Sharing more than gift of knowledge

Dubai: The past few months have literally been a life changing experience for Manbahadur, a 25-year-old worker from Nepal.

Not only has he gained the support of a group of men in a similar situation to himself — living in a foreign country away from their families — but he has also fulfilled a long held ambition to study English.

Manbahadur and his fellow students say it is all down to the efforts of one man: Ashwani Gogia.

What started as a class for a handful of workers from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has developed into an English language and life-skills course for 60 students who attend classes in two shifts every night, because of lack of space.

Gogia, who has worked as a manager for Arab Global Commodities for a year and a half, charges his pupils nothing but teaches them on the assurance that they pass on "the gift of knowledge."

Last week, members of the class were given the opportunity to travel to Al Ain — the first time many of the students had ever been outside Dubai.

"I have been studying for three months, and our teacher is very good and kind-hearted," said Manbahadur. Manbahadur along with over 30 other students travelled to Al Ain, visiting Jebel Hafeet and Al Ain Zoo, which Gogia said was in recognition of their hard work.

"My students had never been to Al Ain before and most had never even been to a zoo. For many, it was their first time outside of the DMCC or nearby areas," he told Gulf News.

Dedication

Thirty-two year old Tapan Kumar from India, said he and his fellow students thoroughly enjoyed their day out, which was partially funded by their teacher.

"Hopefully we will all be able to go again," he said; adding that he started attending classes to enable him to "help my children in their studies."

"It is good to learn English because we can help our children when we go home, which we can't do if we are illiterate," he said.

With his students' command of the language improving, Gogia recently informed his class that as of July 15 only English will be spoken.

The dedicated teacher has also given his students the use of his small living quarters, which also serve as his classroom, on Friday as a 'library' and space where they can help each other and practice their English.

Gogia's assistant and one of his first students, 23-year-old Sanjay Patel says he and the other students feel like they are part of a family.

"The students work for 12 hours a day, but still they come to the classes every night," he said. "But, at the end of the day, it is all down to Mr Gogia. He works until 10.30pm and then teaches until 1.30 every morning. He teaches us that alone we can't do anything, but together we can."