spent an additional two years at Montana
State University in Bozeman, Mont., to further her training.
After 2010, she returned to her home
in AJK to help support two dozen CAI
schools in the region, and be a leader and role
model for the next generation of hundreds of
girls continuing on with secondary and university education.
“My education was long and difficult,
and for many years I did not have a father
to help support me, but I never gave up. I
was very lucky to realize my dream to be
a leader and lawyer,” Fozia said by phone.
Beggar of Education
by Shogofa
I am beggar of education.
My hands strain to reach a book and pen.
My eyes look for peace,
My feet wait for a way to school.
I don’t want money or a comfortable life
I don’t want to give up, don’t want
to cry from disappointment and sorrow.
I am beggar of education. Help me.
I will fight against poverty and illiteracy
My gun will be a pen and book
Stop telling me, “No.”
Stop ignoring me, saying I can’t do it.
With an education I could build my
identity in this society.
Don’t tell me to turn back now.
I am halfway to my goal. Don’t make it
pointless.
With an education I could be more.
Don’t hate me, don’t beat me
Teach me a new word, teach me another
way.
Education is my one treasure,
my only power. Don’t take it from me.
With an education, I can have my life.
Help me.
20 | JOURNEY OF HOPE
Khalida Rahim and fellow Hunza Student Federation classmates visit Naltar Valley, in northern
Pakistan (2015).
“Now I want to share and give back what
I have received in education, and want every girl to have the gift of education, so
they have a voice. It will make her family,
community, and country stronger. It will
make them better. When girls know about
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