“I opened my eyes in an ultra-poor family who are unable to afford my expenses of treatment, medicine and education. Whenever I asked them to send me to school they answered that we can’t afford to send you to school and you also have a weak eye sight” says Aqeel Ashraf, a student of Drop-In-Center Kasur, Pakistan.
While visiting with working children, the project team found Aqeel at home where he was fetching lunch for his Dad. Aqeel works in a small shoe making factory with his father. The Project team spoke to his mother about the need of good health and education for Aqeel. She replied that Aqeel can’t read and write properly, and "also he is not normal as other children are as he cannot see in sunshine". She said that her husband will decide about Aqeel’s education and health.
Aqeel shuts his eyes in sun light but in darkness/shadow he can see well. Aqeel has three brothers and two sisters. All his siblings are doing labour work. His elder brother Adeel and younger brother Shakeel are also employed in the shoe factory; while his mother and two sisters do embroidery work.
After a number of visits with the parents, Aqeel visited the DIC in November 2011 and registered in Level 1. His father initially showed reluctance to send him to the DIC. When Aqeel came to DIC, he was not able to read and write. The project team met Aqeel’s father who shared that Aqeel’s eye sight is weak and the doctor had advised on glasses. The team suggested another eye sight check-up. His father, Muhammad Ashraf, shoe maker by profession, initially had reservations, but sent his son.
Aqeel was promoted to Level 2, he can now read and write, and acknowledges the Project teams efforts that brought a positive change in his life. The DIC teachers have taught him according to his ability and the psychologist gave psychosocial support to improve his personality. His father also acknowledges that Aqeel can read and write and wants him to continue his studies. He promised to have another eye sight check-up of Aqeel. His father also wishes to go to Karachi for proper treatment of his son but needs financial assistance.
“I did not realize the importance of education which is the fundamental right of every child” he says.
Aqeel’s parents are now motivated and want him to continue his education and enjoy good health. Aqeel has been identified for mainstreaming into the government school at the end of March, 2012. The Project team has held meetings and given awareness to the Principal and teachers of Government School’s about the importance of education for all children (boys and girls) so that they have the opportunity of a bright future.
In the DIC children learn about their rights and responsibilities and are taught personal hygiene and other health, environment issues. Children who have attended the DIC know their rights and speak on them and their responsibilities with their families and friends.
Aqeel is happy that he got an opportunity to study like his friends and now he is going to join a Government school for formal education. His father has said that very soon he will go to hospital for his proper checkup of eye sight.
(Story: Saif Ullah Khalid, GTO, Kasur, Pakistan)
