THROUGHOUT Pakistan’s history, we have experienced numerous crises. We have fought wars on different fronts, and faced natural calamities, political upheavals, displacements and economic meltdowns. During these crises, the nation as a whole has come forward to help those affected directly and indirectly. The nation has shown an immense sense of community service during these trying times. However, this spirit remains transitory and limited; we lack the sense of community service in more ‘normal’ times.

Community service is one of the fundamental requirements of Islamic teachings. Islam enjoins believers to remain active in serving the community. The Holy Quran mentions “…And do not forget liberality between yourselves. Truly, Allah is All-Seer of what you do” (2:237). Therefore, there remains a constant need to inculcate a sense of community service.

The Holy Quran exemplifies the role of Hazrat Yusuf when Egypt faced a long-term famine situation. Hazrat Yusuf distributed food to his people. This example underlines the importance of social service.

Life is admittedly difficult and busy nowadays, with everyone trying to make two ends meet. But one can spare a few moments for community service. Working for the welfare of others is a sure key to improving oneself.

Islam enjoins believers to serve the community.

We can address many problems through community service. One such problem that needs immediate attention is the problem of climate change. Human activities are the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, etc. We can mitigate the effects of climate change by growing more and more trees in all the big and small cities of Pakistan under the umbrella of community service.

Growing more trees and making our land greener is a fit answer to climate change. Trees provide safety in heatwaves and harsh weather. They are amongst the greatest signs of nature. They protect creatures from extreme heat, while providing essential ecosystems. Trees release large amounts of oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, reduce risks from floods and landslides, and increase environmental resilience to climate change. Beyond sequestering greenhouse gases, they offer multiple services vital for planetary health and human well-being, including water, clean air, food, biodiversity habitats, and recreational spaces.

Tree plantation can be linked to the education system of the country. The federal government has recently launched the Green Pakistan Initiative to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change. If students are engaged and assigned a role to make the country greener by planting more and more saplings everywhere, it would be a great service to Pakistan. They may be encouraged with an award or extra marks appreciating their efforts in nation-building. This needs to be made a permanent feature of the curriculum.

Our students spend a number of years in school, college and university, where they learn about many subjects. Along with theoretical knowledge, they need to be involved practically in nation-building. It is obvious that many students are under pressure during examinations and are made to run behind marks and grades, leaving little or no room for community service. In essence, academic learning must be interwoven with meaningful community service so that classroom knowledge can be implemented in a real-world setting.

On a visit to rural Sindh, I found a school where students were busy in a plantation drive. Each student has been allocated a particular space to plant coconut palm trees. All students wholeheartedly participated in the drive. I was told that once the trees are mature and fruit-bearing, the school will reap sufficient funds from them.

Such schemes can be tailor-made and replicated as a part of the state-sponsored Green Pakistan Initiative in all schools. Schools may be assigned certain areas, streets or localities to plant trees with care till they are fully mature and self-supportive. At the end, the schools may be declared successful if they have achieved their target of plantation. In this way, the students would become a part of the plantation drive.

This is one form of community service which students can offer under the patronage of their respective schools. This will make students realise that they are caretakers of the earth and are responsible for safeguarding its beauty. They will also be mobilised against environmentally unsound and unhealthy practices that are detrimental for the planet. Planting trees will prove a memorable feature of these students’ lives. This will also be an opportunity for schools to declare the exercise a part of extracurricular activities, thus creating a lasting impact on the minds of students.

The writer is an educationist with an interest in religion.

valianiamin@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2024