I had to contribute my bit and the best way I thought I could do that was to educate those who need education.
KARACHI: I am an O-levels student at Karachi Grammar School. This past summer, instead of going on a nice vacation with my family, I set aside time to teach underprivileged students at Gizri School. I could have been waking up late and having fun with friends and family — however, I did what I thought was right and gave back to society.
I still remember the day I walked into the school for the first time. Children ran to me and I knew no bounds of happiness when I saw their faces light up with the excitement and happiness that comes from knowing that someone really cares for you. I sacrificed my vacation and did all this because I could not bear where our nation is headed. I had to contribute my bit and the best way I thought I could do that was to educate those who need education.
In my opinion, education is the key to solving all of Pakistan’s myriad issues.
Other countries, such as America and those that make up the EU, are successful mainly because their population is educated and they have universal literacy. The same is the case with Japan, which has few natural resources but a highly educated population and skilled workforce. Pakistan’s literacy rate — and that, too, according to the government’s (perhaps, exaggerated) figure is a mere 57 per cent. Education is a social instrument through which we can change our lives for the better.
Pakistan is rich in minerals and natural resources that are waiting to be harnessed for the betterment of our nation. The Thar Desert has such a large coal reserve that if used properly, Pakistan can produce enough electricity to ensure that there will be no more load-shedding for the next 40 years. Through education, people can become aware of the natural resources that Pakistan possesses and this can lead to their effective utilisation.
According to the World Bank, a third of Pakistan’s population lives on an income that amounts to just a dollar a day. Education can reduce poverty and social injustice by providing these people with the opportunity to learn skills and compete for better-paying jobs. And through that, not only will they enrich themselves, they will also add to the economy’s human resource base. Education not only gives us knowledge of the world around us, it also provides us a well-rounded personality and a balanced perspective on life. And here I am referring to not just lessons from textbooks but lessons that one can use in life. Education also helps us in exercising the correct kind of behaviour, thus making us civilised. It is the basis of culture and civilisation. It helps us develop our own internal system of ethics and moral integrity. It ensures that we become mature individuals capable of planning for our future and taking the right decisions in life. An educated nation can help lead the country forward, while adhering and fostering principles of equality.
Education also helps wipe out superstitions and prejudices. It helps create a clear picture of everything around us and we no longer remain in confusion. Perhaps, most importantly, education helps us to question things and analyse what we see and hear.
Sameer Shehzad Salim
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2013.
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