The IoS Christmas Appeal: Bring help to the girls who go to school in the shadow of the bombers

"First, two men stopped girls on their way to school and told them: 'We don't want you to attend,'" she said. "Word quickly spread, and some families kept their daughters at home."

Then older girls were told they could only go to school if they wore the all-enveloping burqa, which is not customary in Buner. Finally, in April, the Taliban resorted to murder. "We were having an Urdu lesson on a Monday morning when there was a blast, and the wall fell down," Hasina said. "A girl in another class was killed. All the children were screaming and crying. I ran all the way home."

Shortly afterwards, the Pakistani government, backed by Britain and the United States, launched a military assault to drive the Taliban out of Buner and the neighbouring district of Swat. Hasina and her family, like nearly two million others, were forced to flee for their lives. But even though the militants have departed, and the family was able to return home in October, life is still far from normal.

After the school was repaired, the fears both of pupils and of parents kept many away at first. Hasina plucked up the courage to attend after the first week, but became so nervous that she would go home at break. "Then two people came to the school and talked to me and the others about what had happened," she said. "That helped us. I'm still talking about it a lot with my friends, and some of us are still scared, but I'm now staying for the whole day."

The visitors to the school were counsellors paid for by ActionAid, whose work in Buner and Swat is being supported by The Independent on Sunday Christmas appeal. The charity is seeking to train 300 teachers in psycho-social support for traumatised pupils as part of a programme to restore the education system in a region laid waste this year by fighting.

In Swat, where nearly half of the 800 schools were damaged, ActionAid aims to provide temporary facilities for 7,000 pupils, who will be taught in tents insulated against the mountainous district's freezing winters.

Such help cannot come fast enough for the secondary schoolgirls being taught in an open alleyway at a primary school in Mingora, Swat's capital. "We used to have such a beautiful building," said the vice-principal, sitting at her desk on an open veranda. "Masked militants came one day last February, during the holidays, and told people living near the school to leave if they didn't want to die. Then they blew it up."

Although there is a heavy army and police presence in Mingora, the extremists continue to broadcast threats on FM radio, keeping nerves on edge. All the teachers I spoke to asked for their names to be withheld, and female teachers and pupils remained veiled in photographs for their safety.

"The authorities suggested we rent a building, but we feel safer here in government premises," the vice-principal said, indicating the policeman guarding the gate. Nor was the destruction confined to girls' schools: nearby was a boys' high school in which every door and window had been blasted out. The first-floor staff room was still in use, despite having one wall and part of the floor missing.

As bad as the physical damage has been the educational disruption suffered by tens of thousands of children who spent much of the year in refugee camps, and now find it impossible to concentrate on their studies. Months after they returned, many pupils are staying at home, either because of emotional disturbance or because their parents fear further acts of terrorism. The Taliban's medieval attitude to women has hurt female education in particular.

"Problems started to emerge a couple of years ago," said "Saira", a teacher in a mixed primary school in Mingora. "There were irregular curfews, and the school would be open for a day, then closed for 10 days. It got even worse when the suicide bombings started." But that was nothing compared with the savagery unleashed this year, when the Taliban emerged on to the streets of the city.

"Schools started to receive letters from the Taliban, telling women teachers and older female pupils to wear the burqa," Saira said. "We complied, but then they demanded that all women stay at home. Finally they started killing women they accused of 'immorality'. I saw two with their heads chopped off."

The Taliban were driven out of Mingora soon afterwards, but some teachers have decided, in the words of one of Saira's colleagues: "Teaching is not safe any more – I want to do something else." Most, however, are determined to carry on.

"If my pupils are going to die, I will die with them," another female primary teacher said. Your donations to ActionAid will help not only to support brave women like these, but to fight the ignorance and illiteracy on which extremism thrives.

The Independent on Sunday's Christmas appeal is supporting the work of ActionAid in Pakistan, where millions of civilians have lost their homes and livelihoods in the battle against al-Qa'ida and its allies. Your donations to ActionAid, which has been working in the country since 1992, will help these people rebuild their lives.

love it must have

Amid the hustle and noise of the city of Jakarta, Desi, Tara, and Ika was to relax semester vacation. Because for three of them last week semester tests. They are student-student achievement. "Uh ... you guyz gimana klo aja streets while washing my eyes?" Asked Tara on Desi and Ika. "Duch ... more fun nich! Bear, also finished soon. "Answer Ika while reading comics' Shincan Crayon 'is already a week has not been completed." Iya nich Tara, fun-fun reading taken a walk! "Said Desi who is engrossed in reading the novel' April Café 'which will be completed in two days. "Duch ... you guys are really nerdy yes! Boring at home continued to nie! Kta aja streets yukz hilangin tired, exhausted khan replications. "Tara said at length." Taraaa ... ... bisa ga 'you paused sich! Disturb tau! "Cried Daisy, and Ika told Tara quiet, and with a keen eye." Okey ... Okey ... but do not pake shouted donk! Ears ga 'tau deaf? Cepetan little donk and read it, you're bored reading nungguin nie! "Says Tara told the two to talk ga 'have cried." Who ordered nungguin we read? "Ika said with a hint of Tara." Why are you ga' read a novel or a comic, too "asked Desi to Tara as she read the novel and smoothed her hair." Males ah ...! "Tara replied casually. Some time after they argued, the two boys suddenly came to his house to find Desi Tara and Ika. Apparently they are friends Desi and Ika time fourth grade. Behind the string of friendship between Daisy, Ika, Doni, and Banu, Banu was Doni and keep a sort of feeling is very valuable to them both. Because of how they actually save from their own conscience. But, at that time they have not been able to express that special feeling for Desi and Ika because they think that they are still too early to date. After seven years of Doni and the Banu keep those feelings, they can not wait to express special feelings they have saved for seven years. "Assalamu'alaykum" said Doni while saying hello. "Wa'alaikumsalam" Tara replied "Are Desi and Ika is this house?" Banu said. "Ooo ... Desi and Ika is here. You siapanya Desi and Ika? "Tara said as she asked back to Doni and Banu." We both Desi and Ika's friend since fourth grade. "Banu said." Oooo ... gito! Wait a minute, I'll call Desi and Ika. Please go first. "Tara said as she lets go and Banu Doni. A few minutes after they are welcome to enter as Tara out of two young women. They are Desi and Ika. Banu and Doni was shocked by the two women who have before them. Because Daisy and Ika appearance different from their appearance seven years ago. Semetara that, she went to prepare meals kedapur food and drinks for guests from both his friend. "Desi ..." said Banu, his face curiously "Yes ... Lovable Nu,? Emang you think I am? "Said Desi assured Banu question." Madness, you tuch changed Desi! And it Ika khan? "Said Banu Daisy praising and showing his forefinger towards Ika." Duch ... you are what the hell sich! Period 'forgot us? "Said Ika a curious face." Endless you change sich ... So forget deh! "Said Doni with a little joke." Oh ... yes! You want doing here? Want to say something? "Ika said as he continued to hold the comics 'Crayon Shincan' who lived a little more complete. They continue to talk like seven years ago. They look very close at all. But, in a conversation that they do not express the special feeling they have saved for seven years. Shortly after the converse-shows, Tara brought drinks and food are super delicious, which had never felt by Doni and Banu. Tara's anger lost due to Tara's anger should not be delegated to the guests. "Uh ... Desi, Ika bantuin I donk! Weight nich! "Tara said as she called Daisy and Tara Ika to help bring drinks and food for the two friends Desi and Ika." Yes ... yes ... "Ika said the sentence agreed. Desi, Ika, and she immediately offered food and drink they had brought from the kitchen. "Don, Nu, nie food and drink, please take." Desi said, offering drinks and food they had brought from the kitchen. "Oh ... yes I forgot! Don, Nu, is Tara's new friend I am! And Tar, is Doni and Banu. They were friends when elementary school I used to. "Ika said introducing Tara Banu Doni and pointing the finger at Doni and Banu." Oooo ... so your name Banu and Doni huh? Salam kenal ya? "Tara said, holding out his hand to shake hands to Doni and Banu." Salam kenal juga "said Doni and Banu while receiving a helping hand in order to meet Tara." Well ... it's only a minute of you familiar extraordinary aja deh. Great ... great ... great ... "Ika said with a chuckle on hold. After Desi and Ika introduced to Doni and Tara Banu, they both returned to Tara's room to put the comics and novels of those who had carried all the time. On your way back to the room of Tara, Daisy and Ika not forget to read comics and novels in his hand, because the story in the comic and the novel live their 1-3 finish more pages. Living room, she was very careful when speaking with Doni and Banu, because Tara had been told the same when Desi and Ika Doni and Banu people like offense. Five minutes the atmosphere is very quiet living room, and finally Doni and Banu ventured to speak to Tara to ask permission klo they both wanted to speak privately with Desi and Ika. "Well ... Tara, I must say both ga 'as Daisy?" Said Doni. "Tar Yeah, I also need both the same way nie Ika! Pleezz ... "said Banu requested permission to speak to Tara both Ika." Fine, you can talk koq both Desi and Ika. You better let me say two wrote in the park behind my house. "Tara said Doni and Banu allowed to speak alone with his two friends itu.Berselang few minutes later and Ika Desi came over Tara, Doni, and Ika. "Um ... Desi, Ika, Doni and Banu want to talk privately tuch as you" Tara said with a happy face to see his two friends were able to talk privately with his old friend. "Ehmm Don, Nu, sorry but I will have occasion Ika reunian SMP sudden ... "Daisy said with a grim face." Oooo ... "" Tar, Don, Nu, we go now ya! Daa ... "Ika said goodbye to three of them. After five minutes of Desi and Ika go, Doni and Banu face looked sad. And Tara tried to comfort them both. But Tara's efforts to comfort them both fail, Doni and Banu still want to go home. But, she was quick to act, she promised that on Saturday 14 February 2009 Doni and Banu be reunited in the Garden City. And after a day of Tara, Doni, Banu, Ika and Desi chat, Tara suddenly felt something special for Doni. But Tara did not want to ruin Doni desire to have Daisy to be his girlfriend. TWO DAYS LATER Tara did not forget his promise to Doni and Tara Banu that will bring them both with Ika and Desi, on Saturday 14 February 2009 in Park City. Before that, she immediately called Ika and Desi late so they do not come to Park City to meet with Doni and Banu. "Tut ... tut ... tut ..." the sound of dial tone phone Ika is still the standard. "Hallo ... Assalamu'alaykum ..." Ika said while saying hello. "Wa'alaikum greetings" says Tara replied ducapkan greeting by Ika. "What Tar, tumben nich phone me! Is there anything important? "Ika said to Tara, his face curiously." Loch gini Emmm Ika ... ...! To the point aja dech! Two days ago when you went to junior high reunian sudden event, I promised to Doni and Banu today that you two would I arrange a meeting with Doni and Banu. "Tara said, trying to explain events that happened two days ago after Ika will go with Desi to the junior high reunian improvised. "Emang they both want to say what sich?" Ika said to himself with a curious face. "Ka, why koq diem ... By donk! Oh yes, like yesterday they would talk something important deh! "Said Tara, who startled his daydreaming." Ok deh same I'll tell Daisy "Ika said with a tone of approval." Ika ... Bye! "Tara answered the phone disconnected. "Bye, too" Ika said. Over the several minutes after she'd called Ika, Doni was called Tara to ensure that the promise has been implemented Tara said. At the time of call Tara, Doni heart felt feeling the first time fourth grade when he was close to Desi. Doni again felt the same special friend of Daisy's. "Hello ..." "Yeah ... who are you?" "Duch ... Tara was only two days I've completely forgotten!" "Oh ... you Don. What is it? Tumben niey phone? Surely it would nanyain promise you? "" Sama tau sich? "" ... Our Melepasmu Khan met only two days, if not asked about it let alone hayyo promise? "" Maybe you feel about me "" Doni, that what you mean sich? " "Ga 'koq ... Just kidding." "O my promise iyya ga' forget koq! Do not worry "After Tara talked with Doni, Desi and Ika came. Without deliberate, Desi heard the conversation between Doni and Tara. And the three of them chatting in the car all the way to the Garden City. "Waduuh ... Waduuh ...'ve Adda niey same familiar Doni" said Daisy with words rather sarcastic Tara. "Duch ... I think Daisy likes tuch as Doni ... Well I think they both fit tuch!" Tara said to herself. "Halloww ... Tara, kmuw ga 'see why khan? "Ika said waving his hand in front of Tara's face." Ga' koq Desi, Ika, I just remember with my duties at home piling niey! "said Tara tried to look for a reason." Klw so we gotta go down? Bye ... bye ... "Ika said." Bye ... "Tara said. When I got home, she immediately went back to the room and write Diary of events that happened all day. After a few minutes Tara writes his Diary, Desi call Tara tells what happened in Park City. "You're Still No Word ... You Sick Like Me ..." Tara HP ringtone sound if there is telephone inside. "Hello Assalamu'alaykum" greetings Tara said. "Hello Wa'alaikumsalam" said Desi. "Um ... What ya in December ... tumben malem-malem you call me. Usually at this hour you have a dream in nature. Oh ... yes, how was your date with Doni? "Said Tara asked Daisy about what happened in Park City." Biasa aja koq just had ... ... ... Ehmmmmm "Daisy replied with words that have not finished and with a sad tone." Just had gimana mean? You left the same pulanng Doni? Or you dikerjain at Doni, "said Tara with a number of questions representing yangn Tara curious feelings of Desi date with Doni." Ga '... ga' ... all the questions wrong "Daisy replied that make Tara's curiosity increased." And then ...? "" I shot at Doni ... "Daisy replied Tara removing his curiosity." O Allah Desi ... it makes you wonder Akku die huh? Trus you say? "Tara asked back." Yes ... I take it ... I also liked the Khan had just Doni. Oh ... yes ... Ika too lho same shot Banu. "" If so congratulations, for you two! "Said Tara congratulated on Desi and Ika." Tar ... udahan used it? Bye ... "" Bye ... "After the events of the day that makes the heart sick and ruined Tara and Tara make a body tired, she then went to the island cotton and continued his departure to dreamland. MOUNTH FIVE LATER After five months of Doni and Desi, and Ika and Banu dating, she heard rumors that his friend had been severed from Ika Banu Banu and choose to be friends again like before. Found in the school yard during recess, she immediately asked gossip about Ika breakup news and Banu. It also Dikesempatan, Tara Ika vent to about her feelings for Doni. "Why Ik, denger-denger you break it at Banu? Why not? "Asked Tara." Tar nie Yeah, I broke up as Banu! Because my school because of the mess going out, so I finish with her dech. "Ika said." Udah is Ika, if that's what's best for you not to cry and do not regret, anyways it all for you, too khan? "Said Tara was trying to comfort Ika 'm sad. "Thank's yes, you are friends Tara the best of me." says Tara Ika and praising Tara immediately embraced as a sign of gratitude. "You're welcome" said Tara Ika returned the compliment. "Is that all?" Ika said. " Um ... Ka, I must say ga 'to you? It's about feeling Doni me to his girlfriend Daisy! "Tara said with a stammering speech." Boleh aja, emang ya as you like Doni? "" Yeah, he, ever since I first met at Doni I feel special to Doni. But he, do not tell it to anyone, including Banu and Desi. "" Oh, so I'll try to keep this secret forever "Ika said. Home school bell rang Tara quickly to come home because Tara had time to see Doni and Desi lovingly embraced. When I got home, she was contemplating what he feels now to Doni only dream of a sleeping princess. Then, she immediately told his parents that the school moved to Surabaya. Tara did it so he forgot all about Doni. "Mom, Dad, Tara will talk together Mom and Dad, may ga '?" "Please Tara aja, emang say what you want? Koq keliatannya really serious! "Said Mama Tara" Mom, Dad, Tara wanted to change schools to Surabaya yes Mom, Dad? Boleh khan? Plizzz! "Said Tara pleaded kesetujuan proposal to mama and daddy." Mama's boleh aja, but it tentuin Papa Khan you, dear. "Mama said." Papa also agree wrote, but you koq pingin suddenly moved the school to Surabaya? "said papa." Ga 'nothing koq Ma, Pa! "said Tara," Fine, tomorrow Papa will take care of everything. "Papa said Tara with a sentence agreement." Thank you so Mom, Dad? If so Tara bed huh? Good Night Mom, Dad? "Said Tara." Good Night, darling. "Said his Mama and Papa bebarengan. After getting permission from both parents of Tara, and Tara called Ika, because Ika is one friend that his phone number is still active. Tara Ika call to inform that began three days ahead, Tara skul've moved to another place. "What should I do ... to make you love ... me ..." votes NSP Ika wore seventeen songs. Soon the sounds RBT Ika HP Lima Akin "Why slaluw I would budge ..." Ika RBT sound when his phone rang. "Hello, Tar Yeah, what?" Ika said while straightening her room that berantakkan. "Hello, I gini Ika would say, three days ahead I've ga 'lgi skul in SMA Negeri 1 Jakarta again! "said Tara." Why Tar, emangnya why? Was it Doni, you truz move? "Ika said." Ka Yeah, I tried to ngelupain Doni haruz of mind and heart! And moved the school may be one way. "Tara replied." Tar, saying never say 'love can love, but love is not haruz we have', but it's up to you, it was suggested khan aja! "Ika said." Fine Ka , entar I think about what you ucapin kata2 earlier. Ika bye. "Tara said." Bye. "THREE DAYS LATER During the three days of thinking of Tara, but Tara had nevertheless found the answer he was looking for. And beginning today, Tara was not in school anymore in SMAN 1 Jakarta. Meanwhile, a different place, Ika trying to find Daisy and tells what is happening at Tara. "Duch ... Where Desi sich?" Asked Ika kekanan and turning left. "Well ... it Desi. Doni also happened to be. "Ika said to have found the figure of a friend who wanted it." Doni, Desi, wait me. "Ika said Doni called Daisy and a breath panting." What is nie Ka, I think you want to say nie serious as we are. "Desi said." Yes, I want to talk seriously emang as you two. "says Ika." What's he? "said Doni curious" About Tara ... "Ika said the brief." Emang what's wrong with Tara "asked Daisy and Doni are more curious." Gini lho Desi, Doni, Tara tuch starting today he skul no longer here. "Ika said with words that increasingly makes Daisy and Doni curious." Ayo donk Ka, to the point aja. Emang our clay could you die because you're curious, "said Desi." Ga 'sich aku ga' clay heart you both died untimely deaths because of my story. Ya udah to the point aja. I actually like the same Tara tu Doni Doni and since you kenalin same Banu Tara, but her love is now only one eye, because Doni Desi t'lah yours. Truz he ngambil decision to change schools so he ga 'recall with the name' DONI '. "Ika said the length of breadth." Fine I'll just nyerahin Doni Tara, and now we're home Tara bareng-bareng yuks! "Said Desi as he led home Ika and Doni to ngejelasin smuanya Tara. "Tar But, I really love you." Doni said the same would not diputusin Desi. "Don, Tara denger yes I was a good friend, I ga 'want to lose him, just because -because you're mine. Udahlah Don, we are home now Tara wrote, there dijelasin smuanya entar wrote. "Said Daisy explains to Doni." Plendz Let's go, hurried late nie! "Said Ika Ika warned that, Desi, and Doni will be home of Tara to explain all the terjadi.FIVE MINUTES LATER After a five minute journey home Tara. Ika, Desi, and Doni saw Tara sitting imagine his old friends are having fun in skul ever. Then the bell rang Doni car. "Tin ... Tin ..." "Ika, Desi, Doni. What are you here? "Tara said with surprise." Tar, we are here to nyelesain what's the problem! "Said Desi." Ka, you tell about my feelings as Daisy, huh? "Asked Tara to Ika." Tar Sorry, I mean not a hypocrite , but I want you to ga 'move Tar. "Ika said trying to explain." Tar, I've decided at Doni, and you can now dating the same koq Doni, I will bless your relationship. "Desi said." Ga' Desi koq, I've ngepikirin Ika time saying, 'love can love, but love is not haruz we have'. So, I hope you guys do not give, yes? "Says Tara told something that does not Ika, Desi, and Doni think." But, you ga 'to be moved khan? "Ika said sure." Why would move if there temen-temen I would accompany my days. "Tara replied with words of poetic self." Um ... Desi you want to ga 'back at me? "said Doni took Desi dating again." Udah thank Desi wrote. "Ika said and Tara Desi and Doni menyuport that back together. "What we are seeing, if we can still be friends." Answer Desi Doni denied the request. "Yes ... yes ... more than a friend sgala everything. And friends could not replace anything in this world. "Says Doni added words Desi." Friends are beautiful ... ... ... ... ... ... "cried Daisy, Doni, Ika, and Tara. Friendship was initially causes a sense of love. But, do not let the love that will ruin a beautiful friendship. Companions more difficult to find than the love of someone. Because not all the friends that we know will be a good friend and trust. Maybe our new friend, will be the evening he would ruin our self-esteem.
THE END