Europe lived in caves and dressed in animal skins, an advanced urban culture flowered in the Indus Valley (now Pakistan), a culture which produced elaborate and skilfully-crafted artefacts, houses of burnt bricks, and well-planned drainage systems.

*~*~*~ Donate for Pakistan
https://www.YesPakistan.com/hdf/whatyoucando/donation.asp

*~*~*~ HDF Financial Reports
http://YesPakistan.com/hdf/hdfweboffice/financialreports.asp

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HDF is an organization of Pakistani-Americans. Our aim is to inspire all Pakistanis abroad to network and help people help themselves.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/28/2002 5:32:02 PM

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