Freedom Fighter Abdul Aziz is neither a reputed artist, nor an affluent man but has taken a commendable initiative. He along with seven of his colleagues has been voluntarily running at art school for rural children.
Aziz, through his own initiative and funds, has opened an art school at the remote village Rawtara -- about 13 kilometers from Magura district town -- where children get art lessons.
Lessons are free and teachers are sincere; the school usually remains vibrant with enthusiastic children and their guardians.
Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), Independence Day, International Mother Language Day, Victory Day and such other national events are observed at the school with participation of students, teachers and villagers.
"This school has been playing a key role in making the youngsters and local people culturally aware," said Nazrul Islam, a guardian of a student.
At the school, teachers also generate awareness in anti-corruption among the students. Everyday students chant the anti-corruption slogan "Durniti korbo na, durniti shoibo na," as a part of their lesson.
Each student however, pays Tk 15 per month for tiffin that is provided at school.
According to Aziz, who actively took part in the Liberation War, "Childhood is the appropriate period to instill creativity and help them broaden their outlook. Our devotion to this cause is the reason behind our success," he added.
Every Friday about 200 children from adjacent villages go to the school. The school was named after noted sketch artist Mustafa Aziz.
The school (founded in 1985) was initially housed at a rented place. But as the school faced financial crunch and Aziz failed to pay the monthly rent, it was moved to a tin-shed on his own land in 2002.
There is not enough furniture and light is insufficient in the classrooms. But the shortcomings don't dampen the spirits of the students and teachers.
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