A New Year of Hope: 2021 and the Journey Beyond the Pandemic

Dear Children

,BY:Ubaid

A new year has begun! This time, the world is welcoming it with the hope that the hardships we faced in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic will finally start to ease in 2021. Last year, life was almost paralyzed, with normal routines disrupted, schools closed, and countless uncertainties looming over everyone’s heads. Let us pray that this new year brings relief, health, and happiness, and that this dreaded disease becomes a mere story of the past.

Although a new year is marked simply by the change of the calendar, it has a profound impact on human life. Every year has three hundred sixty-five days, and each day arrives with a new dawn, carrying with it fresh hopes and expectations. When circumstances are favorable, the days pass swiftly, almost in the blink of an eye. But when challenges arise, even a single day can feel like an insurmountable mountain. Unfortunately, last year was just like that for all of us. The pandemic made life feel like a heavy burden, and carrying it became a real struggle. The final months of 2020 were particularly difficult because the hope of a vaccine kept shifting to 2021. Every individual prayed that they, their families, and the world at large would be protected until vaccines became available and a sense of normalcy returned.

Now, with the new year underway, humanity’s collective hope is that this year will be a year of well-being, peace, and recovery. People are longing for ordinary life to resume, for the hustle and bustle of cities to return, and for vibrant social interactions to be restored. The simple joys of daily life, often taken for granted, are now cherished more than ever.

Dear children, the lockdowns and school closures introduced you to a new way of learning: the “Online Education System.” Through this system, you continued your studies using computers, laptops, or mobile devices. While this digital shift kept your education ongoing, it certainly did not feel the same as being in a classroom. Advancing to the next grade without exams may have seemed unfair or unsatisfying, and many of you must have missed the excitement of interacting with your teachers and friends face-to-face.

Even now, as 2021 unfolds, it is clear that the pandemic is not yet over. Staying at home day after day can feel monotonous, and you might find yourself longing for the lively environment of school. You miss the extracurricular activities, the sports events, the classroom discussions, and the simple joy of walking through school corridors, all of which are now memories rather than realities.

At this point, it is important to turn to prayer. Pray that Allah protects the world, our country, and all of humanity from this disease. Pray that schools reopen, allowing you to return to the classrooms where learning is not only more engaging but also more effective. The joy of seeing your friends, taking part in group activities, and participating in interactive lessons is something no online platform can fully replicate.

This year, let us also remember the importance of patience and perseverance. The pandemic has taught us valuable lessons—lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of staying safe for the well-being of ourselves and others. By following health guidelines, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and taking vaccinations seriously, we can collectively contribute to a safer and healthier world.

It is natural to feel frustrated and impatient, especially when you are young and full of energy. You may find yourself thinking about the freedom you once had to play outdoors, participate in school events, and spend time with friends. These feelings are normal, and acknowledging them is important. But alongside your prayers, make a conscious effort to find joy in small things at home. Reading your favorite books, learning new hobbies, helping family members, and engaging in creative activities can make your days productive and enjoyable, even during these challenging times.

As you step into 2021, remember that every new day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive difference. Life may not yet be back to normal, but each day that passes brings us closer to recovery. The scientists working on vaccines, the doctors and healthcare workers tirelessly caring for the sick, and the families maintaining safety at home—all of these efforts contribute to a brighter future. Your cooperation, patience, and prayers are equally important in this journey.

So, dear children, embrace this new year with hope, courage, and determination. Let your prayers rise for health, education, and happiness—not only for yourselves but for your communities and the entire world. Remember, the challenges we face today are temporary. The resilience, knowledge, and compassion you cultivate now will help you navigate any difficulty in the future.

In conclusion, let this new year be a symbol of renewal and optimism. May it be a year when the shadows of the pandemic fade, schools reopen, friendships are rekindled, and the laughter of children fills classrooms once again. Let the world rediscover its joy, and let the lessons of patience, hope, and gratitude guide our actions every day.

Happy New Year, dear children! May 2021 be a year of blessings, health, and endless possibilities. Keep learning, keep praying, and keep believing that better days are ahead.