THE other day I was driving past Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine when I noticed a large number of children sitting and studying under a nearby bridge. It was such a pleasant sight. These street schools around the city have increased in numbers. There is one close to Sea View too.

Teachers volunteer to teach street children between 12 pm and 3 pm. It is our duty to get together and help these amazing individuals. Those who are willing to volunteer should go to one of the locations and discuss how they can contribute. The others should financially help out or better yet go ask them what they need in order for these schools to continue running.

We can collect stationary and books for the children. We could also help out by distributing water bottles and snacks. Summer has kicked in and the scorching heat is only going to get worse. There are so many ways in which we can be a part of this wonderful project. We need to encourage such steps being taken in our country. Educating our masses, especially our poor youth, is extremely important.

The joy on the faces of all the children that I saw is hard to explain in simple words. You need to go yourself and see it, experience it and be a part of changing the future of our youth.

One more thing. Those associated with this project should provide a cell number through a “Letter to the Editor” so that others who want to volunteer as teachers or in some other way can also contribute by contacting them.

M. Maaz Mehboob

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017