Riyazul Hasan, Maulana Azad Junior High School, Uttar Pradesh
Riyazul Hasan hails from a family rooted in the armed forces, with his father serving in the army and his grandfather in the police department. Raised with a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards society, Riyazul’s retirement from the Army in 2001 led him back to Uttar Pradesh with a keen dedication to education and a drive to address gaps in the existing system. “I felt a strong motivation to contribute to education,” he says, embodying both discipline and compassion.
In 2005, he founded Maulana Azad Junior High School, driven by his observation that there was little progress or accessibility in the education sector of his village. “I saw the need for a private school that could provide quality education to our community children without them having to travel to larger cities,” he recalls. Recognizing the challenges faced by young girls who had to travel 15 to 20 kilometers to attend 9th and 10th-grade classes, Riyazul seized the opportunity to make a difference.
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Concretizing Their Makeshift Dreams
The school’s journey began with a basic makeshift structure, symbolizing its humble beginnings and the aspirations it held for the future. Riyazul reflects, “Our school has grown significantly over the years, now boasting 26-27 well-equipped classrooms.” His commitment to providing quality education is evident as he personally oversees the performance of primary school teachers and ensures regular student assessments.
“Education goes beyond textbooks; it’s about nurturing young minds with creative projects,” Riyazul emphasizes. Utilizing project-based learning for primary sessions, the school aims to instill a comprehensive understanding of subjects. Maulana Azad Junior High School now accommodates 700 students, a testament to Riyazul’s strong dedication.
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Battling The Pandemic With Resilience
Schools faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic as it spread across the country. Maulana Azad Junior High School also felt the impact of the sudden halt in traditional learning. Riyazul swiftly adapted to the situation, despite facing difficulties with the digital gap. “We couldn’t start online classes due to a lack of mobile phones and internet access,” he explains.
“When the lockdown ended and school resumed, we initiated three months of remedial programs focusing on essential skills,” Riyazul elaborates, highlighting the school’s proactive approach to addressing the learning gaps caused by the pandemic.
Varthana: A Ray of Financial Stability
During the challenging times of the pandemic, Riyazul encountered financial difficulties that threatened the school’s foundation. “I was in a tough spot, and Varthana became the bridge over troubled waters,” he recounts.
Varthana understood the struggles schools faced during the pandemic and provided crucial support.
“Varthana saved us,” Riyazul acknowledges gratefully. They became partners in the school’s journey, ensuring its smooth operation despite the financial strain. “With Varthana’s assistance, we could keep the school running, pay teachers’ salaries on time, and meet other school needs,” the school leader expresses his gratitude.
He continues, “Varthana’s commitment to helping our school during tough times ensured not only survival but also growth.” Their financial stability allowed Hasan to prioritize the well-being of students and staff, maintaining the school’s reputation as a reliable institution.
Future to Expand The Horizons
Despite facing challenges, Riyazul remains undeterred. “My focus is on the future, with big goals to gain NIOS recognition up to the 12th grade,” he shares confidently. He envisions a school that not only imparts knowledge but also molds responsible and empowered individuals ready to tackle the world’s challenges.
Riyazul’s story highlights the transformative power of education and community bonds. “From a school with humble beginnings, we’ve become a symbol of resilience and hope in Uttar Pradesh,” the visionary proudly reflects. The institution is truly dedicated to shaping the future.
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