Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - A new school opened its doors in Quetta (in Baluchistan), where terrorist attacks follow one another; another in the "France colony," Christian ghetto in Islamabad: these are the new initiatives of the "Masihi Foundation", which deals with defending the rights of Christians in Pakistan and works for the social and cultural development of the entire society. The Foundation - known because it provides legal protection to Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy - intends to focus its efforts on the educational system, a key-work to affect the minds of young people and to change attitudes in society. The stated aim is "to take away land from Islamist and terrorist groups that often ill-concealed by charitable or educational initiatives, manipulate the minds of children and take them towards radicalism and turn them into small suicide bombers", explains Haroon Barkat Masih in an interview with Fides and runs the "Masihi Foundation".
The motto of the Foundation, in launching the schools is "Adopt a Teacher": "Donors, in fact, contribute to paying for a teacher, they reach the goal of educating dozens of young children, otherwise condemned to poverty, ignorance, marginalization, illiteracy", says the Director. The school in Quetta, left in the care of Christian teachers, is attended by 450 young Christians and Muslims, and therefore represents a meeting point between cultures and religions, a place where "you learn human values, respect for each other, the dignity and sacredness of the person, the love of life, coexistence and peace", notes Haroon Masih. " English,and the culture of human rights is taught, and, soon,they will be taught how to use computers". The lessons are completely free for students, who have multiplied in a few days.
The project presents some dangers: Sometimes different Taliban groups have attacked and destroyed schools, non-governmental organizations or Christian institutions in Balochistan. But the Masihi Foundation does not intend to withdraw, "especially because otherwise the field is left open to terrorists. It is our duty to be present, to give people an alternative", notes Masih.
The other school is located in the "France colony" of the Pakistani capital Islamabad. The "colony" is a kind of Christian ghetto enclosed by walls, so called because it once stood close to the French Embassy. About 600 Christian families once lived there in extreme poverty and marginalization, who were considered - by inheritance of the caste system - the "untouchables". Rashida Bibi, a Christian living in the ghetto, complains to Fides: "For years the governments that alternate have promised to do something for us, but we still live in subhuman conditions".
The "Masihi Foundation" school has brought a ray of hope: it welcomes and offers English courses to 50 children (from kindergarten to primary school), all Christians, from poor families, who are destined to receive no education. "It is a first step for the social promotion of the community. We intend to open other schools of its kind in Punjab", said Haroon Masih. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 09/09/2011)
