Stories of Success
A Story of Resilience
Nida Ishaq
Nida is a graduate of DIL Madina Colony School. Her father was addicted to drugs and used to beat his wife and daughters. Since Nida was keen to study and had dreamt of becoming a doctor since childhood, her mother decided to send her to school while her father was out of the house. The moment her father discovered she was attending school, he beat her. And one day, he hastily arranged her marriage to an uneducated boy for money. Nida resisted, so the beatings became more and more frequent. Yet she never lost hope. After gracefully overcoming these obstacles with the help of her mother, sisters, and DIL teachers, Nida finally tasted success. She has now been working at a prestigious civil hospital for the last 3 years as a physician. Incredibly, she has cured her once broken father of his drug addiction. Today, he assists his daughter at her private clinic in the evenings, proud to be the father of Dr. Nida Ishaq.
A Story of Becoming
Daksh Lal
When you meet 13-year-old DIL student Daksh Lal, his infectious smile masks the fear and dread of not knowing whether his family will eat the next day. He’s seen the hardship his father, a day laborer, faces trying to earn their daily bread, making but $70 a month for a family of six. Daksh Lal himself works weekends at a local shop making a meager $1.60 a month, all of which he hands to his father. He knows the only path to a secure, salaried position is a strong education. “I wanted to go to the best school in my neighborhood, but when I learned it was 20 km from my house, I asked the principal for help paying for transport. I was thrilled when DIL offered to pay for my fare! And I promised then I’d make her and DIL proud.” Word has it that Daksh Lal hasn’t disappointed.
Saba's Journey
Meet Saba, a shining star from DIL School M.M. Katohar Khairpur Sindh who proved that determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles! Diagnosed with TB in Grade 4, Saba’s journey was put to the test. But she refused to let her condition define her. Despite being unable to walk or attend school, Saba’s spirit remained unbroken. The dedicated staff at DIL M.M Katohar school went above and beyond to ensure she didn’t miss a beat! TEAL, a Technology Enabled Academic Learning program introduced by DIL to ensure holistic and inclusive learning helped Saba keep up with her daily lessons. The TEAL program helped bridge the distance between Saba and her education. Today Saba’s perseverance and her teachers commitment have paid off. She’s back in school, stronger and more resilient than ever! “When you have courage, you can conquer the world through education.”Saba’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the impact of dedicated teaching.
A Story of Taking Wing
In the midst of a global plague that threatens to jeopardize children’s education comes a uniquely inspiring TEDx talk. In “Fly, I Must,” Afreen Mushtaq, a DIL graduate, explains how she nurtured her dreams in a world full of obstacles and challenges. Afreen’s journey took her from one of the world’s largest slums to the prestigious Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi.
In the throes of Covid-19, which has imperiled the state of children’s education across the globe, comes a uniquely inspiring TEDx talk. In “Fly, I Must,” Afreen Mushtaq, a DIL graduate, shares her story of taking wing.
