In an uplifting event titled “Khel Kay Sitaray,” the children of Macchar Colony transformed their neighborhood with vibrant displays of talent, captivating the audience with their gymnastic prowess and theatrical performances.
Organized by the Imkaan Welfare Organisation at Khel Ghar a recreational and learning center within the colony the event aimed to celebrate and showcase the hidden potential of children growing up in one of Karachi’s most underprivileged communities.
Turning a Slum into a Stage
Typically characterized by foul smells and squalor, Macchar Colony took on a festive feel as children aged 10 to 15 took the stage. The show began with a series of gymnastic performances, where children executed flips, aerial moves, and choreographed routines after just nine months of training.
Many audience members stood to get a better view, clearly moved by the skills these young performers had honed in such a short time. Tahera Hasan, the director of Imkaan, watched proudly as the children once overlooked by society amazed the crowd.
One young gymnast, 11-year-old Abdul Wahid, shared that although he doesn’t attend school, he comes to Khel Ghar three times a week for two-hour gymnastics sessions.
Educating Through Theater
The event also featured a short play titled “Koora Kahan Daaloon” (Where to Dispose of Garbage?), performed by the children to educate the community on responsible waste disposal. This creative and informative performance emphasized the importance of cleanliness in the community, combining entertainment with education.
Muhammad Alam, a 15-year-old performer, expressed his concern that many of his friends are discouraged by parents who prefer that children work rather than engage in extracurricular. However, over time, parental skepticism has transformed into trust thanks to the positive changes they’ve seen in their children.
Changing Mindsets and Building Confidence
One parent, Sabiha Manzoor, described the event as a “mini festival.” Initially reluctant to let her child join, she now believes that the experience has significantly boosted her child’s confidence and development.
Coach Muhammad Furqan, who also runs a gymnastics club in Lyari, has been training the children since Khel Ghar was established in November 2015. He shared that while some parents were resistant at first, their growing trust in the program has made a meaningful difference.
Furqan also revealed that girls from the colony are currently training and will be part of the next gymnastics showcase.
Khel Ghar: A Safe Haven for Learning
Hasan explained that Khel Ghar was created after Imkaan realized that most children in the colony neither had access to schools nor safe spaces to play. Now, over 130 registered children benefit from a variety of programs, including arts, education, and physical training. Even unregistered children are welcomed into its open-door policy.
Plans are underway to introduce evening sports sessions to accommodate children who work during the day and cannot attend regular classes.