Field Notes on Helping Students Find Their Voice
The other day one of my students, Iqra who would usually hide behind her mask and look
away to dodge any possible attention, casually mentioned how she feels much more
empowered in expressing herself. I couldn't pause to appreciate her remark in the flow of the
conversation but later that day while I reflected on this statement, I felt a sense of
satisfaction.
Arooba Ali (Communication Coach) pictured here with students
I have been working as a communication coach for the past 6 months with these students,
which were compromised here and there because of lockdowns and subsequent digital
barriers. However, the nature of my work allowed me to work closely with the students on a
very personal level (and I’m nothing but grateful for it). Anyhow, fast forward 6 months later the
remark of Iqra and her sister Sidra - about how they have grown at a personal level
helped me better assess the progress of these students than any other grading criteria.
Over the duration of this entire course, my main focus has always been personal
development and empowerment- which might sound secondary to many but for me it was
always the primary and the most essential component for growth. As I believe, that
language, understanding and discipline all follow through if you trust yourself enough to
take over these challenges and growth is more of an inwards-outward process and not the
other way round.
Iqra working on her digital marketing project
So today, the girls (16 - 22 year old) who only knew how to nod at everything that a teacher
says and never dared to question it are taking charge of their learning process, believing in
themselves enough to demand what they deserve and finally learning to say ‘no’ to anything that
doesn't serve them well. Most importantly unlearning the years of conditioning of the set
standards of learning and growth.
Now that we are nearing the end of the first three modules of our communication sessions- I
may not be certain about how their growth looks on paper but I am most definitely certain
about how these girls and many other students are ready to take on the world while smartly
juggling through thousands of barriers that the lack of privilege lays out for them.
Their resilience and commitment has taught me more about this world than what I could offer
to them. Which makes me wonder how crucial it is for a developing state like Pakistan to
take a step towards making digital education more accessible and especially giving a fighting
chance to those who are ready to take up the challenges, head on.
