ISLAMABAD: Queen Elizabeth II has recognised Master Mohammad Ayub as the 54th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional voluntary service for improving education and opportunities for the young people in Islamabad.

As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in London, the queen is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each of the countries each week in the two years following the summit.

Mr Ayub is a fire fighter and for the last 30 years, he has been teaching children in a park in the federal capital for free.

He has faced many problems as well as the Capital Development Authority often thought he wanted to occupy park land but with time, everyone realised he wanted to educate the children.

He would also provide the children with stationary from his own pocket.

Mr Ayub’s school roll has grown to over 250 students, with lessons running free of charge from noon to sunset.

Children are taught a range of subjects including Urdu, English and Maths and many of the children have taken government accredited exams allowing them to go on to higher education, or secure higher-paid jobs.

Mr Ayub has now mobilised a team of volunteers to further support his teaching programmes and to help raise funds for a permanent school-building.

Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by the queen as head of the Commonwealth.

The award was presented to Mr Ayub by the Acting British High Commissioner, Richard Crowder.

After receiving the award, Mr Ayub said: “I am extremely honoured and thankful to the queen for this prestigious award.

This is a moment of utmost happiness for me and these children who sit on the ground and study.

“This school is for every Pakistani whether [they are] Muslim, Hindu, Christian or from any other religion, caste or creed.”

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2018