One teacher, one vision: A Beacon of Hope in the Mountains

Muhammad Tahir’s story is a remarkable example of how determination, compassion, and hard work can lead to success. Despite facing numerous challenges, he refused to give up and instead used his experiences to inspire others. After having to leave his nursing diploma course due to family responsibilities, Muhammad Tahir opened a store to support himself […]
February 12, 2024

Muhammad Tahir’s story is a remarkable example of how determination, compassion, and hard work can lead to success. Despite facing numerous challenges, he refused to give up and instead used his experiences to inspire others.

After having to leave his nursing diploma course due to family responsibilities, Muhammad Tahir opened a store to support himself financially. However, he saw a need in his community and decided to take action. He used his own experiences to motivate young children in his community to study, and eventually started teaching in the mountain community of Maldukash with the support of Moawin Foundation.

Maldukash is a small valley situated in the Daimer valley at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Accessing the valley requires an hour-long drive on a rough road followed by a 40-minute uphill walk. During winters, the valley becomes snow-covered and difficult to reach. Initially, Qari Ahmed Ali, a local cleric, generously donated his house to be used as a school. Upon meeting the community, it was discovered that there was a pressing need for a school in the area.

As a result of harsh winter weather conditions, the entire community relocates to Niat Valley, which is located between Chilas and Maldukash. “To ensure that the children can continue their education during this time, we needed a building that could accommodate them. We found a suitable under-construction house, rented it, and talked to the owner who agreed to let us use it as a school”, says Tahir.

“Chilas is a conservative area where parents were initially hesitant to send their daughters to school. However, after seeing my efforts, they started sending more girls to the school. I am hopeful that this school will make a significant impact on the lives of children in the community,” he added.

Despite being the head teacher of the school, Muhammad Tahir continued to pursue his own studies and has become a role model for other young people who wish to make a difference in their communities. His commitment to the school and the community he serves is a testament to his character.

Muhammad Tahir’s success story is one of overcoming obstacles and using one’s experiences to make a positive impact on the world. His determination and selflessness are an inspiration to others and a reminder of the power of education to change lives.

Together We Can: In Conversation with the Power Couple of Jagir Basin, Gilgit-Baltistan

Raja Naveed and Maria Bano, a couple from Gilgit-Baltistan, decided to fulfill their passion for teaching underprivileged children of the Gujjur community. Their journey started in 2019 with only a few students in a turf of Jagir Basin, Gilgit with the aim of giving them an educational environment that could provide them with a meaningful life.

Despite facing many challenges, including the lack of proper schools in the area and indifference of parents towards education, Raja and Maria persevered. They wanted to engage the parents in the process and succeeded in doing so, with the parents now supporting their children’s education in whatever way they can.

Their efforts paid off, and the school grew from a few students in an open field to 145 students in a proper building with restrooms for boys and girls. Maria, who holds an associate degree in Education, wishes to pursue further studies but does not want to leave the school as it is her brainchild.

“Parent-teacher interaction plays a significant role in the learning process of students. We try to give individual attention to those who do not have literate elders at home to help them with homework and assessments,” says Maria. “We believe long-lasting change can only be brought about if the parents, community, and teachers are involved in the progress of the students.”

Their dedication and hard work paid off when the Moawin Foundation provided them with facilities, including a building, to help them in their noble cause. Raja and Maria believe that even if a few of their students can continue their education and have a better quality of life, their efforts would be worth it.

The journey of Raja and Maria is a true inspiration for all those who wish to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. They proved that with determination and hard work, even a small initiative can turn into a success story that can bring about a positive change in society.

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