Mangalore: Perseverance Pays Off - Woman Completes SSLC After Two Decades!

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 19: They say it is never too late to learn. And Fathima Zahara, a widow, has gone on to prove it through sheer will power and determination.

Thanks to the 'Back to School' campaign launched by the Dakshina Kannada district unit of Talent Research Foundation, Fathima Zahara has now been able to complete her SSLC, twenty years after she left school. She is the daughter of the late Abdul Khader and Ayesha couple from Ukkuda in Kinya near Deralakatte in the taluk.

Zahara, who hails from a poor family, had to truncate her education when in seventh standard, as she lost her father then. She had to work to support the family, and started rolling bidis. She was married off in 2001, but lost her husband when she was pregnant with her third offspring. Her husband was a labourer, and she found it very hard to fend for the family after this tragedy. Therefore, she shifted back to the residence of her parents, and began rolling bidis again. She was supported by her brothers to run the family.

Through all these trials and tribulations, the burning desire of pursuing further education remained active in her heart. The ‘Back to School’ campaign launched by Talent Research Foundation came as a boon for her. An organization, ‘Al Amin’, which has its unit in Kinya, and which runs a school there, provided her impetus to achieve her goal.

In spite of having to carry on with the burden of rolling bidis, managing the affairs of her school-going children, and helping her mother in household chores, Zahara was egged on by her inner self to pursue her goal. She appeared for SSLC examination during this year, and passed it in second class.

Although Zahara wants to study further, he condition does not permit her to do so. However, she wants to get training in tailoring and lead an honourable life and provide education to her three children. She also wants to build a home for her family. With solid determination and perseverance, she is sure to reach these goals one day or the other.