For nine long years Ishtiaq Masih, 32, cleared sewers for a living. The work was dangerous as well as dirty, and his meager earnings barely covered the needs of a family of seven, leaving the Masihs trapped in a cycle of persistent poverty.
Ishtiaq’s work involved entering underground sewers and deep manholes. He worked in direct, unprotected contact with raw human waste, industrial chemicals, and medical waste. Owing to inadequate safety measures and the complete absence of personal protective equipment, the job of sewer worker in Pakistan carries a very high risk of sudden death, serious injury, or chronic illness.
Besides the health risks, sewer work is associated with social stigma in Pakistan where dirty and menial work is normally reserved for non-Muslims.
What’s more, as parents of five daughters and no sons, Ishtiaq and his wife, Aneeta Aster, were looked down upon in their community, where boys are often valued more than girls.
As their children grew, the Masihs faced increasing social and financial pressures, including future wedding expenses and dowries. Meeting these costs would have been impossible on Ishtiaq’s low income alone.
More than material assistance
But Ishtiaq and Aneeta are proud of their girls, and wanted desperately to keep them in school so that they would have the chance of a better life. However, it was becoming impossible to buy books and uniforms, never mind pay the school fees of four children.
That is when Christian Solidarity International (CSI) stepped in with livelihood assistance that offered the family an opportunity to begin building a more stable, dignified and independent future.
CSI provided Ishtiaq with a new commercial loader rickshaw, enabling him to establish his own small logistics business. It also paid for a solar energy system for the family home and educational support for his daughters.
For Ishtiaq Masih and his family, the rehabilitation package provided by CSI represents far more than material assistance. It also brings social acceptance.
“Previously, people did not want to talk to me because of the work I was doing, and no one wanted to shake my hand,” Ishtiaq told CSI. “Now I can live with honor and earn a dignified livelihood.”
Education support
A key aspect of CSI’s support is the investment in the education of Ishtiaq’s daughters, four of whom are school aged. CSI covered their school fees for the upcoming school year and provided them with uniforms, shoes, backpacks, textbooks and stationery.
The girls were particularly excited to receive their matching blue uniforms and colourful backpacks. Now that their poverty does not set them apart from their classmates, they have the confidence to attend school.
Knowing that their daughters’ education is secured for the coming months is a great relief to Ishtiaq and Aneeta.
The family also received food provisions that will help ensure the family have enough to eat as Ishtiaq begins the transition to self-employment.
Renewed hope
For Ishtiaq and Aneeta, CSI’s support has also brought renewed confidence and hope. With greater control over his working life, Ishtiaq expects to have more time for his family and church community.
The family hopes to attend church together regularly and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the new opportunities they have received.
As the family move on with their lives, hard work, perseverance and careful planning will be required. Yet the Masihs now have a firm foundation on which to build.
For Ishtiaq, Aneeta and their five daughters, the support they have received marks the beginning of a promising new chapter.
