Children's Literacy Groups Conducts Fundraising for Education in Pakistan

Youth Outreach, Developments in Literacy (YOUR DIL) hosted its first event of the new year, netWork it for Education: Celebrating Literacy One Child at a Time, at Reza’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago to raise funds for schools in Pakistan. 

The event featured networking activities for young professionals and an inspiring talk from Ethan Casey, a veteran journalist, editor, and author who writes extensively on Pakistan and other developing countries. One of the simplest ways that you can help to create better understanding of Pakistan in America is just by being yourself, being professional and courteous in your interactions, and representing  Pakistan in a good light,” said Casey. He also emphasized the need for Pakistani-Americans to get more involved in American society: “You are all members of the American public and so it is your responsibility to involve yourself in American society. Being active in politics is a great way to change political decisions in favor of your community.” 

“Education is the best way to tackle poverty. These children live in some of the most destitute villages in Pakistan and to them, their school is the best place in the world. It is a place of hope, a place of limitless possibilities. We can help these children stand on their own two feet; that’s the difference we can make,” said Mazhar Masud, President of YOUR DIL Chicago who has been with the organization since 2008.  Following Ethan Casey’s talk, Masud gave an engaging presentation on the work DIL is doing to advance literacy in Pakistan.

The night capped off with a book signing session with Ethan Casey, who gave out free copies of his intriguing new book Overtaken by Events: A Pakistan Road Trip.

Owing to the strong support of over 90 supporters who attended the event, YOUR DIL raised over $4,500 for DIL schools in Pakistan. Photos by: Amina Elahi and Safiya Elahi

To learn more or to donate to DIL’s education initiatives, please visit www.yourdil.org or

e-mail chicago@yourdil.org for more information.