As the holy month of Ramadan approached this year, a group of young volunteers took it upon themselves to arrange a free Iftar for their community. With the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing, many families are struggling to provide for themselves, let alone afford a meal to break their fast. These young volunteers, however, saw this as an opportunity to make a difference, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. Through their hard work and dedication, they earned the appreciation of their community and proved that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a huge impact. In this article, we will delve into their inspiring story and shed light on the importance of giving back.
For the past five years, a group of young volunteers in Peshawar has been organizing a free Iftar, also known as Datarkhwan, for poor laborers, daily wagers, children, and women on a roadside in Peshawar Sadar. The group, which is composed of around 50 active colleagues, is led by Adnan Khan, the provincial chief of Fix It, a non-profit organization. According to Khan, more than 300 young volunteers are ready online to join the initiative whenever the need arises.
The group has earned public appreciation for their efforts in helping out needy and poor people who are not able to afford different food items for Iftar. They provide free Iftar to poor students living in private hostels during Ramadan, and they sometimes assist the organization in arranging the meal. Although the number of people attending the free Iftar fluctuates, more than 200 people, including children, women, and the elderly, usually turn up to enjoy the sumptuous food variety along with cold drinks and fruit chaat.
The main objective of the initiative is to help out people who cannot afford to buy food for Iftar. Daily wagers in different corners of the city earn less than what they need to afford their two-time meal. The group does not demand money from donors; instead, they request donors to buy them food items for their free Dastarkhwan. Some people wish to take food items home, and the volunteers give them away packages for home.
Fix It has its own makeshift kitchen on the roadside, where the volunteers cook various dishes, cold drinks, and fruit for the guests to enjoy during Iftar. There is also a separate Dastarkhwan for women and children. Some visitors are even attendants with their patients in hospitals, according to Mansoor Akhtar, another volunteer.
Shah Wali Kaka, a daily wager from Bajaur tribal district, said that he could not earn enough to afford his Iftar; that’s why he showed up at the free Iftar along with his three colleagues.
Khan said that his organization would extend the free Iftar to other cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Presently, Nowshera is selected for arranging this initiative. It will be extended to the entire province.” He also encouraged young people to contribute to such initiatives.
In conclusion, the efforts of these young volunteers in Peshawar to provide free Iftar to the poor, laborers, daily wagers, children, and women are a commendable initiative, and the group deserves the appreciation it has received. The fact that the group is expanding its reach to other cities is indeed a testament to its commitment to serving the needy, and we hope that more people will join their cause.
