Interview: Hoor Rahman
Esha Saima – Representative Host KPK – Lahore International London
Many people are like that in life Not only those who search for a destination and find it, but every moment they are looking for a new destination, a new goal – one of them is the name of Hoor , who found new paths at a young age and success followed her steps. Despite being from an underprivileged area, charsadda not only got her education but also joined the teaching profession and at the same time established a relationship with the US Embassy which not only helped her in her field. Hoor rather, you also involved others in an important cause and thus proved your skills, so let me start the discussion with you, correspondent of Lahore International London…..
What is your full name?
Hoor Rahman… My name is Hoor Rahman
Which province and city do you belong to?
Hoor Rahman… KPK, Charsadda
How many siblings do you have?
Hoor Rahman… Four – three brothers, one sister.
How was your childhood?
Hoor Rahman… I was very shy so I made few friends in my childhood. But the ones who became my friends are still in contact with me and we had good memories together. I was an average student who lacked confidence and I didn’t like school as well as studying. I remember I used to cry every day while going to school.
How did you play sports as a child?
Hoor Rahman…. I played a lot of sports like basketball, volleyball, badminton, cricket, running, cards and hide and seek etc
In the province you belong to, less attention is paid to the education of girls. How did you find the educational environment?
Hoor Rahman…. So, I am basically from Charsadda, KPK but I was born in Peshawar thus, my primary schooling was in Peshawar after that we shifted to Islamabad. So, I have attained most of my education in Islamabad. In Charsadda, girls only get education till the 10th grade and girls belonging to poor families are not educated at all. The families that are wealthy and has educational exposure let their daughters attain education and usually, some are sent to Peshawar for higher education.
Who supports and helps in higher education?
Hoor Rahman….. The government is trying its best for higher education in Charsadda as it has a university now, Bacha Khan University. The elders of educated families also promote higher education according to the need of the time.
How did you come to English literature?
Hoor Rahman… I was kind of confused till my O’levels as to which major should I opt for at a higher secondary level. At that time, I wanted to become a fashion designer and wanted to choose home economics but my father suggested that as you like reading you should opt for English literature because fashion designing will take ages for you to establish your name as a designer so there might not be that much scope for you. Ultimately, I selected English Literature as my major at the FA level.
Why did you choose the teaching profession?
Hoor Rahman… I always wanted to teach since my childhood. I used to play with myself alone in a room assuming that I am a teacher teaching students.
How long have you been affiliated with the US Embassy?
Hoor Rahman…. Not long, since July 2022 through the Regional English Language Office.
How did you feel after connecting with them?
Hoor Rahman…. I feel blessed and lucky to be in some way connected with them through these programs which are completely funded and provide exposure to the youth and teachers of Pakistan.
When did you start the series of training workshops and under what thought or idea did you join this institution?
Hoor Rahman…. This was my first training workshop and I am glad it was a success as I didn’t bore anyone and everyone learned as well as enjoyed the training sessions. The thought behind joining was to have more exposure about English Language and its teaching.
According to you what is the purpose of life?
Hoor Rahman…. For me, the purpose of life is obeying Allah (SWT) and following His commandments. Having peace with one’s soul attempting to reach nafs-e-mutmainna. Life is to attain knowledge as much as possible to become a better version of yourself.
What positive change happened in you after being associated with this institution?
Hoor Rahman…. It motivated me a lot and helped me learn new methodologies to teach in an interesting way. It has broadened my horizon and has multiple other opportunities for teachers’ development which can enhance their teaching styles by updating them according to modern learning ways.
How this institute help the working women?
Hoor Rahman…. This institution is empowering women, helping and motivating them to become the breadwinners of the family and look after their children in case of any mishap. Women are given equal presentations to men in these programs. Women’s education is motivated and facilitated through programs by selecting women from areas with fewer educational opportunities.
How can girls make themselves successful in the academic field or any other field?
Hoor Rahman…. Girls need to be passionate and dedicated towards their studies in order to be independent. They need to be motivated and encouraged by their families. Girls should be trusted that they can do any type of work or study so that they can have a bright future. Their focus should not wander to other things.
Discuss what difficulties did you face being a girl?
Hoor Rahman…. Sometimes we are unable to express ourselves as we want or go out alone at night. Even a walk alone can bring goosebumps but sometimes it is required for your mental peace; some solitude. While traveling we have to think that whom should we go with is the way safe or not; such are the issue which I guess every girl faces but their intensity varies.
What is the role of constant effort and dedication in life?
Hoor Rahman…. Constant effort and dedication bring success to the life of anyone because hard work pays off.
What are your hobbies?
Hoor Rahman… My hobbies are reading, writing poems sometimes, sketching and playing table tennis and badminton.
Naturally as my mother is an Urdu Literature graduate, she used to write as well but never published it so you can say it runs in the genes. Writing is catharsis for me.
How long have you been writing?
Hoor Rahman… I started writing during my higher secondary level of education.
Tell me the peom you wrote?
“Nostalgia”
The pain that kills me,
The sorrow that lives with me,
The sadness that frightens me,
The misery that hurts me,
The loneliness that bursts me,
The burden that blinds me,
The worry that reminds me.
Leaving me to shatter,
The problems that scatter.
What message would you like to give to girls who want to continue their education, having less opportunities?
Hoor Rahman…. Do not lose hope, nowadays the internet has made things very easy. There are a lot of opportunities online for education and many courses are also offered which can accommodate girls who want to have higher education but cannot go to a university.
What can be the ways to boost up the confidence level in less privileged girls/females?
Hoor Rahman…. Awareness and motivation especially from their families. Their opinion and views on matters are also important and they should be involved in every discussion. They should be heard and their emotions should be given value because they are very important for the development of a generation.
What’s your opinion that how can females prove themselves(their abilities) in any field of life?
Hoor Rahman….Females are more hard-working than males and their hard work will prove them in any field of life. They have great patience which brings them success and motivation towards work.
In any profession, everyone face the prejudice or negativity, what should one do to deal with?
Hoor Rahman…. Sometimes it should be ignored if it doesn’t harm you but sometimes it should be addressed for a good professional environment. Negativity should be dealt with by the positivity of the individual and motivation towards work.
Can you tell what should be the role of an educated person in the society?
Hoor Rahman…. The role of an educated person in society is to eliminate evil, spread positivity and give to society what they have learned.