Years ago, I was fortunate enough to hear Dr Adib Rizvi,s presentation on SIUT, the hospital that
he himself helped form. He mentioned that the motto he lived by and which was so crucial to the
success of this world famous kidney centre was none other than, “ Free with dignity”. I have to
admit, I was pretty skeptic about it. True, i was impressed by the presentation but given the rhetoric
that we Pakistanis are used to, we have grown so bitter that it is hard for us to believe that there still
are those who are dignified, sincere and caring enough. This comes to my mind now because any
skepticism that I ever had has been shattered ever since I visited the summer school program at
Sindhi Gizri Govt. School organized by Nixor's own entity, Taleem Sab Ke Liye!
Chaired by CEO, Rehan Rehman, the executive team of Taleem has put in a lot of effort to make
sure this institution is run as professionally as any other. Teachers arrive at 9:00 am sharp, by which
time, all the kids are assembled in the court yard for the morning announcements at the end of
which their voices join into a chorus of the National Anthem. Unlike the solemn affairs that
morning assemblies usually are the one I witnessed was full of exuberance and enthusiasm with
some of the eager kids constantly poking their heads away from their lines only to wave “Good
Morning” at their teachers!
Currently, there are about 125 children, all taught the maths, science, english and arts (free of all
charges)by Nixor students who have volunteered as teachers. Almost all the kids love maths while
some mentioned both english and science as their favourite subjects.
However studies are not the only thing these children are being grilled with...after all it is summer!
Several fun events are being planned by teachers and executive team of Taleem, including a science
fair, debate competition, math quiz and spelling bee! I was fortunate enough to have gone at a time
when they were preparing for that. In almost every class, the scene was the same: kids huddled up
in groups discussing projects they could make on solar system or marine life. Interestingly, one
group was having a fairly heated discussion on whether an alien should have 3 fingers or 6!
According to Rehan, organization and execution had been kind of tough at first what with
assembling kids into different levels depending on how much they knew and their IQ. He
comments, “We were very daunted at first...only 5 to 10 kids registered for it...then we went door to
door spread awareness about our program...finally one day...so many started showing up...that was
truly amazing for us..the first day was better than expected even though we had a lot to
organize...but thanks to my team, we managed it”
Currently there are three levels divided into two sections, A and B. Rabia Kamal, head teacher for
maths remarks, “When I stepped in, it was a completely new experience for me.there was a lot of
organization to be done...but we managed it soon...when it comes to the experience I dont think
enough can be said....its someting that everyone should do at least once”. She further says, “ I love
teaching...its amazing how much talent these kids possess and how a little bit of help can take them
a long way!” As for the talent part, I was a witness to that myself, having sat through the debate
practice, science fair discussions and especially the art room!
The scenario that I just painted perhaps may be present in all schools but there is one aspect that I
am sure is rarely seen: it was the dedication of the teachers as they walked along the kids to class,
in the bright-eyed eagerness of the little ones, in the way some of them raced each other in the math
class to solve the sums on the board, in their cute reluctance to file for the last assembly of the day
before school ends and finally the smile that dawns in their faces perhaps with an internal
realization that life has so much to offer them.
Rehan talks about this aspect when he says, “The smallest things in life can make you
happiest...when you see children playing and fooling around in all innocence. It is one of the most
fulfilling things in life” He further adds, “We also try to foster leadership skills in them...singing the
National Anthem every day is part of it...along with that we always remind them about honesty ,
integrity, respect and discipline, all of which are Nixor's core values”
I just when there for a few hours but the experience was enough for me to want to come back and
volunteer for some of the events and hopefully as a teacher later in the month. I dont think that any
amount of writing skills anyone has can ever do justice to this cause. All I can say is, “ COME
ONE! COME ALL! BE A PART OF TALEEM SAB KE LIYE!”
Butool Hisam
Teaching volunteer, Taleem Sab Kay Liye