Who I Am and How It All Began
My name is Yash, and I am a third-year chemical and biochemical engineering student in Belgium, but my roots trace far deeper than academia. Though my family and I live in Luxembourg, our connection to India runs strong. My father, originally from Dehradun, and my mother, from Banaras, always instilled in me a sense of purpose that stretched beyond borders.
That purpose found its calling when I became a part of Wazir Education Society a little over two and a half years ago, right after high school. My father was involved in the organization in its early stages, and seeing the impact it had on students’ lives, I couldn’t resist joining in. I wanted to help, to contribute, and to stay connected to my roots, even from 8,000 kilometers away.
The First Step: From Student to Teacher
At first, my role was modest. I volunteered on Saturdays, teaching small lessons on computers—basic literacy, little tips and tricks to help students get acquainted with technology. It was simple work but fulfilling, and it felt like I was planting seeds of knowledge. But as time passed, it became clear to me that Wazir Education Society had the potential to be so much more.
Along with my father, Arif, and a small group of dedicated individuals, we began to dream bigger. Why limit ourselves to just computer literacy? We decided to broaden our focus. Wazir Education Society could offer courses across various subjects, providing a more comprehensive education. We started with English, but soon expanded to Math, Physics, and Chemistry. And that’s where I truly found my stride.
Taking the Lead: Expanding Education Beyond Technology
I took on the responsibility of teaching these core subjects—Math, Physics, Chemistry—to Grades 10, 11, and 12. The classes began to grow rapidly. What started with just a handful of students quickly turned into full classrooms. It was one of the most exciting times of my life. Watching the number of eager learners grow, week after week, was nothing short of exhilarating.
But it wasn’t without its challenges. I had spent over 14 years outside of India, so teaching these complex subjects in Hindi became a new learning curve for me. I had to relearn proper “mujhe Puri Hindi seekhni padi” which turned out to be a rewarding challenge in itself. It connected me back to my cultural roots in a way I hadn’t expected, and it deepened my bond with the students.
From Teaching to Mentoring: A Transition with Purpose
As university approached, I had to shift gears. My commitments in Belgium meant that I couldn’t continue teaching full-time, but I wasn’t ready to let go of the students I had built such strong relationships with. So, I became a mentor.
I started focusing more on individual students, like Umang, and a core group of six or seven others who were in Grades 11 and 12. Even after stepping away from the classroom, I stayed in touch with them, following up on their progress regularly, whether it was weekly or monthly. My goal was simple: to guide them through their academic journey and beyond.
One of the proudest moments of my mentorship was when my student Anuj topped the district. He was awarded an electric bike by the government—a moment of recognition that made all the hard work worthwhile. Another student, Buddy Sony, also did exceptionally well. These successes weren’t just individual achievements; they became shining examples for the next generation of students.
The Power of Connection: Bonds that Last Beyond the Classroom
What has truly amazed me throughout this journey is the connection I’ve maintained with my students. Even after some have graduated or moved on to college, many still reach out to me for guidance on subjects or life in general. Today, I’m in touch with around 15 or 16 students, all of whom I mentored or taught during my time with Wazir Education Society. The fact that these relationships have endured, even after I stopped teaching, is a testament to the powerful bonds we built.
A Family Commitment: Wazir Education Society’s Impact on Us All
Wazir Education Society isn’t just a project for me—it’s become a meaningful part of my entire family’s life. My father, who works as the head of the IT department at the same company as Arif, was one of the early supporters of the organization. My mother, who works as a senior manager in a depository fund management company, has also contributed in her own way. Even my sister is planning to get involved.
This isn’t just a passion for me; it’s a family commitment, and Wazir Education Society has become an integral part of who we are.
The Vision Forward: Education as a Catalyst for Change
What excites me most about Wazir Education Society’s future is its potential to change lives on a broader scale. I’ve seen firsthand how one student’s success can inspire others. It creates a ripple effect—one student who excels becomes an example for 15 more, and slowly, we begin to shift perspectives in these communities.
My vision for the future of Wazir Education Society is simple: expansion. Once we’ve made an impact in one village, we move on to the next, and then the next. It’s a challenging journey with many obstacles, but the progress we’ve seen proves that it’s possible. Beyond academics, the goal is to change how education is perceived. Education should not just be about learning subjects—it should be about changing perspectives. Girls should have equal opportunities to learn, and literacy should no longer be an issue in these communities.
A Lifelong Commitment
Though I’m now a chemical engineering student based in Belgium, with my family living in Luxembourg, I will always be connected to Wazir Education Society. The organization has not only shaped my life but continues to make a profound impact on so many others. I look forward to the day when I can return and contribute more actively. Until then, I remain a proud mentor and advocate for the incredible work this organization is doing.