Ayesha’s Journey of Change
Embark on Ayesha’s journey of education through a series of illustrations beased on real-life scenarios.
Chapter 1: Change Came Knocking
Morning light filtered inside as Ayesha’s father pulled the door open for their visitor. A kind face beamed down at her. This was the first time Ayesha met Ms. Zeenat, a teacher at The Citizens Foundation (TCF) Campus; her visit was to encourage Ayesha’s parents to enrol their children at TCF. The more she talked of the school, the more Ayesha knew this was where she was supposed to be. She had often strolled past it, awed by the red-brick school building and expansive playgrounds, wondering what it was like from the inside.
Ayesha grew up in a village called Bhai Pheru, deep in the heart of rural Punjab. Set against the backdrop of rolling green plains, her piece of land, even through her little-girl eyes, seemed like it was picked up and removed from the rest of the world. Even then, she knew she wanted to cross Bhai Pheru’s boundaries and go out into the wide world.
Her father would move about in a donkey-led cart, finding employment as a labourer. While Ayesha’s mother, a stay-at-home wife, would pick up occasional house-cleaning jobs.
Ayesha knew she had to find a way to get into that TCF School. With few resources at her disposal, Ayesha’s only ally was hard work. She eventually passed the admissions test and would begin the new school year at TCF as a student in Grade 3. This set in motion Ayesha’s longstanding and richly rewarding relationship with TCF.
Chapter 2: The Call
The community in Bhai Pheru held strong notions about what a girl’s future should look like: early marriage, children, housework. These three things combined made for a respectable, acceptable woman in their community
Ayesha, however, had ideas of her own. Her mother would time and again tell her “I don’t want your life to be like my life, I want you to go out in the world and stand on your own two feet.” Ayesha took her mother’s advice to heart and decided that come what may, she would be the captain of her own ship.
Her years at TCF flew past. Her teachers and principals helped Ayesha grow and learn; believing in her potential, they encouraged her to apply to multiple universities once she left.
There was only one phone in her family. When the admissions for universities opened Ayesha used that family phone to send in her applications.
Every time the phone rang, and it rang many times during the day, Ayesha’s heart would skip a beat. So, when the call from LUMS came, Ayesha was sitting with her parents and siblings
“I got accepted at one of the best universities in Pakistan” she whispered.
Her family suddenly burst into cries of joy!
“You have made us very proud today!” her father told her. Her mother hugged her and cried. Her family’s response gave her heart, she had expected resistance, even from her loving parents but they were as overcome by joy as she was.
“But Chaudhary Sahab will never let her go.” came her brother’s voice amidst the celebration.
Chapter 3: The Chaudhary Sahab
Ayesha, accompanied by her father and grandfather, entered Chaudhary Sahab’s house post sunset. They found him sitting on a charpoy (bed), in the midst of a great expanse of tiled flooring. Ayesha stood behind her Nana (grandfather) who arranged this special meeting.
Aware that Chaudhary Sahab’s decision could determine her fate, Ayesha felt the weight of the moment. Overcoming her extended family’s resistance had demanded all her strength, and she feared Chaudhary Sahab’s rejection would shatter her spirit.
Ayesha’s father took the lead, presenting their case.
“No girl has ever stepped out of the boundary of this village for education. What makes you think she will?” Chaudhary Sahab asked her father.
In response, Ayesha’s father gestured for her to reveal the paper she clutched to her chest – her admission offer from LUMS.
“What guarantee do I have that your girl will uphold our traditions away from home?” Chaudhary Sahab pressed.
“Chaudhary Sahab, if my daughter falters, my life is yours,” Ayesha’s father solemnly replied.
Ayesha anxiously shuffled her feet, awaiting the verdict.
“She may go. This letter here is proof of her intelligence. I trust that her intelligence will only ever bring honour to this village,” he finally declared. Ayesha could hardly believe what she had just heard; it was finally happening! She was going to LUMS!
Stay tuned as we unfold Ayesha’s journey of determination and hard work through vibrant illustrations.
Chapter 4: A Dream Fulfilled
Ayesha faces a hall filled with people, her presentation unfolding just as planned. A triumphant smile lights up her face as she gracefully makes her way back to her seat. Amid the initial challenging months, Ayesha is gradually discovering a sense of belonging at LUMS.
Empowered and clear-headed, Ayesha firmly believes in the attainability of all her dreams through hard work, determination, and, above all, a profound belief in herself and the transformative power of education.
“A business of my own feels like the best way to move forward. Making decisions on my terms, choosing my own hours – all of this feels essential. With a passion for fashion, I envision designing clothes for women,” Ayesha enthusiastically discusses her career aspirations.
Ayesha, the trailblazer from her village, was the first girl to pursue a degree. Her resilience has ignited a spark in other girls, inspiring them to pursue their own educational dreams.
“The doors to education were once closed to the girls in my village. Witnessing this transformation is incredible; so many girls are now passing through those doors. Through education, a positive change has genuinely taken root in our small community.”
In her final semester at LUMS, Ayesha gazes into the future, a life brimming with possibilities. Her journey becomes a symbol of resilience, highlighting the enduring impact of empowerment through education.
On this International Day of Education, we invite you to stand with us in supporting girls like Ayesha who harbour dreams of accessing quality education. Together, let’s make these dreams a reality.