Adil Najam
A friend who is very active in the Human Development Foundation (HDF) asked me to carry the fund-raising appeal that we have carried in our side-columns for nearly a month. Although these funds are not being raised directly by ATP, I do believe that this is a good cause and would urge those who can to please contribute, in whatever amount you can.
This was not my intent when we first used this widget, and it certainly was not HDF’s, but events in this last month have highlighted just how important schools and education is. Let us all stand with those who build schools, and against those who destroy them.
There are those who are shaken by the constant focus we have kept over the last few days on what the Taliban elements are doing in Swat to schools, and in killing Pakistanis and Muslims. As proud Pakistanis, we must stand vigilant and speak out against that which brings disrepute to and threatens our country, just as we take joy in that which brings us pride.
The bad news is that this is really bad news and very seriously bad news and it is now consistent and constant. We highlight it because the majority of Pakistan is not like this and because we all must make sure that the majority of Pakistan never becomes like this. The good news is that there are far more people and institutions in Pakistan building education and schools (just a few examples covered in ATP here, here, here, here) than there are destroying schools. Let us all please make sure that it always remains so. In fact, we must make sure that no schools are destroyed ever, anywhere.
To learn more about HDF, please see this wonderful PBS documentary. Note, especially, the introductory lines. Makes you think about what a few good (or bad) deeds can do to how the world views you:
So, to repeat myself, I believe this is a good cause and would urge those who can to please contribute. Obviously there is no dearth of good causes, and I would urge you to contribute and help any and all of them. If not the HDF, help out any other group that you know better and is doing good work, especially in education. But, please, do whatever you can for the education of Pakistan’s young. For the sake of all our futures.
P.S. I actaully know that many of our readers are major contributors to the HDF and to many many other good causes, but also that giving over the internet is a new a mysterious enterprise to some. However, having studied philanthropy, especially by Pakistanis, I also know that the habit of giving, even in small amounts, makes a huge positive difference to causes as well as to those giving themselves.
I must say, I am quite moved by the nice gesture from two of your regular Indian commenters. Gorki is right that education is a universal right, but ultimately humanity is universal. I am thankful for their contributing to a good cause, but the thought of universal humanity is even more important than any contribution. As I said, I am quite moved by this gesture.
Education is a universal right of children everywhere, regardless of nationality or religion, so keep up the good work HDF and Dr. Najam.
Made a small contribution in the name of two of my friends who are regular visitors to the ATP.
Thanks for the opportunity.
I would like to thank you and all the readers – today HDF and organizations like it certainly need the money but they also need the kandhey of as many people as possible. Give money if you can, people, but if you cannot, then time and your mind are also valuable and you can give those as well. All are needed and all are valued. Thank you.
I just did my small part. Thanks for the opportunity.
I am very glad to see that people ate actually contributing to this. Although I had expected even more. I guess that some of us are just students and cannot afford too much, but as peope have said every little but counts, so my thing is let’s give whatever little we can than nothing.