From Needle to Notebook: Nazia’s Path to Education and Dressmaking

Nazia Ishaq, at just 11, shoulders the burden of providing for her family while also attending school. Juggling school with stitching, she is supported by the Our Aim Foundation in Thar, sowing seeds of hope in the barren soil of hardship.

“My heart aches knowing my family struggles,” Ishaq confided. “But seeing Nazia’s determination gives me hope. I want her to have opportunities I never did.”

Life is never the same for everyone! Some children come into this world and life embraces them with open arms.

Nazia Ishaq’s life, however, was shrouded in difficulties from the moment she was born. There was no path to survival except hard work, so she did just that.

There was no path to survival in the harsh Desert of Thar except hard work, so she did just that.

Life in the Thar Desert of Sindh, Pakistan, is exceptionally challenging due to a harsh combination of environmental, economic, and social factors.

The arid climate and frequent droughts create severe water scarcity, impacting agriculture and leading to food shortages and malnutrition.

The region’s poverty is exacerbated by limited economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates.

Social challenges such as limited access to healthcare, poor educational facilities, and significant gender disparities further compound the difficulties faced by the residents.

Education, in particular, suffers greatly; schools are sparse and often poorly equipped, resulting in low literacy rates and limited future prospects for children.

Many children, especially girls, are unable to attend school regularly due to economic constraints and cultural norms.

Despite recent efforts to improve conditions through water projects, healthcare initiatives, and educational programs, the people of Thar continue to struggle with the daily realities of living in one of Pakistan’s most impoverished and resource-constrained areas.

Meet Nazia, an eleven-year-old girl from the village of Karangari in Tharparkar.

Despite many challenges, she is a source of inspiration for her family and community.

From a young age, Nazia knew the meaning of struggle. In regions where people cannot even dream of getting an education, she continued her studies with a determined spirit.

Nazia is a fifth-grade student at the government primary school in Karangari. Her journey, however, has been far from ordinary. Due to financial strain on her family, Nazia had to find a way to contribute.

With sheer determination, she managed to buy a sewing machine and slowly learned to sew.

What started as a necessity soon turned into a skill that would change her life. Nazia began working as a dressmaker for the villagers, balancing her studies and her newfound craft.

The credit for Nazia’s resilience and perseverance undoubtedly goes to her parents.

Her father, Ishaq, works as a cook in a house in Karachi. The recent inflation has made it increasingly difficult for him to manage the household expenses.

Despite his long hours and meager earnings, Ishaq always tried to give his daughter the best future possible. However, the household expenses demanded something more, so Nazia had to learn sewing.

“The pandemic took away even the little we had,” Nazia said. “But I knew I had to step up. My grandmother needs medicine, and my family needs food. I couldn’t let them down.”

The family’s situation worsened with the pandemic, which strained their already limited resources.

Nazia, with her sewing work, became a crucial support for her family during these trying times. The money she earns is helping her cover household expenses and, most importantly, the medical needs of her often-sick grandmother.

The family consists of her four sisters, two brothers, her mother Sameera, her father Ishaq, and her grandmother.

Ishaq’s salary was barely enough to meet their basic needs, let alone buy medicine for her grandmother.

Seeing her father’s struggle, Nazia stepped up to lighten the burden. Her mother, who knew embroidery, also began helping Nazia, developing a passion to support the family during these difficult times.

Continuing her studies with ongoing sewing work proved challenging for Nazia, her studies were affected due to the demands of work. However, the establishment of the Our Aim Foundation school in her village brought a new dawn of hope.

Nazia now attends school every day, along with one of her brothers and a sister.

The presence of this school has not only revived Nazia’s educational journey but also inspired other village girls to learn from her. Nazia’s home has become a hub of learning and support, with many girls coming to her to learn sewing and embroidery.

Nazia’s story, in particular, has shown that everyone has the potential to be independent and resilient.

Her journey from a struggling child to a young entrepreneur has been made possible through hard work, determination, and the support of Our Aim Foundation.

Nazia’s tale beautifully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of education and skill development.

Today, Nazia maintains a delicate equilibrium between her academic endeavors and her flourishing sewing venture.

Her story is not just about personal success but also about lifting her family and inspiring the community of Thar.

She is a living example of how resilience and determination can overcome the harshest of circumstances.

Nazia’s journey is far from over, and her future holds the promise of many more achievements. Her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate those around her for years to come.

Every day, girls face barriers to education such as poverty, cultural norms, poor infrastructure, and violence. At Our Aim Foundation, we are committed to overcoming these challenges, recognizing that girls’ education is essential for a brighter future and sustainable development of societies.

Join us in breaking barriers and building futures! Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of girls striving for education.

Donate today to Our Aim Foundation and empower girls to reach their full potential. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.