In the arid reaches of Tharparkar, near the city of Mithi, life has traditionally been dictated by the rhythm of the seasons—grazing livestock and coaxing a limited harvest from the stubborn earth. For the Rind Baloch community in the village of Khuda Bux, these ancestral occupations provided a quiet, stable existence. But for one retired army personnel, stability wasn’t enough; he wanted a future built on the bedrock of education for his children.
In 2017, Qurutulain’s father made a pivotal choice. He decided, to eternally move his family from the familiar sands of Thar to the teeming, complex landscape of Karachi. He chose Haji Ghulam Zakarya Goth as their new anchor—a strategic decision driven by affordable land prices, the availability of water, and its proximity to Malir Cantonment. Every rupee of his hard-earned retirement fund was poured into two plots: a 120-square-yard space for the family home and an 80-square-yard plot designed to generate a livelihood through rental units and small shops. Today, he sits in one of those shops, meticulously repairing bicycles, a testament to a soldier’s enduring work ethic.
At the center of this transition is Qurutulain, the eldest of five siblings. Her journey is a living example of what happens when the “City of Migrants” meets the right opportunity.
The Sanctuary of Skill
While completing her intermediate studies at Malir Cantonment, Qurutulain heard a whisper of hope from a cousin. It was about the Amna Shamima Foundation. The recommendation was specific: “The classes are free, the environment is decent, the people are good, and above all, it is a space for women only.”
For a family recently arrived from a rural background, this “all-female” environment was the key. It offered her parents peace of mind, knowing their eldest daughter could pursue her ambitions in a sanctuary free from harassment.
Though she initially faced a waiting list, the call finally came. Qurutulain didn’t just join a class; she ignited a career. She began with the basics—mastering the sewing machine and the intricate art of embroidery, skills she had never touched before. But the Foundation saw more in her than just a seamstress.
Beyond the Needle: A Digital Transformation
Qurutulain’s hunger for knowledge led her into the Social Survey Method Course, where her confidence blossomed. It was here she first touched MS Excel, a tool that transformed her perspective on data and organization. She followed this with a Computer Basics course, learning to craft a professional CV—a small document that represents a massive leap in agency for a girl from Khuda Bux.
Today, these digital skills are her lifeline. As a B.Ed. student in her fourth semester at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), she uses her computer literacy to navigate complex assignments that once seemed impossible. Furthermore, a Teachers Training Workshop hosted at the Foundation by the Teachers Resource Center refined her pedagogical skills, helping her secure a position as a teacher at AK Public School.
The Future is Digital
Qurutulain’s story is a triumph, but she is already looking ahead for the girls who will follow her. She recognizes that in the informal economy of the Goth, specialized skills like Mehndi application are vital for earning during festivals. However, her vision is more ambitious.
“Digital Marketing and Graphic Designing,” she suggests, “would change everything for the girls in this area.” She also advocates for a second shift for English Language courses, noting that many girls are currently locked out of opportunity because they cannot attend morning sessions.
Why Your Support Matters
Qurutulain’s father spent his retirement funds to give his children a roof. The Amna Shamima Foundation gave his eldest daughter a ladder.
When you donate to the Amna Shamima Foundation, you aren’t just funding a “sewing class.” You are funding:
- Digital Literacy: Providing the tools for university students to complete their degrees.
- Economic Agency: Training teachers who go on to educate the next generation of Karachi’s children.
- A Safe Haven: Maintaining a dignified, all-female space where cultural boundaries are respected while professional boundaries are broken.
Qurutulain is no longer just a migrant from Tharparkar; she is an educator, a scholar, and a leader in her community. Help us reach the girls on our waiting list. Help us turn “waiting” into “working.”
Excellent write-up. Great work. Zainab and Mansoor, heart-felt congratulations for this initiative. Though it’s more than three years old, I came to know about it recently…my loss…keep me update.