“Education is Light”

Abdul Qayyum is one of our staff members overseeing the Rural Village schools.  His testimony is powerful, and encourages us to continue fighting for an education among the Gujjars.

I am Abdul Qayyum and have been working for Shining Light for the last nine years.  I am also a father of three children, one daughter and two sons.  Today I am lucky enough to be part of Shining Light and this wonderful work.  I have never thought that someone will come and uplift the poor Gujjars who have been highly neglected by the government of Pakistan.  Nine years ago, we had no idea about the importance of education and never knew that education is light and more than food.  Today my own son goes to school and it’s a great honor for me to see my son carrying a bag full of books.  He goes to school and comes back with a great smile saying, ‘Papa, I have learned ABC’s and we are learning one, two three…’ I am hoping that my son is so talented and one day he will become a doctor and serve the community.  I have seen a big change in the community, they were saying that reading English is sin and those people who will read and write English will go to hell.  This was the condition of my community, but today it’s not the same, and everyone wanted to send their kids to school.  Thanks you Shining Light for your help, and God bless you