Published in Sister Zeph’s Journal
Date: January 2, 2014
By Sister Zeph
Moona, a 14-year-old student at ZFE, currently in the 8th standard, epitomizes resilience in the face of adversity. Her family’s financial struggles have left her with limited access to even basic necessities like nutritious food or a glass of milk. Her daily diet consists of just two meals, both comprising bread. Yet, Moona radiates energy and affection, her poverty failing to cultivate any sense of greed within her.
Moona’s heart brims with a desire to assist others, and I firmly believe she possesses the potential to take my place as a teacher one day. Today marked the end of the winter vacation for my students—a vacation cut short due to the impending final exams scheduled for February. The cold has been unusually severe in our city, akin to many parts of the world experiencing record-breaking temperatures. We secured a single room for rent back in July 2013, but it is currently occupied by a family whose own house collapsed during last year’s heavy rains. Consequently, my students find themselves exposed to the bitter cold once again. This family is expected to vacate our premises in February 2014, but their dire financial situation renders them unable to afford rent elsewhere. Hence, I cannot bring myself to ask them to leave, even though my own students are now enduring the harsh winter outdoors when they should rightfully be in the warmth of a room.
Today, upon my arrival at school from my office, I noticed Moona trembling from the cold. She wasn’t wearing socks, a sweater, or a cap. Concerned, I inquired why she wasn’t wrapped in something warmer. Her response was as remarkable as it was heartwarming. She claimed to feel warm, despite her shivering. I persisted, urging her to ask for what she needed just as she would ask her mother. In my role as her teacher, I consider myself her spiritual mother. I questioned her again, “Do you have warm clothes?” She offered a faint smile and replied, “Yes, I do. But I don’t need to wear them because I feel warm.” Her words contradicted the trembling reality before me.
I understand her pride in self-reliance, but tonight, I will lie awake, troubled by the thought of how many days she has endured this bone-chilling cold without adequate clothing, especially during the school vacation.
I’ve formulated a plan. I will organize a competition in which she excels, and then, I will present her with warm clothing as a well-deserved prize. Moona’s self-respect is something I deeply admire, but the knowledge of her enduring discomfort will keep me awake tonight, determined to find a solution to her silent struggle against the cold.