ISLAMABAD: A storytelling and literary event was held for marginalised children at Mashal Model School in Bari Imam.

The students presented dramatic renditions of Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee’s acclaimed short stories, such as ‘From Bad to Good’ and ‘The Honest Taxi Driver’.

Despite limited resources, using carts as props, lacking proper uniforms, school shoes, and having very little knowledge of the English language, the students showcased stories with grace. Lacking access to formal education, many of these children are forced into child labour, where they face the constant risk of falling into drug abuse and violence. In this context, Mashal Model School offers free education to help them escape such vulnerabilities and gain access to at least a basic education.

The school’s director and principal, Zeba Husain said she has been running Mashal Model School for the past 18 years. It now has three branches, in the slums of H-9, Bari Imam, Muslim Colony, Islamabad, and Skardu, serving around 900 underprivileged and marginalised out-of-school children aged 3 to 21.

She stated that they follow two curricula in the school, one from the government’s National Book Foundation and another from JICA.

“Children go through all kinds of problems, so the best thing was a holistic approach. We are giving them non-formal education, which is JICA curriculum,” she said.

Ms Husain further emphasised that graduates from various universities in Islamabad volunteer to teach at Mashal School, helping sustain the initiative and ease the financial burden on the trust. “Our monthly expenses exceed Rs1.5 million, including rent, electricity, and other operational costs. Hiring teachers in a city like Islamabad is expensive, so volunteers are a tremendous support,” she added.

It’s noteworthy to mention that nearly 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school—the highest number in the world. According to Unicef, about 40 per cent are aged 5-16 are not enrolled in school and girls in rural areas are most affected.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025