A story of triumph from Quetta

“I came from an illiterate family -- neither of my parents could read or write. As a result of living in extreme poverty, my father could not afford to enroll me in a regular school and I received all of my early education in a Madrassah. Later, I was able to attend a local public school through government assistance and secured a first division result during my Matriculation examinations!

Eventually, I took a job of teaching prisoners in locations such as Quetta, Gadani, and Turbat. I must have made an impact on them as the prisoners themselves insisted that I go into the mainstream field of education, telling me that my skills were needed there urgently. Following a long and rewarding career as a schoolteacher, I currently work at the Bureau of Curriculum because I wish to affect education on a provincial scale and bring benefits to many students. When I first learned about the training being provided to my colleagues by the Aga Khan University Examination Board, I was very envious and wished I had been able to avail myself of it. I had known many of my current colleagues prior to taking this job, and could see that the training had greatly increased their knowledge and professional conduct. Now that I have the chance to benefit from it myself, I am very grateful for this opportunity -- the assets being produced because of AKU-EB’s efforts will benefit Balochistan considerably in the long run. I believe that my story is a testament to the power of education due to the difference it made to my life: I went from being the child of illiterate parents to becoming a Grade 18 government officer, working for the betterment of my province.” Mohammad Khan Kurd, Senior Subject Specialist, English, Bureau of Curriculum