Posted to Sister Zeph’s Journal
By Sister Zeph
On 11 December, 2013
By Zephaniah
Qadar is currently in the 8th grade; she is a remarkable young girl who possesses both beauty and intelligence. However, during the December tests, she did not perform well. For many years, I have been aware that her mother is battling cancer, and it’s only natural that Qadar carries a heavy emotional burden as a result. Nevertheless, she has consistently remained dedicated to her studies, and I admire her for this unwavering commitment.
Recently, though, I noticed that her focus was waning. Concerned for her well-being and eager to help, I decided to reach out to her last week to inquire about the reasons behind her distraction. As she started to cry, she confided that her mother had requested her to offer tuition to earn some money for their household. Her father works as a driver and, despite his tireless efforts, struggles to meet the family’s financial needs.
At just 14 years old and in the 8th grade, it’s a tremendous responsibility for her to tutor other children. Not only does she feel inadequately prepared to impart knowledge to others, but it also leaves her with very little time for her own studies. It’s essential for her to enjoy her teenage years, and no one should deprive her of this fundamental right.
Meanwhile, her ailing mother’s inability to work further compounds their difficulties. The family faces scarcity, and every aspect of their lives is a struggle.
Following my conversation with Qadar, numerous questions weighed on my mind, and I was determined to find a solution to secure her future and the education of the children she intended to tutor. So, I devised a plan. With just $10, I purchased some candies, cookies, chocolates, and popcorn for her. I instructed her to sell these snacks during school break times and to keep all the profits for herself. However, I emphasized the importance of telling her classmates that she would contribute all of her earnings to me on a daily basis rather than retaining it in her own pocket. Maintaining her self-respect was paramount, and I didn’t want her peers to ridicule her once they learned she was selling items to earn money.
Thanks to this plan, Qadar is now content and earns $1 per day. While it may not be sufficient, at least she doesn’t have to sacrifice her studies to make ends meet. It cost me a mere $1, and I was able to make a significant difference in her life. Sometimes, bringing happiness into the lives of others requires very little from us.