The beginning : A little girl dreams a big dream
Humaira teaching in the school.
As a 1st grader, Humaira and her sister were the only ones from their slum settlement in Karachi to go to school while all their friends
played in the streets. Humaira used to think school might be a punishment. She
soon came to see that she was the lucky one and her friends the ones missing
out. She remained troubled by this until, still only aged 12, Humaira had a
brainwave on how to redress this injustice: she would teach children at home
the lessons she herself learnt in class.
She had the full support of her mother, Zainab Bibi, who endured social boycotts, verbal and physical abuse to make sure her daughters got an education. Enabling them to break the cycle of disempowerment she herself has suffered. Backed by her mother, Humaira overcame resistance from her father and brothers at home, as well as the conservative attitudes and reluctance of community members.
She had the full support of her mother, Zainab Bibi, who endured social boycotts, verbal and physical abuse to make sure her daughters got an education. Enabling them to break the cycle of disempowerment she herself has suffered. Backed by her mother, Humaira overcame resistance from her father and brothers at home, as well as the conservative attitudes and reluctance of community members.
Humaira and some of the young teachers on a day trip.
A born leader, Humaira soon persuaded other classmates and juniors at school to join in. However, the little girls hit a hurdle, when, using every available space including the kitchen floor, the family’s modest home could not accommodate any more children. Humaira was on the verge of giving up when her work came to the notice of an organization running street schools in the adjacent and equally poor neighborhood of Lyari. When ARM Youth Welfare Society visited, they were stunned by the amazing commitment and achievements of these “mere children”. Impressed, ARM arranged support from the Rotary Club of Karachi.
With the financial assistance from the Rotary Club, Humaira - by then 15 years old - was able to move the classes from her family home to the building that is now Dream Model Street School.
Realizing needs of under privileged people, Humaira started her crucial journey by establishing Dream Foundation Trust which has been working on the basic needs of people, realizing them to be independent through various of its projects with an extraordinary and spectacular team of Humaira Bachal.
With the financial assistance from the Rotary Club, Humaira - by then 15 years old - was able to move the classes from her family home to the building that is now Dream Model Street School.
Realizing needs of under privileged people, Humaira started her crucial journey by establishing Dream Foundation Trust which has been working on the basic needs of people, realizing them to be independent through various of its projects with an extraordinary and spectacular team of Humaira Bachal.
