Through the Eyes of a Supporter by Shazia Ali Khan
"I was due to go to Pakistan on holiday in spring 2009 and had asked Friends of The Citizens Foundation if I could do anything while I was there. That’s when they suggested that I take photographs while on my visit to a TCF school near Islamabad. Being a freelance film-maker, I suggested that I make a short documentary instead and the idea was born.
TCF is a very well coordinated effort in Pakistan and the TCF Regional Office was very helpful in organizing this trip for me. So it was that I drove one cold morning into the picturesque valley of Bara Kahu and landed in the village of Uthal where the school is located.
The first thing that hits you when you get there is the sheer beauty of the place. The school is a small but pristine building, the staff dedicated and vigilant. After my arrival, all I had to do was point the camera in the right direction and the rest was pure magic! The children where charming, beautiful, very loving and opened their lives and their hearts for me as if they had known me for years."
"The interviews were honest and insightful, and I was bowled over by their forthright intelligent answers and confidence. The long sequence at the end of the film where the nursery children are laughing away was totally uncontrived and was a game invented by the children themselves.
On the whole it was an extremely fulfilling and life altering experience. I have nothing but praise and admiration for The Citizens Foundation and their efforts. However, there is still much to be done in Pakistan and they need all the support we can give.
For example the school that you see in my film only holds classes till Year 5 and I often wonder how long this knowledge gained by the children will be retained after they leave school – especially the girls. Secondly, although the class room facilities you see in the film are beyond expectation, the children need a larger play area. There is potential to expand but of course all this requires funds. I would suggest that all of us, no matter what our vocation take out a day or two to help out. It’ll be the best decision you ever make…."
