A Young Girl's Education Journey in the Desert Region of Sindh in Pakistan
2023 has arrived, and yet many girls are stripped of the basic human right to get quality education.
I have seen many girls who don't go out anywhere and are only told to do chores around the house and cook meals. They can't fight for their dreams. They don't even know that they can dream.
- Pushpa Khaitaram
The words might seem too heavy to be coming from a child's mouth. However, they hit the nail on the head on many levels. A local organization's research shows that out of around 60 public schools in the Tharparkar district of Sindh province in Pakistan, only seven schools are open for girls.
Pushpa is the first person from her family to complete matriculation (high school). She had her father's support. However, things started to change after his sudden demise. Pushpa's uncle was not on board with Pushpa going to school. He believed there was no need for education as Pushpa won't even work after her marriage.
However, after seeing Pushpa doing well and her teachers complimenting her, she was finally allowed to continue her studies. She walks 2 km to go to Malanhor Vena High School, a co-ed school.
Malanhor Vena school was once a boy's school. However, a local teacher turned this facility into a co-ed school back in 2012. He had enrolled his daughter Darshana in the school. Sadly, Darshana passed away due to a snake bite. This prompted the teacher to educate the other girls in the area.
Today the school has around 100 girls studying with around 300 boys.
Pushpa aspires to be the first female doctor in her family.
Watch the entire video to learn more.
