Honourable struggle: A safe place under duress

Master Ayub who provides free education to hundreds has failed to attract donations for a two-room shelter for pupils.

ISLAMABAD:

The story of Master Mohammad Ayub’s evening school is not a new one. The capital rings with appreciation for almost three decades old institution that has provided, and continues to provide, free education for hundreds of children.

And yet, despite the extensive media attention garnered, the school has failed to attract donations crucial for the construction of shelter for these students.

The legacy continues

The school, stretched over 5 marlas, can be reached via the F6 slums. The rocky, unbalanced passage of congested lanes leads right to Master Ayub’s doorstep.

“The first room was built seven years ago. Now there are three rooms, including a library. All this was built with raw material and with my students help,” he says proudly. “About five to ten of my students who are now grownups helped me in the construction.”

One such student is Farhat Abbas, who is fiercely determined to carry on the work of the school. Once a pupil at the school, he is now a teacher.

“My friends and I would walk miles to get water for the construction,” Farhat recalls with a smile on his face.

Master Ayub, too, remembers the effort. He cannot stop gushing about his students.

“From carrying bricks to painting walls, my pupils have always been the foundation of my success,” he says.

Where’s everyone now?

Over the twenty-eight years, newspapers, non-governmental organizations, and even members of the international press, have knocked on Master Ayub’s door. Yet, his plans to build two rooms for his students have seen no support.

“Many organizations even come and arrange events for the children, and the media is invited to cover these activities,” says Ayub. “However, they all make tall claims and leave. No one has offered to build, or assist in building, a two-room shelter for these kids.”

To realize his vision, Ayub has been cutting costs and saving from his own pocket to build the rooms in the slum area right across the school. He bought the land seven years ago and has slowly started the construction.

“For years, I have been dividing my salary into three – one share for myself, one for my household and then one for this school,” he says. “So far, I have spent Rs300,000 on just the single storey building of the school.”

No giving up

Today, the school serves as a safe place for many. There is a computer lab, a classroom, and the library holds over 600 books.

Today, the school has a total of 270 enrolled students, with thirty-five percent girls and sixty-five percent boys.

And yet, although the building was constructed primarily using strong bricks, there are some parts covered with steel sheets – rusted ones installed years ago.

“Most of the damage happens during the rainy season, as the sheets are not strong enough to hold the water,” says Ayub as he inspects cracks on the damaged roof. “The computer room was damaged, too, but luckily the computers are okay.”

But despite the difficulties, and despite the setbacks, there is no stopping this Master.

“I have started saving already to construct a stronger roof. I need Rs25, 000 to shelter this building and avoid further damage, and I will do it,” he says confidently. “As soon as my first floor is strong enough, I will build the second storey.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2013.