Rush to join volunteer teacher's free classes

Dubai: A volunteer teacher says he has been overwhelmed by the response to his free nightly classes for workers, with the number of pupils doubling in the last week.

Ashwani Gogia has been flooded with requests from workers at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), near Ibn Battuta Mall, hoping to attend his English and general studies classes, following an article published in Gulf News.

In the last week alone, the class has grown from 15 to 28 students, with a further 60 prospective students now on a waiting list.

"I have been very encouraged by the response and I feel very happy. Whatever small thing I have done, I am getting the fruit of that. I always tell my students that nothing in life goes missed," he said.

Gogia was nominated as a Gulf News Everyday Hero by his neighbour Anjay Kumar Sharma, 28, for his commitment to his students. After a 12-hour shift, seven nights a week between 10.30pm and 1.30am, Gogia, 48, teaches English and "life skills" to students, with his three-by-four metre room serving as a classroom.

Donations

He charges his pupils nothing, but teaches them on the assurance that they pass on "the gift of knowledge" to others. Now, his classes have become so popular, that he simply cannot fit any more students into his small room on the 8th floor of one of the DMCC buildings.

According to Gogia, he teaches his students English, so that they can be understood, in addition to "moral education" and general knowledge, enabling them to "become more confident in their work and everyday life in Dubai."

Gogia, who has worked as a manager for Arab Global Commodities for one-and-a-half years, says that his students have become like a surrogate family. "My biggest concern now is that the quality of the teaching that I give should not decrease."

Not only has interest in his classes increased, but Gogia has also received several offers of assistance from Gulf News readers. "When I read about Mr Ashwani, I wanted to do something to help," said a donor who gave textbooks, notebooks, pencils, a blackboard and encyclopaedias, but wished to remain anonymous.

"I get great satisfaction and joy out of doing something small, but it is really all about the hard work of the teacher and the students. It was also really nice to bring my 15-year-old son along to meet the students and hand over the items," she said, adding that more donations for the classes were on the way.

Despite the interest in his work, Gogia says he is determined to only receive donations, not money.

"I am definitely not going to start touching money, and I have encouraged people that if they want to help, then they can bring me items. When money comes into the equation - problems begin."

Iwas touched after reading this article. I am willing to be a volunteer teacher since I used to be an teacher for nine years.
B. llego
Sharjah,UAE

That is a true hero to emulate and admire. I believe blessings are surely waiting for him. I hope that he may inspire not only his students but others as well.
Abbie
Abu Dhabi,UAE

God bless you. In a city like Dubai, people hardly get time to help people.
R.V.
Dubai,UAE

Exceptional! Outstanding! Just great! This is an example which every employer in Dubai should follow. Workers are human beings who should be able to look forward to a good future. Ashwani Gogia is a real every day hero. Well done.
J. A. Baba
Dubai,UAE