I used to live in Pirwadhai with my elder brother, sister and mother. My father passed away when I was born and my sister is now married. My father was a daily wage labourer in a local factory and when he was alive, my brother went to school as well. When my father died, it became hard for the family to pay the rent and pay for other expenses.

My brother then gave up his studies and started working in various shops as a helper. My mother started sewing clothes for the women in the area, but it was still hard for them to make ends meet.

When I grew up, my brother and mother were determined to get me a formal education. But, my mother fell ill and was diagnosed with hepatitis C and she could not earn anymore, which meant my brother was the sole bread winner.

My mother and brother then came to know about the Anjuman-i-Faizul Islam in Faizabad, where they enrolled me and I have been lived in a hostel since.

They give me food and clothing and teach me. I have been here for three years and I am in class two now. I go home every two or three months and I miss my family and home very much.

When I am done with my education, I will become an engineer and buy a house for my mother and brother where we will all live together.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2017