Posted on Sister Zeph’s Journal
By Sister Zeph
Date: May 12, 2014
Within our stitching center, we have twenty girls who receive free lessons in the art of stitching. Some of them are illiterate, so we’ve embarked on convincing them to pursue an education. A few girls have taken the initiative to enroll in various classes. For those who are already educated, I’ve encouraged them to dedicate an hour each day to teaching our students. Upon completing their stitching course, we plan to award them certificates with commendable remarks. However, I’ve observed that most of the girls struggle with mathematics. There was one girl who excelled in this subject, but unfortunately, last week, her brother prevented her from continuing at our center. She had been pursuing a Master’s degree in English literature, and during her undergraduate studies, a friend from abroad graciously covered her $100 tuition fees. In return, she not only completed her Bachelor’s degree but also volunteered to teach our students for about a year.
Yesterday, when I visited the center, I noticed our students appeared disheartened and resentful towards me. Their distrust in me lingered, preventing them from sharing their concerns. In my mind, I had already recognized the need to arrange a mathematics teacher for them. I’ve now found a suitable candidate to teach the subject. I urged my students never to lose faith in me and to confide in me with their problems so that I may seek solutions.
I’ve observed a shift in the center, as the arrival of new students has bred a sense of selfishness among my existing students. This is unlike them, and the newcomers don’t yet grasp the true essence of education. To remedy this, I’ve devised a plan to screen a movie that will illustrate how ordinary individuals can bring about significant change in society. The film will emphasize the values of peace and mutual assistance. The movie that comes to mind is “Three Idiots.” Despite the societal norms that discourage girls from watching movies in our community, I’m determined to proceed, understanding the educational value of this endeavor. I’ll edit out any romantic scenes, focusing solely on the educational aspects.