Teacher helps students paint life’s lessons
DEDICATED TEACHER: Some of the participants in the Dhahran High School's 10th Annual Charity Art Show. Teacher Abeera Atique is standing second from the right.
Published: Apr 23, 2010 02:11 Updated: Apr 23, 2010 02:18
DHAHRAN: For the past decade, Arab News has been covering the Annual Charity Art Show at the International Schools Group (ISG) Dhahran High School (DHS).
The show raises money for two worthwhile charities, Habitat for Humanity and The Citizens Foundation (TCF). This year, despite the difficult economic climate, the students earned more than ever before from the event: SR26,000.
“Unlike in the past, where there were many sponsors and a good part of the proceeds came from activities, such as a raffle, that were part of the overall festivities, this year we struggled to get sponsors since many companies have scaled back their community contributions. We really had to depend on the student artists to be willing to sell their work so that we could help the needy,” said Abeera Atique, an art teacher at DHS.
The art show is organized by the school’s Habitat for Humanity club, who convince students in the art classes at DHS to give up their best work for charity. The event would not be possible though, were it not for the drive and determination of Atique.
“Before I came to Dhahran High School, there wasn’t an art show. I wanted my students to understand that art is more than a picture to hang on the wall. It is a part of life. What better way to teach them this than to combine art with giving?” said Atique.
Rachel Ternes, one of the students whose work was sold in the show, explained what the event has come to mean to the school: “The Art Show makes the art students a big part of Dhahran High School’s activities. Mrs. Abeera helps the art students to express their individuality in class and then she encourages us to share what inspires us with others.”
“Mrs. Abeera is extremely motivated and dedicated to her charity work. I have never seen someone so driven by the opportunity to serve,” said Stacy Xiao, VP of the Habitat for Humanity Club.
To make the show happen, the art students create and the Habitat for Humanity Club organizes. So Atique must work hard to support the efforts of both groups. This means hours teaching students new techniques and encouraging budding artists, while at the same time helping to put together the practical aspects of the event. This year Atique worried that she might not have the energy to hold a successful show. In addition to being a teacher, wife and mother, Atique also had to cope with a difficult pregnancy that confined her to a wheelchair for two months, just as the activities to produce the show were at their peak.
“When my pregnancy was in danger and it seemed that I couldn’t work, I sat down and prayed to God to please give me the courage and energy to do this. I must thank my husband. He knows that when it comes to charity, nothing stops me. As soon as I was allowed to get out of bed and sit in the wheelchair, my husband helped me get to school every day,” commented Atique. “I grew up in Pakistan and I’ve seen how life is for the poor. I’ve seen how terrible it is to be hungry and have nothing. Never look down on the poor, just because you have every comfort. In this last year, we have all seen how people can go from having everything, to living in the street. As a global society, we need to combine our resources to give everyone a decent chance at life.”
Could teenagers really notice someone who makes serving the poor a priority?
“I’ve worked with her for three years,” said Ayesha Khan, a DHS eleventh grader and a fund-raising officer for the Habitat for Humanity Club. “Mrs. Abeera has a passion for the arts and a passion for her students. This show tonight is due to her influence on all of us. She is there whenever we need her and we want to support her in return. In her life, this is what really matters for her. She is a good mentor. Someday I hope to have the same passion for something I believe in and have the drive and ambition like she does.”
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QANETAH HASHMI
Apr 26, 2010 13:33
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