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Deep
in the Heart of Elsewhere
Little Linguists
of Lahore
Meet the Students,
Hear Their Stories
(Class Two, Brothers Jess and Joshwa)
By Nabeel
Sharoon |
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It
is heartbreaking to hear individual stories of those affected by the
pandemic. One such individual is Marqas Patras, the father of two
young boys, Jess, thirteen and Joshwa, twelve.
Marqas had been a barber in a salon for many years before the pandemic
hit. His salon was forced to close its doors with the first lockdown
and Marqas was instantly out of a job. Since then, Marqas has been
struggling to make ends meet and unable to pay for his sons' schooling.
Like many others, Marqas hoped that things would resume normalcy after
the pandemic. Unfortunately, the post-pandemic period has been even
more challenging with fewer job openings than before.
Never giving up, Marqas set up a small hair-cutting station outside
his rented house. This makeshift "salon" consists of a small chair,
a mirror, a pair of scissors, and a sign that reads "One of the best
haircuts in town." Despite his best efforts, he is unable to earn
enough money to support his family or send his two young sons to school.
He says that he feels helpless, hopeless, and worries daily of his
sons' future.
The two brothers, having been dropped from school rosters since the
pandemic, found a glimmer of hope in the Little Linguists program.
Yes, the grassroots Little Linguists program learned of the families
plight and offered the boys a chance to continue their education.
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Brothers
with their volunteer instructors
Photo
courtesy Nabeel
Sharoon |
The program
is run by volunteers (most of whom are unemployed themselves). Continuing
the alliteration of Little Linguists, they call themselves The
Loving League of Lecturers, and their mission was clear. "To help
children from underprivileged families improve their language skills
and prepare for future success." Building hope, confidence and perhaps
giving them equal footing with their former classmates with the emphasis
on English.
Joshwa and Jess are ecstatic to join the Little Linguists of Lahore
since they have always loved learning and are eager to continue their
studies. They are grateful for the opportunity that the program provides
and are determined to make the most of it. This was proven when they
asked if they could come every day.*
The Little Linguists program is truly a turning point for Joshwa and
Jess. It is also a reminder that opportunity can still appear when
people see a need and then fill it—even when it's conducted with
a borrowed whiteboard from the local church, staffed by unemployed
instructors and housed in private living spaces.
It is a testament to the power of community and the belief that every
child, despite his or her personal circumstances, deserves a chance.
By
Nabeel
Sharoon
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Our thanks
to Wardah, Nabeel, and the behind-the-scenes members of the League
of Loving Lecturers for providing these class reports.
6-19-23
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