Covid-19: Busy mornings, evening bonding for Pakistani family in UAE

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Dubai - 'I feel this period is strengthening our relationship with each other'

By Nandini Sircar

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Published: Sat 4 Apr 2020, 2:41 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2020, 4:43 AM

Uzma Tabassum has never relished so much of family time before. Born in a conservative family in Gujranwala, Pakistan, her busy life has overwhelmed her with continuous social and economic struggles. However, she earnestly wishes this crisis period may soon be over for everyone.
Overcoming all societal impediments, Uzma, a teacher in Al Basma British School in Abu Dhabi, is successfully managing time between the demands of her professional and personal life, all from the confines of the house.
Precariously placing her laptop on the kitchen counter, Uzma keeps answering students' queries, as she skillfully watches the curry on the stove, from the corner of her eye.

"I have to load PPTs for my students, constantly attend to their queries, cook, clean and assist my twins in their school work. But I am not complaining, I am finally getting to spend quality time with my family that I have yearned for all these years," says the only bread-winner of the family who lives in Mussafah.

Uzma, who misses her students, spends her evenings narrating stories about her hardships, childhood home and her determination to overcome all odds. "Mornings are busy but in the evenings, we bond over family tales, our roots and values. So, our children know their grandparents, aunts and uncles as important people in our lives, beyond just their names."

Educating the kids about prayer and meditation, the family is resiliently improving ties over mental and spiritual activities. "We have a designated place where we recite our morning and evening prayers together as a family.
"I feel this period is strengthening our relationship with each other," she adds.


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