Third grade student Motasim Buksh is an orphan benefitting from Jack’s and Bohair’s Welfare Society in Pakistan. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — In a college town like Shepherdstown, there are many opportunities to build mentorships between community members and university students.

One such mentorship, given by Shepherdstown resident Jack Young, has continued to make an impact on the life of at least one Shepherd University student, even a year after Young’s death.

“Jack Young’s legacy lives on through the efforts of a young Pakistani man named Ali, a good friend of Jack Young, who passed away on March 4, 2023 in Shepherdstown,” said Carolee Youngblood, who served with Young on the board of Shepherdstown Area Independent Living (SAIL).

“Two years ago, Ali was an international student studying at Shepherd University. Ali and Jack became fast friends,” Youngblood said, noting the exchange student is now completing his studies in England. “Inspired by his relationship with Jack, who he calls ‘Dad,’ Ali has started an organization to help fund tuition for students in Pakistan.”

That Pakistan-based nonprofit organization, Jack’s and Bohair’s Welfare Society, was named in honor of Young and of Ali’s grandfather, Bohair, because they were both pillars in their communities.

Young

“My time in the U.S., especially in the beautiful Shepherdstown, was the best moment in my life. I will always regard them as the golden days of my life,” Ali said in an email from Pakistan. “In this short time as a semester exchange studnet, I had the best experiences that transformed my life.

“During this semester, I met multiple great friends who were willing to help and support me through this journey,” Ali said. “Among these people, the best friend I met was my Dad, Jack Young, and his close friends from SAIL. The Young family and their friends were always supportive and helpful for me, not only during my stay in the U.S., but also afterwards, because they stayed in touch with me when I returned back to my home country. The continuous guidance from Dad, his family and friends made me feel like a part of the Shepherdstown community.”

Currently, Ali has completed his collegiate education and is undergoing the Bar Professional Training Course, which will allow him to be named and practice as a barrister in the United Kingdom. He credits this decision to Young and others who he met in Shepherdstown. And, as he continues to pursue his career ambitions, Ali hopes he will be able to help many other children achieve success, through Jack’s and Bohair’s Welfare Society.

“I want to help others and give them educational opportunities, as I got these opportunities myself. I have a dream to see every school aged child in school, rather than doing hard labor,” Ali said, mentioning he is currently helping five boys and one girl in his hometown finance their grade school education through his organization. “This is what I am doing currently with my small budget and savings. I am hoping and planning to do more — there are thousands of such children who wish to be in school but can’t afford it and don’t have any governmental support.”

While his organization has not been officially registered yet, Ali plans to do just that, after becoming a barrister.

Fifth grade student Azeem Inayat, whose father is a drug addict and mother is a housewife with multiple health issues, benefits from Jack’s and Bohair’s Welfare Society in Pakistan. Courtesy photo

“Such help would create many opportunities for such children,” Ali said. “I see myself as being one of the luckiest, who got help, love and care, when I needed it the most.”