DIL News 2008 - Summer

Top Student Inspires Others to Educate Girls

Dilshad first caught our attention when she topped her 10th grade class in the annual examination. When we heard her entire story, though, we were inspired by her determination and perseverance.
Dilshad was the ninth of ten children born to a poor Memon family in Razal Memon in the district of Khaipur, Sindh. She attended DIL IRC Model School until the 8th grade. Although she was an outstanding student and wanted to continue her education, her family’s poverty and her mother’s illness nearly kept her from doing so. After her mother was paralyzed, Dilshad’s family members decided that she would have to drop out of school to help care for her family.

Highly motivated, Dilshad had planned on finishing high school and attending college. She set out to convince her family to let her stay in school. Dilshad applied to DIL’s Beyond Middle School Program. This program assists graduates from DIL’s IRC middle schools to succeed at government high school by providing funds for registration fees, exam fees, books, notebooks, and transportation costs. The program also provides students with tutors to supplement the government education so students will have a greater opportunity to succeed. Dilshad promised her family that she would assist her sisters with the housework after coming home from school. After a long discussion, her parents agreed and let her continue her education and she was accepted at the Government Girls High School in Sobhodero.

Dilshad now wakes up early in the morning and prepares breakfast for her family before getting ready for school. When she returns home, Dilshad once again assist with the housework. After she completes her homework, Dilshad helps her family financially by earning money with her sewing and embroidery skills. And through it all, Dilshad has excelled in her education. Through her hard work and assistance from DIL, Dilshad scored 1st division on this year’s Sindh Board Matriculation Exam.

In fact, 58% of the graduates of IRC’s Beyond Middle School Program scored 1st division on their exams. This is 12% increase from the previous year and confirms the success of the program.
Dilshad knows that she has been given an extraordinary opportunity and she wants to give back in return. Dilshad plans on becoming a doctor and serving her community. Dilshad is also committed to women’s rights in her community. She understands that education is the path to these rights so she takes time to motivate other families to educate their daughters.
With her positive attitude and desire to learn, the future is bright for Dilshad.

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