Awatif
Pakistan
Awatif had big dreams of attending school. Unfortunately, her parents couldn’t afford education past primary school, so they decided to do what many rural families do -- get her married. But Awatif had heard about a Bedari scholarship program that was supported by Girls Education International. The program was intended for girls who had completed primary school in Awatif's village. She applied for the program and was accepted.
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But Awatif had to convince her parents to delay her planned marriage so that she could continue her education. With the help of a Bedari volunteer, Awatif discussed the problem with the elders in her village, who then talked to her parents about canceling the marriage. Her parents agreed, and Awatif returned to school in a few weeks.
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She finished her secondary exam and asked Bedari if they would support her for two more years so she could get her higher secondary certificate. She finished her higher secondary education, but Bedari was unable to support her beyond that.
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However, Awatif wanted to keep going and to surmount any obstacles. She had also gained many supporters along the way. Her family saw how dedicated she was to her education, and so they discussed ways they could continue to help her. Awatif's largest expense was the daily travel from her home to the college in a nearby village. Since Bedari had been paying for her transportation before, this was a problem.
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Awatif’s grandmother decided to help. She lived in the same town as the college that Awatif wanted to attend. The grandmother offered to let Awatif live with her so she wouldn’t have to pay for transportation. Awatif gladly accepted and went to live with her grandmother. Her uncle helped by giving her books to use for school. From then on, she walked to her college and visited her parents on weekends.
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In two years, Awatif graduated from college.
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Shortly after, a NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) was looking for a teacher at an adult literacy center in a nearby village. They hired Awatif right away. She has now completed her training and empowers others in her community to pursue their dreams and goals.
Story courtesy of Girls Education International, an organization dedicated to supporting education for girls and women in underdeveloped areas of the world.