Journey of Hope 2017 journey-of-hope-2017 | Page 37

common health issues. With knowledge
comes the betterment of society.
EDUCATION WILL BRING POSITIVE
CHANGE
Imtiaz says many more people are placing
value on education, and they are ready to
send their children to school.
“The attitude of the people has
been changed toward education, social
development, and politics. Education
has advanced the awareness of people
regarding peace and coexistence,” he
told Saidullah.
Most of this change is credited to the
hope the community has for the next
generation. They believe education will
bring peace and stability for the future.
Imtiaz explains, “When there is an
advance in education, society will be
a place of peace and heaven. The next
generation will push each other to learn
FALL 2017
and grow, and there will be less crime
when people have jobs and there will
be industry.”
THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE
Education, especially for girls, is still a con-
flicted concept, and many in the communi-
ty struggle with changing their traditional
customs for something they can’t be sure of.
There is still work to be done to ensure every
child in Diamer has access to education.
Imtiaz is determined to change their
minds, “We raise our voice from every
platform for education, and we bring in all the
possible resources for female education. We
are developing consensus among students,
teachers, and religious ulema regarding
female education.”
During Ramadan supporters from around
the world gave zakat (obligatory payment
made under Islamic law on certain kinds of
property and used for charitable and religious
purposes) to help establish homeschools so
girls and young children have safe places to
learn in the village. He hopes that parents will
see the value of education, and eventually,
as they become more comfortable with the
idea, allow their children to attend regular
classes at a nearby school. With this in mind,
this spring CAI supporters helped raise
$6,000 to fix a run-down high school and
those repairs are expected to be complete
this fall. Saidullah hopes that graduates from
the homeschool program will funnel into the
high school once repairs are finished.
The words of Mufti Imtiaz Dareli show that
change is coming to this district. The shift
toward education in this conservative area is
a beacon of hope. It is proof that by listening,
collaborating, and having patience people
from different societies can work together
to create change. We can’t wait to bring you
more stories from the children of this region
who will finally have access to education. n
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