Posted to Sister Zeph’s Journal
By Sister Zeph
On 12 March, 2014
Last year, I hired a teacher for our stitching center. She came from a very disadvantaged background, and I wanted to extend a helping hand to her. Her father was not employed, but she possessed excellent tailoring skills and had a deep love for her family. So, I offered her a position at my stitching center to enable her to earn some income. She began teaching, with a monthly salary of Rs 5,000 for three hours of work each day. Additionally, she was receiving free beauty parlor training at our center, and I supported her financially to the best of my abilities.
However, in December 2013, an opportunity arose for our girls to undertake a business project involving stitching clothes for a dress designer who brought in materials. During my duty, the dress designer delivered the fabrics to our center. Unfortunately, our teacher played a deceitful trick by taking all the materials home and falsely claimed that the lady had not shown up. When I called the dress designer and discovered the truth, I was deeply hurt by this act of dishonesty. Despite the advice of my friends and family to dismiss her, I chose not to take that step since it was the Christmas season, and I didn’t want her to lose her job during this festive time. I refrained from confronting her about the fabrics, hoping that if she completed the work, it would provide her with extra income for a happier Christmas.
In January 2014, I finally addressed the issue with her, and she pleaded for another chance. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and allowed her to continue working. However, in February 2014, during a feedback session with her students, I discovered that she had engaged in conversations about religion and politics, topics strictly prohibited in our center. Although 90% of the girls were Muslims, and only 10% were Christians, I emphasized the importance of avoiding such discussions, as they could lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. I warned her that any further violations would result in her termination, as I wanted to maintain a safe and harmonious environment in the center.
Ten days ago, she informed me that she planned to visit her parents in her village (she resided with her aunt in the city). Knowing her financial struggles and need for extra money during her trip, I generously provided her with one month’s advance salary. She took two days off, with my approval, promising to return on the third day. However, it has now been ten days, and she has not returned. Her aunt visits my home regularly, assuring me that everything is fine with her, yet she remains absent, causing inconvenience and frustration among our girls who depend on her teaching.
Today, I made the decision to hire a new teacher to fill the void left by her absence. I visited the homes of three women who knew how I had been providing free services for the community for the past fifteen years. To my surprise, each of them was aware of my altruistic work but inquired about the salary I would offer. Although I am willing to pay for their services, it struck me that these individuals, despite benefiting from free education and skills training for their daughters for years, were solely focused on compensation.
My coordinator, Nazish, commented that these women appeared selfish. However, I responded that it wasn’t selfishness but rather a lack of awareness. They had not yet seen the light of humanity, selflessness, and the importance of supporting one another without any ulterior motives. We must endeavor to illuminate their path and encourage these values to grow within them.