Meraj Hamayun Khan

The “E & S” combination—Education and Skill—first inspired me five decades ago, when I was a young, deeply compassionate idealist. Seeing the struggles of my relatives and the hardships endured by young girls around me was painful. I resolved to do something. That conviction took shape as the De Laas Gul Welfare Program (DLG)—a registered NGO offering education and skill development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Though our efforts are small in scale, the impact has been wide-reaching. Many who came through DLG are now earning respectable incomes and supporting their families.

Fifty-five years later, I stand by the same formula and declare without hesitation: Education and Skill is the most effective solution to the challenges faced by families living on low or subsistence incomes.

Why do I believe this so strongly?

First, because I’ve seen it change lives—people who studied or trained with DLG have rewritten their futures. Second, because it changed mine. If my parents hadn’t sacrificed and saved for our education, where would I be? Education gave me an open mind and a growing vision. It brought me respect—as a teacher, mentor, politician, and leader. It gave me the confidence to speak, write, and think independently. It built my self-esteem. Today, I move with ease among people of all backgrounds, regardless of nationality, creed, or caste.

Alongside formal education, my mother made sure I learned what we now call “life skills.” She taught me home management and crafts—stitching, embroidery, knitting, crochet—the essential skill set of our time. Those lessons empowered me to earn a living and helped me support other women, reducing their dependence on men. This practical training became the foundation of DLG’s mission. But belief alone is never enough. To live a meaningful life, belief must be matched with consistent, passionate action. Hard work is a core value. It’s what drives success, sustains projects, and inspires others to join you. When that happens—when people follow and help—you know you’re on the right path. The path that leads to something bigger. The path that leads to God—not the one taken by idlers or troublemakers.

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