Q1: You’re so young — what made you think, “I actually want to start something of my own and help people”?
Ans: I have always seen my parents giving back to the community, especially in Pakistan, going to specific areas and helping them especially working with children. Seeing this at such a young age made me realise that I wanted to do something of my own. It was not just my parents which influenced me, it was my grandparents and aunts who not only helped the needy but also took me, which extremely inspired me.
Q2: Do you remember the moment when the idea for CURA first came to you?
Ans: I remember quite specifically. My school in London had raised 30,000 pounds for kids education in Sri Lanka, which made me realise how my country is in need of youths who take action. I realised that if I wanted change I had to change, I had to take the initiative and I knew that if I took the first step God will make a path and He did Alhumduillah . As I always grew up thinking I wanted to give back but this was the wake up call that’s how I started CURA.
Q3: When you first told your family and friends that you wanted to start an NGO, what was their reaction?
Ans: My family and friends were completely supportive, which extremely motivated me to start CURA. My father had shown his utmost support by helping me on my first event, from getting sponsors,to emotionally making me stronger. I am externally grateful to him. My aunt Salina had believed in me from the start and supported me by getting all the incredible players and making the event the most spectacular event ever!
Q4: What has surprised you the most since starting CURA?
Ans: That it was not as easy or straightforward as I thought it would be. However with slight ups and downs it was an amazing opportunity to learn. As I learnt so much and I could have never learnt these life experiences without starting CURA.
Q5: Was there ever a moment when you felt overwhelmed or thought, “Maybe I’ve taken on too much”?
Ans: Sometimes, but quite rarely. Some of the downs made me feel that maybe it was not the best decision. However I knew that this was not my initiative but God’s. He made me start this and He was there for every up and down which made me always want to continue CURA. With God by my side inshahllah.
Q6: Is there a story of a child or family you’ve helped that you still think about?
Ans: I visited an orphanage a couple years ago in Pakistan, seeing their overjoyed faces and the smiles that lit up the house made me feel that every child is the same. Every child wants to play, learn and enjoy without worries as it should be. Health can make or break a child’s life. We are here to make sure they get a chance of living a normal life but God’s will.
Q7: How do you balance being a young girl, having your own life and studies, and carrying the responsibility of something like CURA?
Ans: Before I started CURA I had a fear that I am going into year 11 my o level year. It’s going to be difficult to balance everything, considering I live in London. However I had a strong feeling to start it now, and God made a path and CURA was made.
Q8: Has running CURA changed the way you look at your own life or the things we sometimes take for granted?
Ans: Definitely. Especially when meeting the children at the hospital was a huge reminder of how alhumduillah lucky we are all.
Q9: If you could make one big change in Pakistan when it comes to children and healthcare, what would it be?
Ans: Giving every child a chance. Unfortunately in Pakistan, there is a big difference between our 2% of population which can have any and everything and our 98% who cannot even afford basic healthcare. That is why we started CURA. That’s our mission we strive for.
Q10: When you dream about the future, what do you want CURA to become — and what do you want for yourself?
Ans: I want CURA not just to be know nationally but to be known globally that is my aim for the future of CURA and of course to continue supply medication to children expanding internationally inshahallah.
