Educating against the odds

Rawalpindi:It is often said that a man is known by the company he keeps. Across much of the world-especially in Europe-teachers are regarded as some of the most respected members of society. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, they are often undervalued and overlooked. Against this backdrop, the life and work of Qazi Ashfaq Ahmed stands as a powerful testament to dedication, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

Born in April 1951 in the narrow, bustling streets of Rawalpindi, Qazi Ashfaq pursued technical education at the Polytechnic Institute. However, instead of taking a conventional career path, he chose to give back to society by teaching those who had been left behind-individuals who, due to family or financial hardships, never had the chance to receive an education.

In 1976, Qazi Ashfaq founded the Free People Technical Training Centre, a small but ambitious initiative that provided free technical education to underprivileged youth. His mission was clear: to empower young people with practical skills so they could earn a livelihood and become productive members of society.

The centre offered hands-on training in essential trades such as refrigerator and deep freezer repair, split air conditioner servicing, donkey pump maintenance, and various types of welding. By the late 1990s, Qazi Ashfaq had expanded his teaching efforts to include over 30 students per session, despite operating with very limited resources.

Throughout his journey, Qazi Ashfaq faced numerous challenges. Life threw many obstacles his way, yet he remained steadfast and committed to his cause. With the dawn of the new millennium, he began charging a nominal admission fee-just enough to cover the cost of practical materials-ensuring the sustainability of his work.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a YouTube channel that now boasts over 1,000 subscribers, offering accessible video tutorials to a broader audience. He also began contributing articles on social and educational issues to various daily newspapers, extending his influence and insight to the written word.

Qazi Ashfaq is the author of two books. The first, a technical manual on the repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, is widely used by vocational institutes and has garnered over 10,000 views online. His second book addresses social issues in contemporary society and has attracted over 50,000 views, reflecting its broad relevance and appeal.

Now, at the age of 73, Qazi Ashfaq Ahmed continues to teach at a small scale, tirelessly working to uplift the lower strata of society through technical education. His story is one

of quiet heroism-a man who, against all odds, dedicated his life to others and left an indelible mark on his community.