Who would have thought that a mere request for ₹100 would successfully help a law student fulfill his dream of constructing a school for underprivileged children? Wali Rahmani, a 26-year-old law graduate from Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, has turned his childhood aspiration into reality by establishing a school for the minority and disadvantaged sections of society. This initiative has captured the hearts of many, showcasing how small contributions can create significant change.
Born and raised in Topsia, West Bengal, Rahmani’s vision for a school was rooted in his own experiences. He believes that education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, especially to those from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “I always wanted to build something for the poor and underprivileged kids. What can be better than creating an institution where students can learn and thrive?” he said.
On September 15, 2023, a video of him appealing for contributions went viral on various social media platforms, receiving millions of views. The overwhelming response enabled him to secure a donation of land, Within just one year of span Rahmani was ready with ‘Ummed Global School‘.He quotes the school is made of the rich for the poor. “The barren land was lying vacant for the past 24 years. The people who gave me the land in the form of a donation told me that they had also planned to build a school for the poor children. It is not less than a blessing of converting an 80,000 sqft barren and unused land to a well constructed school within just a span of 365 days, Rahmani affirms.
The school also offers shelter to the needy
Ummed Global School serves not only as an educational institution but also as a home for 350 children. With hostel facilities managed by wardens referred to as house parents, the school provides a nurturing environment. The curriculum follows CBSE guidelines, offering classes from KG to Class 7, completely free for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many children have faced significant challenges, including experiences of abuse, and the school aims to create a safe haven for them.
Rahmani’s plans extend beyond basic education; he envisions the inclusion of technology labs, robotics, AI classrooms, and 3D design facilities.“As per National Education Policy, every school should have a minimum 25% reservation for the poor children. We are planning to reverse it. ummeed global school, will have 25% reservation for the students coming from established societies while 75% students will be from economically weaker parts of society.”
When asked about how he managed to transform his dream into a reality, he said “My family has supported me in every possible way. When I came up with this idea of building a school, my father said that I should not waste a minute to work towards accomplishing my dream. He took care of my needs so that I would dedicate my whole time in building this school.”
Making the correct use of ‘Zakaat’
Zakat, the obligatory charitable donation in Islam, is a fundamental principle aimed at assisting the poor and needy. Wali Rahmani, a dedicated law student, emphasizes the importance of this practice in transforming lives. Each year, he saves a portion of his income to distribute to those in need. However, Rahmani recognizes a recurring issue in the practice of Zakat: “It has always been a repetitive cycle of the rich providing Zakat to the poor. I want to break the chain so that the poor can also become rich and continue with this tradition.”
For Rahmani, education is the key to unlocking potential and fostering self-sufficiency. He argues that if society invests in these children today, they will grow into individuals capable of shaping a brighter future for everyone. His commitment to breaking the cycle of dependency reflects a profound understanding of both charity and empowerment.
