“STUDENTS, please listen! Kindly submit your old books, bags and school uniforms, with due permission of your parents and only if you don’t need it for your relatives or siblings!” Ms Maha, a senior teacher, made a humble request. This was done at the end of each academic year in every class so that those students whose parents could not afford to buy new books, bags and uniforms for their children can take the used stuff from the school administration.

Many students would give their old books, bags and uniforms and Ms Maha would made a list of deserving students and gave away everything they needed before the start of the new academic session.

‘No way! Why should I give my stuff to anyone?’ Rehan, a sixth grader thought. Each year he would buy new books, uniform, bag, shoes and stationary but would never gave his used uniform or books to the anyone else. Sometime he even tore them into pieces to give an impression to his parents that they were not worthy of being used again. And then he would even tease and make fun of those carrying used books or wearing used uniform.

Rehan was a spendthrift. He would demand extra pocket money every day and spend it lavishly in the school canteen and often gave treats to his friends without any special event.

“Rehan, at least you can give your old books,” said Riffat, his classmate to him. “You are the only child of your parents and also have no relatives to give your old books to, then why are you so stubborn and unkind?” Riffat questioned.

But Rehan had an aversion to keeping or giving old things after having used them, and so he replied, “I never use old things, and I don’t like others to use mine either. If someone cannot afford to buy new books, bag and uniform, they should not go to school,” Rehan boastfully said and walked away.

This year also, Rehan trashed his books, bag and uniform which still seemed like the new. He came home and placed orders before his parents for brand new school items but this time the list also included a tablet and a mobile set.

Rehan’s father, Mr Aleem Khan, owned a shop in the city. His business was going very well so he would fulfil all his son’s wishes without any delay. However, a week ago Mr Aleem he had suffered a big loss and had ran into debit. He was unable to pay back the huge amount of money he had borrowed and was worried about his tight financial situation. After listening to his son’s demands, Mr Aleem became sad and did not rely to his son. Rehan was puzzled as it never happened before in his life.

His father said, “Rehan, I’m sorry son but this year, you have to use your old school bag and uniform. However, we can make a request to your teacher Ms Maha, to give you a used books set,” his father said with a deep sigh.

Rehan couldn’t believe his ears! He was shocked. Then his father told him about his loss and for the first time in life Rehan felt what it was like to not have enough money to buy all what he wanted. But this suddenly made him feel mature and he felt sorry for his father. It also made him realise that nobody willingly likes to have the used or second-hand stuff, it is just their helpless financial situation that makes them use it. And, come to think of it, his bag and uniform were, after all, used by him only and they still were in a good condition, so what was the need for new stuff?

Still shocked and saddened by the unexpected situation of his father, Rehan went to Ms Maha the next day and told her everything, and also apologised for his attitude all these years.

“No problem, Rehan. There is nothing shameful in this, in fact by not stressing upon them to buy you things which they may not afford, it is the best you can do for your parents. Extra things, no longer in your use could be gifted or given away with your parents’ permission. And you know by reusing the books you actually help the environment, you know how?” and Ms Maha started explaining the benefits of reusing things. This time Rehan understood and agreed with her point of view.