By Jahanara Shiraz | Manager, Academics (Non-formal Education)
Muskan is a 12-year-old girl working in an emboridery shop where she earns $12 a month to support her father, who makes $120 as a labourer. She is studying at Zindagi Trust's Walton Road School in Lahore. The school is part of the Paid to Learn non-formal education program which brings working children from urban slums up to speed with primary education.
On her very first day at our school, Muskan realized that there were just as many girls as boys in every class, an observation which would go on to shape her career goals. Speaking to her teacher here about wanting to become a lawyer, she says education is the right of every child but in our society boys get preference over girls.
"On my father's side of the family, I see this discrimination. The boys get to go to school and the girls are given the responsiblity of taking care of their home and their siblings."
She convinced her paternal aunts and uncles to send all their children to school and thanks to her persistence and passion, four of her girl cousins are now studying in the same school as she is. We are so delighted to have this bright young education activist among us and hope you will continue to support our cause and help us educate more working children across Pakistan.
Muskan is a keen student, always regular and always on time. Her academic performance score so far is 87%, rated as Very Good. After finishing with work and school for the day, she tutors her siblings and cousins every evening. She is also enthusiastic about sports, having recently bagged the 2nd position in the one-legged race and the spoon race at her school's Sports Day. Once a week, she also puts up a dramatic performance at home with her cousins, where she always plays the role of a lawyer.
realizes the need to raise a voice against the injustice happening in our society and also that doing so is only possible if you are aware of your rights. She thanks you for your support in educating children like her and hopes you will encourage your friends to make a donation too!
Speaking with a wisdom not common in children her age, she realises the need to raise a voice against the injustice happening in our society and also that doing so is only possible if you are aware of your rights. She thanks you for your support in educating children like her and hopes you will encourage your friends to make a donation too!
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