Story of a father who dreamed big for his four children

Naeem Ahmed, a resident of Karachi and father of four, shared his story with Dialogue Pakistan, explaining how he has personally taken responsibility for educating his children.

He teaches them a range of subjects and languages, including Chinese, German and French, while also helping them learn the Quran, with his children also pursuing Quran memorisation.

Naeem said he had always wanted to learn English when he was young, but his parents were not financially stable enough to provide him with that opportunity.

He said he later decided that his children would be able to achieve the things he once wished for himself. Today, he teaches his children himself and says they are now doing what he had once dreamed of doing.

He explained that he uses different methods to encourage his children to learn. Naeem said he would ask them what they wanted to eat and then give them a task. Once they completed it, he would give them the thing they had asked for as a reward.

His children said their education and achievements are the result of the efforts of both their father and mother, with no one else playing a role in their upbringing and learning.

Naeem's elder daughters has completed their FSc, and he said he wants his daughters to pursue the CSS examination. His daughters also share the same ambition. Hoor Naeem, the eldest daughter, said the family has also conducted online classes and wants to continue helping more people through education.

Speaking about his father, younger son Zehan Ahmed said he does not like going to school because he enjoys his father's teaching style. Since the children are taught by their father, Zehan said he prefers learning from him rather than attending a conventional school.

Another daughter described her father as her “hero”, saying he has done a great deal for her and her siblings.

Naeem also revealed that he is currently living with a brain tumour. He said his right eye is no longer functioning, while around 70 per cent of the vision in his left eye remains.

His elder daughter said their father never tells them about his pain or shows them what he is going through. Despite his personal struggles, Naeem continues to focus on educating his children and helping them achieve their goals.

Naeem also appealed to the government to provide his family with a suitable space where they can establish a tuition centre and continue teaching students. He said such support would allow them to continue their educational work while also maintaining their source of income.