While access to education is a basic right of every human being, unfortunately access to sound education.....
education
While access to education is a basic right of every human being, unfortunately access to sound education has become a privilege. We don’t know how many great minds we lose because adequate resources are unavailable to young bright individuals.
In a bid to provide and promote quality education to underprivileged children in the remote areas of Pakistan, Fiza Shah started DIL (Development in Literacy) in 1997. DIL is dedicated to provide quality education to disadvantaged children, especially girls, by establishing and operating schools in the underdeveloped regions of Pakistan, with a strong focus on gender equality and community participation. DIL establishes, adopts and manages primary and secondary schools for underprivileged children in partnership with non-governmental organizations in all four provinces of Pakistan. In addition, DIL directly operates community schools in Punjab and Sindh.
Recently, an annual fundraiser titled ‘Dil Dharaknay Ka Sabab Yaad Aya’ was organised by DIL in a sumptuous lawn of the Standard Chartered House, located at one of the busiest roads of Saddar, Karachi. Sidra Iqbal, a renowned TV host, started the event with an introduction to DIL and its ambition of empowering poor children through education. The first speech of the event was delivered by Shehzad Dada, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, who shared the progress and prosperity of the DIL schools that is spreading awareness and education to thousands of children.
A short video with glimpses of DIL students was played time to time to show the donors that their generous contribution towards the betterment of the lives of these children is invested in the right place. The smiles on the faces of these children were a sign of their faith restoration towards humanity.
Fiza Shah, the founder and CEO of DIL and also a recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, delivered a speech and informed about multiple technologies introduced that helps the students to get access to quality education. She also went on to share an inspiring story of Fouzia, who at the age of five was the only breadwinner of her family. Fouzia overcame the obstacles in her life and now she teaches at one of the DIL Schools all due to the support of the well-wishers of the programme.
Another example of the talented students, DIL has supported, was Fizza. This high-spirited and confident girl shared her experience of how DIL has changed her life. “I am blessed that I got my education from DIL. It has given me the confidence to be who I am, face my fears and come out as a stronger person. I teach at one of the DIL schools and I feel highly privileged to be an alumnus of this school. I want to become a cricketer and my school has taught me how to achieve my goals and fulfil my dreams.”
Fawzia Naqvi, President of DIL Karachi Chapter, thanked all the media partners, sponsors, committee members, her team and the volunteers to stand side by side to support the cause. She further expressed her gratitude to all the people grace the event with their presence. The fundraiser featured a solo performance by Anwar Maqsood, a veteran writer and critic, along with dinner, lucky draw and giveaways by the sponsors of the event.
Anwar Maqsood’s solo performance gingered up the event, which was an amalgamation of hilarious storytelling and parody of some famous Qawallis written by him. He also read an imaginary letter to himself from a famous poet Jaun Elia and other famous poets who had passed away a few years ago. His humorous script was thoroughly entertaining and had the audience in fits of laughter.
At the end of the event, Anwar Maqsood encouraged the noble purpose of educating poor children. “DIL is educating thousands of students and Fizza is one of those bright examples. It is sad that in our country, the minimum budget is allocated to education and health, which are the two major departments in which major resolutions are needed,” he said.
From 1998 till now, Fiza Shah along with her determinant team headed by women like Fawzia Naqvi aims to provide these children the best education. They do not want children to be ignored or their dreams to shatter. The lowest investments in health and education are putting the future of Pakistan in danger. To have a secure future, it is one’s responsibility towards the society to work for its betterment and contribute as a responsible citizen.
