Share
Mahboob Malik, a tea-seller from Kanpur, has been changing lives of slum children by not only providing them free education but also free meals, medicines & groceries to their homes. He has been a beacon of hope for around 72 children in a slum and has been making a significant difference in their lives by spending 80% of his earnings from selling chai everyday into building a school for them & changing their fate.
After his father fell ill, Mahboob left his education behind and started to support his family by cutting wood for which he barely made Rs.10
I always loved going to school and I aspired to be a cricketer after I grew up but life had other plans for me. After my father fell Ill, I started working in a wood cutting shop to support my family. After working for the whole day, I used to barely get Rs. 10 daily to bring home. After struggling through an array of low-paid jobs which included of delivering tiffins as well, I finally opened my tea shop.Mahboob's journey began 8 years ago when he spotted young children begging on the streets and picking scraps from the garbage for their survival. He was reminded of the time he had been in a similar position and couldn't ignore it. Born to poor parents, Mahboob was forced to drop out of school after completing his high school education because of the family's inability to afford his fees.
People called Mahboob crazy for using his income to provide children with free education and their families with free groceries and medicines
Seeing himself in these slum children had sparked something in Mahboob, and he decided to devote himself to educating them, so they wouldn’t have to live the life that he was forced to live. He started saving up the money he earned from selling chai and met with the parents of these children to convince them to let the children go to school, because they deserved a better future.
"People in my area used to call me mad, because I would work all day and then spend all my money on the education of these children. Honestly, working hard to earn money never gave me any sort of happiness. But now, when I see a smile on the faces of these children, I feel true happiness.” - Mahboob Malik, Founder, Maa Tujhe Salaam Foundation
Women in slums are often abused, raped & become pregnant at a young age. Often beaten by their alcoholic husbands they are compelled to raise their children alone.
Mothers at slum face a tough choice: they can either send kids to work or school. Many slum women work as domestic help, but their earnings are taken by husbands for alcohol. Refusal leads to violence, affecting children too.
Mahboob, like a father figure to children who have lost their parents to gambling, alcohol or those who are orphans. He decided to take it upon himself and provide them with free education.
In 2017, Mahboob founded Maa Tujhe Salaam Foundation, aiming to empower & uplift slum children. He believes that if the children of these women & poor sections are educated well they will bring a revolution to the whole society. Starting with 5 staff, volunteers, and 10 students, it has now grown into an English-medium primary school in a small rented hall. Today, 72 underprivileged kids receive free quality education and a nurturing school experience. Mahboob warmly welcomes children from diverse backgrounds.
Through His Foundation He Has Helped Over 1000 Children
He began his school by giving free books, stationery, uniforms, and chocolates to attract students. At first, the kids were hesitant due to their accustomed way of life and fears of paying for education. However, the promise of free books and treats changed their minds. Today there is not a single child in his area who is deprived of education.
But Right Now His Dream Of Educating More Is Facing A Major Challenge
Currently, we are only able to provide free education until class 4. So once the children complete their education here, we have to get them enrolled in a government school for higher studies. I wish to build a school so the children can study here until class 12, without having to worry about the fees.” - Mahboob
Malik is now at a point where he has to forego meals to pay back loans, staff salaries and rent for the school. But with a smile he always say 'To give my children education, I can even sacrifice my life'
I've taken loans to fulfill this mission but due to lack of funds, I am still not able to fully pay it back. Everyday I spend 16 hours in my shop. to pay salary to the teachers & save enough to fund the needs of the children but now I am struggling and I need your support and your love to build & grow my school.
Mahboob's ultimate dream is to build a school for these children, enabling higher secondary education. However, the obstacle is money; he lacks funds to achieve this. He's also behind on rent and unable to pay salary to the teaching staff.
“Today when I look at each wall in my school which operates from a small rented space, I see what I have built so far with my own blood, sweat and tears. But right now, we only provide free education until class 4. So once the children complete their education here, we have to get them enrolled in a government school for higher studies.I wish to build a school so the children can study here until class 12, without having to worry about the fees.” - MahboobMahboob started with nothing, but now he's giving hope to many. His story shows that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small their contribution. You too can join hands with him and make his dream come true.
Click here to contribute and help Kanpur Tea Seller
