Rifat Arif
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani teacher Rifat Arif, known as Sister Zeph clinched the prestigious Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023 in recognition of her dedication to establishing a school and providing free education to 215 underprivileged children.
The award ceremony, held in collaboration with UNESCO and in partnership with Dubai Cares, took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on November 8.
Sister Zeph initiated her educational endeavor at the age of 13 in 1997, setting up a school in the courtyard of her home in Gujranwala for children whose families faced financial constraints.
Pakistani teacher Rifat Arif has won an international award in France.
The organization revealed that she worked tirelessly, putting in eight-hour days to fund the school, followed by four hours of teaching, and late-night self-learning sessions.
Over the span of 26 years, the school, now housed in a new building, offers free education to over 200 underprivileged children.
In addition to her educational efforts, Sister Zeph conducts self-defense classes and extends financial aid to families grappling with the choice between educating their children and meeting utility expenses.
Her vocational center has equipped more than 6,000 women with skills in ICT, textiles, and the English language.
With the prize funds, Sister Zeph envisions the construction of a discrimination-free school for underprivileged children and the establishment of a shelter for orphans. The latter would include sustainable food production on-site, and she plans to invite teachers from around the world to contribute to the children’s education.
