By Tanvir Salim,
The original idea of the Coaching/Guidance Center was the brain child of Aligarh Alumni Association of Washington, DC (AAAWDC). Ashfaq Husain Ansari Memorial Society took the initiative to make it happen.
It was not easy. Contrary to the common belief, the response from the community was lukewarm and disappointing. In spite of the banners and posters, there were few takers. It took us some time to realize that we were trying to sell a product at a place which was full of hopelessness. It was difficult to change the mindset of the community overnight, because nobody believed that they can use the education as a tool to change their destiny.
The venue was later changed to Lincoln Public School in Wazirabad
They were not wrong. The dropout rate in the poor localities is soaring. Nobody is becoming Engineer or Doctor by attending the local school. Sooner or later they will end their education because of the peer pressure. They have no role models. Most of the people they know are either a hawker, or a rickshaw puller or a day labor. There are some who are employed, but none of them are in a position where they can make a difference in other’s lives.
Yes, the condition out there is pathetic. There is hopelessness all around the place. Their dwellings are crowded; too many siblings are competing for the food and space. The parents are busy in their own little worlds. They are too busy to see how “smack” has infiltrated their neighborhood, and how the younger generation is getting addicted to the “desi” liquor.
In spite of publicity, the initial response was lukewarm.
It took great effort to convince them about the benefits of the education. The reluctant ones and the shy ones also started showing up for the classes once the date was announced. We found girls to be more interested than the boys.
Our main thrust was on getting good quality instructors. Initially, the instructors as well as the students were confused. They were not sure as to how long this “free” coaching is going to last. Some thought that after the initial “honeymoon” period, we will start charging, and at that time they will not have the option to go elsewhere, because by that time all other coaching classes will be sold out.
Some of the contributors
At present we are focusing on the foundation courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The level of instruction is of Intermediate level. This way the students will get prepared for their Intermediate Board Exams, along with engineering and medical entrance exams.
Group photographs taken on the Teacher’s Day
On a good day there are 20-30 students, who get quality education in each subject. They say that they eagerly look forward to coming to coaching every day. Because they want to come to the coaching every day of the week, I am finding it difficult to identify the “off” day for them. They tell me that since they don’t learn anything in the school, they are counting on this coaching to gain knowledge. I am hopeful, but disheartened. Disheartened, because I see a bunch of students who want more, but due to my limitations, I am not able to give them the “extra”, which they are asking for. I will urge all to come forward and take the extra step. This way we can walk the talk.
And last but not the least; we will be starting the classes for the Banking, Insurance, and civil services competition soon.