The Box of Hope

By Aditi Gandhi

‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step.’ This is the story of how this year’s recipient of the UN Global Citizen of the World award started her journey . . .

Nabila was reading a book, sitting by the window of her villa in Dubai. The gentle and warm-hearted twelve-year-old, who lived with her parents and grandfather, was looking forward to school after the long spring break.

The next day during lunchbreak, as her friends were chatting about all the fun they had during the vacation, Nabila’s gaze was fixated on the old school gardener sitting nearby under a tree.

She somehow felt he was not looking his usual energetic self.

‘As-salamu-alaykum, Abdul. Are you feeling all right?’ she asked as she walked up to him.

‘Wa-alaykumu-as-salam, Nabila. I am fine. I just sat down to eat a quick lunch.’

Nabila saw a small packet of biscuits in his hands and asked if this was all that he was eating. Abdul responded that he was cutting back on his meals as Ramadan was just around the corner and he wanted to save money to send Eid gifts for his family back in his home country. After talking to him a bit more, Nabila learnt that he had four children and his meagre earnings could only provide enough to send his two boys to school while the girls stayed home to help their mother. She also found out that other school workers were in a similar situation, struggling to save money for their families.

Abdul’s story broke her heart and tears welled up in her eyes. Nabila was devastated to know that two girls, nearly as old as her, didn’t receive primary education. She wished that she could do something for all the workers who worked very

hard each day.

When Nabila returned home, she was welcomed with a warm embrace from her ever-smiling grandfather, who she dearly loved. Every day they would take a stroll in the park, but sensing Nabila was feeling low that day, grandfather decided to take her to a place that preserved the true essence of old Dubai — the historic neighbourhood of Bastakia! The nearby mosque was a grand spectacle with intricate carvings and a lovely dome. There were majestic dhows sailing on the creek with date trees swaying in the gentle breeze. The seagulls made fluttering noises, adding to the serene ambience. Gazing at the wind towers, Nabila was intrigued to see how different this place was from the modern city where you had to arch your neck to view the dazzling skyscrapers! Wanting to learn more about her culture and customs, Nabila asked her grandfather about Ramadan.

Grandfather said, ‘Nabila, we are blessed with rich traditions and there is no better time to experience it than during the holy month of Ramadan. It is the time for fasting, prayer, spiritual re-

flection and self-improvement. Charity is one of the five pillars of Islam and even one small deed of kindness can do wonders. You know, when I was a child, I used to collect dates from these very trees and distribute them to the needy.’

But Nabila’s mind was somewhere else. Looking at her lost in her thoughts, Grandfather curiously asked what had happened and Nabila related her conversation with Abdul.

In response he suggested, ‘Why don’t you surprise him with some lunch tomorrow? I’m sure he will be extremely happy.’

The next day, during break time, Nabila eagerly ran to where Abdul sat and handed him some food that she had brought. Touched by the gesture, the gardener sincerely thanked her. She then joined her friends and narrated the whole experience, asking them for ideas on how they could help.

RING!!! Just then the bell rang to signal the end of recess and Nabila and her friends scurried across the field as they didn’t want to be late for their next class: Art and Craft.

Settling down in their seats, the children were

just in time as their teacher, Ms Shama, walked in.

‘All right everyone, did you bring the waste materials that I had asked for?’ she enquired.

The whole class answered unanimously, ‘Yes, Ms!’

Ms Shama replied, ‘Good, so let’s get creative and make something useful from the recyclables that you have brought. Instead of simply discarding them, let’s reuse them!’

The children began dutifully creating innovative craft items and at the end of the lesson they presented their fascinating masterpieces. Seeing this, a brilliant idea popped up in Nabila’s head, as if a light bulb had switched on in her brain.

As all the friends were walking back home, Nabila excitedly told them about her plan.

‘Remember I was telling you that we should do something to help the school workers? Why don’t we raise some money to buy them Eid presents?’

Her friend Amna chirped up, ‘But how are we going to get the money?’

‘Well, I know some talented girls who can make amazing items out of waste materials that we can sell to generate money. Who wouldn’t want

to have such lovely works of art in their home?’ Nabila said, with a gleam in her eyes.

‘Yes, you’re right, Nabila,’ said Fatima, ‘and we can ask Ms Shama to help us!’

The next morning all the girls dashed towards the art room to meet Ms Shama where they retold everything that had happened and what they were planning to do.

‘We were hoping that you would guide us in this project,’ finished Amna.

With a beaming smile Ms Shama said, ‘That’s such an ingenious idea! I’m so proud of all of you! Why don’t we use our upcoming school funfair to host your Craft Sale? And let me tell you, I wouldn’t be surprised to see your stall flooded with customers!’

With a month to go before the fair, a collection drive was launched in school, motivating students to deposit trash materials like plastic containers, glass bottles, newspapers, magazines, cartons and other items for the campaign. This was accompanied by spreading awareness on sustainability, waste segregation and recycling. Every morning, Nabila and her friends would visit

different classes to educate the students about the importance of the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, and urge them to join the initiative. In her group of friends, Nusrat was autistic but equally committed to making a difference. Recognising her special aptitude for drawing, Nabila allotted her the task of making colourful posters for the awareness campaign. Nabila was determined to achieve her mission and through collective efforts she was successful in inspiring everyone wholeheartedly.

After weeks of relentless work, the students had created splendid crafts and the stock of saleable items was finally ready. On the day of the funfair, Nabila and her friends enthusiastically decorated their stall and neatly displayed their creations: beautiful lamps made out of plastic spoons and cups, bead jewellery, garden pots, pen holders, flower vases, bookmarks, storage containers, photo frames and more. An hour into the fair, their stall was jam packed and the items were selling out quickly. By the end of the day, every single piece had been sold off and they hugged each other rejoicingly!

The next day, Ms Shama assisted the children in buying goodies like toys, books, clothes, school bags and stationery for the workers’ children. These were then packed in nicely decorated boxes. Nabila called them ‘Boxes of Hope’. Even after buying the gifts, there was enough money to spare and everyone decided to give it to Abdul to send his daughters to school.

The following week, the school principal organised a grand celebration inviting all the workers, cleaners and gardeners to show the school’s appreciation for their earnest hard work, dedication and commitment. The school auditorium was furnished to resemble a majlis. Sofas and cushions were set on the carpets, which had complex Arabic design patterns. Qahwa and dates were served while soothing music set the ambience. The prized gift boxes were placed next to the stage under a banner that read ‘Shukran’.

Addressing the gathering, the principal told everyone about Nabila’s efforts and how the students had worked as a team to transform a wonderful idea into reality. Not only had they supported a noble cause, they had also promoted environmental sustainability. It was also announced that the canteen would be providing free meals for all workers during Ramadan. But the greatest moment was when it was revealed that the ‘Best out of Waste’ craft sale would be made a regular feature to help the school workers.

One by one, the workers were invited on stage

as Nabila and her friends happily handed out the boxes. Finally, as Abdul received his ‘Box of Hope’, he approached Nabila with joyful tears and exclaimed, ‘You are true to your name, Nabila – compassionate and kind-hearted.’

What Nabila felt was unexplainable. But in that moment, she realised how fulfilling it was to bring a smile to someone’s face. Through the ‘Box of Hope’, Nabila knew she had found her purpose!