Pakistani Teacher Wins Global Teacher Prize for Underprivileged Education Advocacy in Pakistan
Sister Zeph, from Pakistan, won the Global Teacher Prize for her work in education and women’s empowerment, chosen from over 7,000 nominees across 130 countries.
Sister Zeph, a teacher from Pakistan, started a school for poor kids in her home’s yard in Gujranwala. She just won the Global Teacher Prize for 2023.
“We’re happy to share that Sister Zeph, a teacher in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan, specialising in English, Urdu, culture, inter-faith harmony, and climate change, has won the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023,” the organisation stated.
The award was arranged in partnership with UNESCO and in a special collaboration with Dubai Cares, a global philanthropic organisation based in the UAE.
Sister Zeph was chosen from among 7,000 nominations and applications for the Global Teacher Prize, representing 130 countries worldwide.
She received her award on November 8, 2023, during a ceremony held at UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris, according to the official statement.
“Pakistani teacher Sister Zeph received congratulations from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay for her prestigious award.
“We all remember a teacher who has had an impact on our life and changed our future. It may sound like a truism but it’s true: teachers are life-changers. Congrats to Sister Zeph from Pakistan, 2023 Global Teachers Prize Winner. Thanks to her for her commitment as a life-changer!” she wrote on her X handle.
Who is Teacher Sister Zeph?
At the age of 13, Pakistani teacher Sister Zeph established a school in her home’s courtyard, catering to underprivileged children whose parents couldn’t afford fees.
She worked eight-hour days to support the school, followed by four more hours teaching students. At night, she dedicated time to self-learning.
Twenty-six years later, the school, now situated in a new building, offers free education to over 200 underprivileged children. Despite early challenges, she has become a symbol of hope for the less fortunate in her community.
Several students from modest backgrounds have joined her education and empowerment foundation, while others have achieved great success in their professional careers.
In addition to managing the school, Sister Zeph conducts self-defense classes for girls, having personally experienced threats and attacks. She also offers financial aid to families grappling with the choice between educating their children and covering bills.
Furthermore, she oversees a vocational center that has empowered over 6,000 women with skills in ICT, textiles, and the English language.
Her unwavering commitment to education and empowerment has impacted countless lives, earning her numerous awards and acknowledging her as a genuine change-maker and advocate for women’s rights and children’s education worldwide.
With the funds from the Global Teacher Prize, Sister Zeph aims to construct a school on 10 acres, providing education to children from the poorest families in the country without discrimination.
Additionally, she envisions establishing a shelter for orphans, complete with on-site food cultivation. She plans to invite teachers from around the world to instruct the orphans in various subjects.