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"Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. "
(Surah Al Alaq Verse 1-5)
Growing up in a privileged society, I have come to realise how easily many of us take access to education for granted. Being raised and educated in a first world country often means opportunities are simply there for us, without us even noticing.
That realisation is what led me to start Free To Dream, a fundraiser dedicated to providing free education to children living in poverty in deprived areas of Pakistan.
After the recent passing of my brother and grandmother, I decided to continue this work in their name. Supporting a Sadaqah Jariyah project is one of the most beautiful forms of charity, as its benefit continues for years to come for both the giver and the receiver.
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)
44 percent of boys and 56 percent of girls in Pakistan do not go to school. Both boys and girls are being denied the right to an education; however, girls are disproportionately affected. A few of these reasons being:
- Though the demand for education is strong, the public sector has been unable to deliver, due to poor management, corruption, insecurity, natural disasters and teacher absenteeism. As a result, there is a lack of safe, accessible and affordable schools, especially for the poor. According to Pakistan’s EFA 2015 National Review, only 66.8 percent of enrolled children will remain until class 5 and 33.2 percent will drop out before completing the full primary course.
- Early marriage disrupts the education of young girls. Every year a girl continues her secondary education, she reduces her chances of becoming a child bride by 3.4 percent.
- Rural school-aged girls face more difficulties. Many rural areas lack adequate facilities, a sufficient number of teachers, and basic supplies such as chalkboards and books. In many cases, girls are unable to afford transportation and as a final resort must walk to the nearest school.
- Girls' lack of education has a strong impact on their potential earnings. In Pakistan, women with only a primary education receive only 51% of what men do. With secondary education, however, the figure rises to 70%. In comparison to boys, the number of girls who complete primary school is also disproportionate. In Pakistan, 79 percent of boys finished primary school in 2014. For girls in primary school, however, the completion rate drops to 66%.
This work is simply aimed at giving children access to affordable education without the stress of financial strain and pressure that would otherwise affect their learning.
Through this fundraiser, all donations will go towards school supplies such as stationery, notebooks, textbooks and uniforms. For those who cannot afford school altogether, we will also be covering their fees.
When I myself cannot be there, I have family members who regularly distribute school necessities and supplies to children, as shown in the pictures below. As more funds are raised, more children will have their school fees paid and the supplies they need provided.
Thank you.
جزاكم الله خيرًا
