My mother had bigger dreams for me than I had for myself.
Is it not so with every caring mum? No matter the shortage of resources, the poverty that surrounds her, the hopelessness of the future, nothing stops a mum from dreaming big for her child.
As our two-year Street-Kids Project, I WANT MY RIGHT TO EDUCATION came to a close after 2 years, the mothers were the ones most appreciative and most concerned.
Possibly it was in answer to mothers’ prayers, that we started the project in Sep 2018 and enrolled 50 girls and boys, who had missed out on primary education. Children were in the age bracket of 11 to 18.
As they grew older they had regrets of not going to school, but the doors of education were sealed shut on them. These kids had low self-esteem, lacked skills; they behaved badly and envied those who were literate. Their mothers’ hearts felt the endless pain and depth of hopelessness for their children.
At our centre these children moved through our holistic fast-track curriculum, coving multiple years’ school curriculum in one year.
Students Enrolled on the I Want My Right To Education Project
Here is the success of a mother, Hameeda from Tayyab Goth. Mother of Bushra (16 years) and Shiza(15 years).
Hameeda says: “When my girls were young I sent them to a school with hopes and dreams. Unfortunately they were not treated well and were beaten by teachers; hence they refused to go to school. My daughters then spent time at home and hung around girls in the neighbourhood. As they grew older, I was worried about them. I saw them aimless, without remorse, they were lacking confidence and had no determination in life. I heard about “Greenhouse Education Centre” and enrolled my resisting girls in it, requesting them to try it. Their interest grew as the days, weeks and months passed by.
“Two years later, after going through the fast-track curriculum, I see a major difference in them. Bushra is a confident determined young lady. She now teaches her cousin who is a 9th Class student. Like her sister Shiza, she has good command of English, Urdu and Maths. Shiza wants to become a doctor and Bushra wants to gain a degree in Computer Sciences.
Bushra (on right) with Sania
Shiza (on left) with Yasmeen
Hameeda says: “After one year I decided to put my two younger daughters through this school too. All 4 girls have not only gained academically, but have good character and have a sense of right and wrong. They have become independent learners and thinkers.
“If it were possible for my girls to continue to come to GEC, I would really want that to happen. I understand, however, other street-kids need to be made literate too. I know we will find no such school again, but I am happy that all my four girls have gained admission to a local school and are continuing their education.
“I wanted to thank GEC for providing me with training as a parent. I learnt effective ways to control and handle issues in my life. I learnt how to build relationships with my girls, what to do and what not to do. Unlike before, my girls now share everything with me. I am highly thankful to Greenhouse Centre and their teachers for all you did for my family. My daughters know they can call you any time to gain help in progressing towards their educational goals.”
Younger sisters Anum and Iman
A life well-lived is a life that helped those most in need.
Our Street-Kids Education Project is expanding. We are now taking on 90 students from 3 different communities. My request to you is to give generously towards bettering futures. Change lives and leave your mark behind.
Thank you for your interest, prayers, good wishes and support.
Youth Together for Human Rights Education