Sister Zeph, an educator from Pakistan, clinched the esteemed Global Teacher Prize for 2023 and was granted a significant award of $1 million. Her extraordinary journey commenced at the age of 13 when she established a school for underprivileged children in her home’s courtyard.
Persistently dedicating herself to the cause, she funded the school through rigorous eight-hour workdays, devoting four hours to teaching, and spending her nights in self-directed learning. Over a span of 26 years, the school has evolved from humble beginnings to a new facility, providing free education to more than 200 disadvantaged children.
With the prize money, Sister Zeph envisions constructing a school on a four-hectare campus to cater to the most impoverished children in Pakistan, ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, she plans to establish a shelter for orphans and extend invitations to teachers worldwide to contribute their expertise.
Sister Zeph’s unwavering commitment and positive influence on her community earned her this prestigious award, acknowledging her exceptional contributions to the field of education. Her narrative underscores the transformative power of education in addressing contemporary challenges and nurturing the minds of the younger generation.