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  “RANRA” “Kindling the light of education” 

Ranra in Pashto refers to light. I always likened this shaft of light to knowledge. Around me ignorance

and illiteracy defined this light. The absence of light became the catalyst for light. On the outskirts of

Peshawar Abu Huraira is the town where I lived. It was named after a famous religious scholar known

for his keen memory and extensive knowledge; clearly my town never lived up to this reputation. There I

witnessed hammers and screwdrivers in hands that should have held pens, I saw trash bags on the

shoulders that should have borne schoolbags, I saw fruit carts being pushed by children who should be

pushing their future. Initially I blamed their parents, the government, the society, the system but all of

that dehumanized these young, innocent children. I thought they didn’t try hard enough, they were lazy;

I had my repertoire of arguments to justify their plight.

On August 10th

, 2011 something monumental happened. I went to America as part of an exchange

program. South Bend, Indiana was the antithesis of Abu Huraira in every sense of the word. I didn’t

realize I was internalizing the goodness of the American Dream to aim to high and soar higher. It was the

perfect catharsis that eliminated my pessimism and taught me to take responsibility. I remember

watching students in Penn High School immersed in books, spending hours in library; seeking and

striving for knowledge, comfort, escape and a new self-image in books. I came back with a revived

sense of social obligation, some Ranra of hope that convinced me no matter how small or insignificant I

had to play my part.

I realized what the children on the streets were missing was a chance; a chance that could tell them.

“Yes you can do it too!” Someone to tell them that they were better than working in a workshop or

working as a maid. I strove for the next year to rectify this fatalism that made them think that illiteracy is

their destiny. That they would always have to ask someone to read a doctor’s prescription, that they

wouldn’t be able to read the labels of the products they bought, that the words on a billboard, in a

newspaper, in a book meant nothing to them. That they would live and die without ever knowing

anything about these indecipherable slants and curves of Urdu and English.

My country, however beautiful, has the tendency to kill dreams. Yet it is also true that from the blood of

a thousand dreams, a new phoenix leaps in every age. Oftentimes I would think about the ways myambitions could fail. I would think now is not the time, maybe later when I am older, wiser, richer. But

my year in U.S. had taught me not the let go. I rallied for my cause, asked everyone I knew for help or

donations in setting up a learning center of these children.

It’s true that, “When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. 

Sher Dil, a Philanthropist from Abu Huraira town donated a two room building for this purpose and I

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began voraciously stacking it with the books I could find. I would stand by the door in the expectation

someone would come. They would eye me with suspicion. They entered. And they stayed.

I started off with normal reading and writing lessons for these children. The attendance was erratic and

my class was anything but uniform. Young, old all types of students came in. Some had left school in the

middle, others never started. Sometimes curiosity brought them in, sometimes the need for diversion,but they stayed. They stayed and it gave me hope to never give up no matter what.

I would not lie; doing the right thing is the hardest part. But there will be people to help you out. My

exchange alumni group from YES assisted me in the teaching the students on weekends. In an inane way

Tom and Jerry became a major motivator behind the teaching. I would cajole students by rewarding

them with a cartoon if they would read a short paragraph or practice their ABC’s. Ranra Learning Centre

is more about the children; it’s not like the controversial public schools known for forcing children to

study. I allow them to explore themes of art with a half empty paint bottle sometimes. They are also

taught about the importance of personal hygiene, the ways in which they can build their confidence,

how to use a computer and there are also sports sessions for physical fitness. Ranra is very progressive

because it allows girls alongside boys. It provides them with the equality of opportunity and learning

they cannot find at home. In addition there is also a Verbal English class in the evening for students from

10th

 grade above to improve their conservation and public speaking in English.

I have many candid memories from working in this learning centre; once during a street cleaning project

the kids were asked to draw what they learned from the project. Zain who is 6 addressed everyone,

“You guys can do whatever you like, but please keep this library clean. This is where I study and watch

cartoons!” In a way these kids keep me at my toes; I am not allowed to miss a day from ‘work’. They ring

the doorbell of my house if I am even a minute late! The importance of community service has dawned

on me through Ranra. The parents of these kids appreciate my efforts and they actively encourage their

kids to get a better future. They smile at me and greet me every time. It tells me that it was never their

fault; no parent would choose illiteracy for their child.

A while back I was at my lowest point regarding funding for Ranra; fortunately enough Youth Exchange

and Study coordinators helped me amass enough funds to get computers, white boards, carpet, school

bags and other supplies for the students. I intend to apply for other grants which would finance the

second phase of my project which would require the current students to engage in community service

activities in the vicinity of their household. Educational trips to the Peshawar Museum will also be

helpful in allowing these children to broaden their perspectives. I hope that my voice can reach some

schools and touch some hearts that would help rekindle this Ranra of knowledge in so many young

minds.