Empowering Generations: A Mother-Daughter Journey to Education in Pakistan

In the heart of Dera Ghazi Khan, a vibrant classroom serves as a testament to the power of education and community support. Salma Qadeer and her 12-year-old daughter Muqadas Zahra share not just familial ties but also a common goal: to reclaim their right to education. Thanks to the support of the Education Cannot Wait initiative and UNICEF, they are rekindling their dreams in a safe and encouraging environment.

Overcoming Educational Barriers

After facing the devastating impact of floods that ravaged their village, Muqadas found herself out of school for nearly a year. For her, returning to the classroom was not just about academics; it was about hope and a future. “I lost hope after finishing fifth grade as there were no schools available for girls beyond that level. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to the city either for further education,” she reflects. Meanwhile, Salma also had to abandon her schooling after fifth grade due to lack of opportunities, which only compounded the challenges mothers and daughters face in their community.

In Pakistan, challenges like early marriage often limit educational opportunities for girls. “After completing my fifth grade, my parents married me off,” Salma reveals, mirroring the harsh reality many young women confront.

Creating Learning Opportunities

However, things began to shift with the establishment of Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) centers aimed specifically at addressing educational gaps exacerbated by the recent floods. These centers provide flexible learning that accommodates young women and mothers, creating a previously unimagined opportunity for Salma and Muqadas.

When the ALP center was first introduced, it operated in Salma's home, allowing girls from the village to congregate and learn. Watching the young girls find solace in education stirred a longing in Salma to pursue knowledge herself. Inspired and supported by her family, she expressed her desire to embark on this educational journey alongside Muqadas, breaking traditional norms and expectations placed on women. “I never thought I would return to school, but seeing those girls eager to learn rekindled my hopes,” she stated.

The Classroom Experience

In the new learning environment, Muqadas and Salma explore subjects like math, Urdu, and English together, fostering a unique bond that allows them to learn collaboratively. As they tackle assignments, Muqadas often helps her mother, and their classroom experience allows both to not only study but also form friendships and enjoy their time together. “I feel safe and happy here. The teachers are friendly and they support us with our lessons while also creating a fun atmosphere to learn,” Muqadas said.

Salma feels equally empowered, stating, “I also realize the importance of education not just for myself, but for the other women and girls in our village. We need more centers like ALP.” Her strong determination embodies the aspirations of many women looking to redefine their futures through education.

Hope in Tragedy

The floods of 2022 impacted millions, causing not just material losses but also impacting the educational framework across the nation. With over 30,000 schools damaged, initiatives like the ALP centers have become crucial in restoring hopes and futures for those affected. The program allows girls and women to complete their education within months, transforming lives one lesson at a time.

With continued support from Education Cannot Wait, these centers offer more than just a place to learn; they instill hope in communities shattered by disaster. “If this center hadn’t opened, I would have lost my chance at an education,” Muqadas stated, emphasizing the life-changing potential of such initiatives.

Investing in the Future

The story of Salma and Muqadas is a beacon of resilience and hope. Their journey exemplifies the critical nature of investing in girls' education as both a right and a path toward breaking cycles of poverty in communities. Education grants girls and women the ability to shape their futures and contribute positively to their families and society.

As Salma envisions a new path for her daughters, she insists, “I want my children to be educated, to rise above the limitations of our circumstances.” Through steadfast commitment and support from local and international organizations, hope continues to prevail in the face of adversity, giving rise to a new generation of empowered women ready to chase their dreams.

Through their collective efforts, Salma and Muqadas are setting a powerful precedent, one that emphasizes the importance and need for continued investment in girls’ education, for it is only with education that change can truly begin.