22/01/2023
βA Community Effort: The Story of Government Syed Muhammad Aslam Village Model High School Namli Syedanβ
By: Syed Ayaz Kazmi
In the remote village of Namli Syedan, 20km away from the city of Muzaffarabad, stood a school that was previously building-less, furniture-less, and had zero facilities. The school was held under open sky and the community had to face a lot of difficulties to provide education to their children.
As a lecturer of biology and zoology in various private colleges and academies of Muzaffarabad, I understood the importance of education in the rural areas and knew something needed to be done to address this issue. With the support of the local villagers, my private students and their families, my friends, my teachers from the university, Ilm-o-Adab foundation, and the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, I set out to bring a school to the community.
The journey was not easy, but with the support of all the people, we were able to construct a beautiful building for the school and provide all the necessary facilities for all the classes from play group to 10th standard. The facilities include computer laboratory, large scaled central library, electricity, water plant for drinking, washrooms for girls, boys and the staff, clerk office, staff room, principal office, internet facility for the students whenever they required, partial biology lab, and best class rooms for both winter and summer environment.
The school was initially named "Government Boys High School Namli Syedan" but after the request of one of the donors, who was the daughter of Advocate Late Syed Muhammad Aslam, the school name was changed to "Syed Muhammad Aslam High School Namli Syedan." However, during the school's inauguration ceremony, the District Education Officer of Muzaffarabad, "Mr. Tariq Shafi" announced that the school would be declared a Village Model School. In recognition of this status, the school's name was officially requested to change as "Government Syed Muhammad Aslam Village Model High School Namli Syedan."
I am honored to have served as the headmaster of the school since my appointment on 1st Feb 2020, by the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir through the selection under Public Service Commission. The impact of the school on the community has been nothing short of remarkable. Children who previously had no access to education now have the opportunity to learn and grow in a modern and well-equipped environment. The school's success would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Chairman of the school management committee, Syed Khadim Hussain Shah, who played a remarkable role by giving his time, energy and support to the school. My other headmaster friends, Deputy District Education Officer Mr. Ali Chaudhary and my university professors also played a significant role in supporting the school development through donations.
I am grateful to Allah for His blessings and for making this project a success.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to everyone who helped make this school a reality, including the local villagers, my colleague staff, my private students and their families, my friends, my teachers from the university, Ilm-o-Adab foundation and the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It truly takes a community to build a school and I am honored to be a part of it. I look forward to continuing to work with the community to provide education and opportunities to the children of Namli Syedan. The school is a shining beacon of hope for education in rural areas.
Video Courtesy: RJK News Islamabad.
I heartfelt thanks to RJK News Team