Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: December 13, 2023 | 
| 中文
Sister Zeph (Riffat Arif) receiving Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize
Born in the Christian minority community of Gujranwala in 1983 as Riffat Arif, the little girl was always a fireball. She was barely thirteen when bullied by her class fellows and teachers, consequently, she dropped out of school. An article she had written the same year about women’s rights had appeared in a leading newspaper of the country, and she was filled with confidence. Not one to stand down against bigotry, be it gender-based or religious, Riffat decided to continue her studies at home. “I had a habit of asking questions but the teachers were not used to being queried,” she recalls. Naturally blessed with initiative and leadership qualities, she dreamt of becoming a lawyer one day. Without wasting any time, she started teaching herself, her younger sister, and her younger sister's friends in her courtyard. Flyers were distributed in the neighborhood announcing free education for girls. Riffat passed tenth-grade examination as a private candidate. As more girls kept joining the group, a school started taking shape. For a brief period she also worked as a receptionist at a telecom franchise, but what she earned was not enough to support her school and the hours were long. Riffat eventually started using her embroidery skills that she had picked up along the way, in order to generate an income and have enough time for her school. The girls were now studying in a rented, open roof house with financial support from Riffat, who had now adopted the name Sister Zeph. “I would work 8 hours a day, teach my students 4 hours and teach myself 4 hours. I never took a day off. Never went to church. I never made any friends because I was focusing only on these 3 things, and it was quite tiring. I had no plans for marriage, as my cause was much bigger,” she said.
Sister Zeph teaching in class
She completed a master's degree in political science in 2010, and then a master's degree in history in 2013. “When I started studying at home, I did not have a computer and there was no access to internet. It was very challenging to seek knowledge, but I was not going to give up on my ambitions. I had a laptop by 2008, and internet had become commonplace, so it became somewhat easier to educate myself. I started sharing my story online,” Sister Zeph looks back. The center offered classes on IT and digital literacy skills, English, stitching, hairdressing, makeup and martial arts.
Sister Zeph with her school kids
Sister Zeph won the Lynn Syms Prize that honored her as a grassroots leader in 2014, as a relatively unknown woman activist with an exceptional track record of early accomplishment in community-based work. The award recognized her efforts to systemically address a pervasive problem faced by women in her community. A documentary, Flight of the Falcons, was made in 2015 about Sister Zeph’s life and the lives of three of her students in their struggle against child marriage, corporal punishment and societal pressures against education for girls. The documentary won many awards, and the story of Sister Zeph and her school led to the Malala Fund offering her assistance. The same year Sister Zeph's organization became a registered school. By 2016, her organization had taught over 500 girls and empowered 100 more.
Sister Zeph during a community outreach program
As of 2023, Sister Zeph's school provides free education to 200 students, from kindergarten through tenth grade, and many of the teachers are former students. To date her efforts have resulted in education for 2000 students and assistance to 6000 women. Currently, her organization called the Zephaniah Women's Education and Empowerment Foundation (ZWEE) also has a clothing line, Evaz Ethical Clothing, which is produced by 30 women employees and the profit goes back to the school and center. ZWEE also organizes twice weekly afternoon classes for children, who can't attend school full-time because they are working to support their families. Students from 11 nearby villages attend schools at the two campuses, and provide formal education and skills under ZWEE up to the 12th grade to girls, and 5th grade to boys. In the skills center, various training such as self-defense techniques, English language, IT courses, beautician courses, stitching and sewing, financial management, health education, sports and arts are offered. Currently, ZWEE has 12 full time teachers who work in the schools and center, and many volunteer teachers from Europe, USA and other countries also teach via Skype. “When a teacher shows such affection to the children, they get a feeling of security and warmth. They feel that they are just with another mother, for unfortunately, I did not get to enjoy my own childhood. I want children to be pampered and loved and have a childhood. We have definitely come a long way from one laptop to many computers available at the school and the center", Sister Zeph reflects.
Sister Zeph teaching school girls about computer and internet
Sister Zeph was pleasantly surprised when she won the largest annual global prize for teachers in September 2023, $1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023 in honor of her achievements. She was selected from over 7,000 nominations from 130 countries. In the first round she made it to the long list of 50 nominees. When she made it into the short listing of 10 finalists, she still doubted that she would win. The award was organized in collaboration with UNESCO and in strategic partnership with Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization. Sister Zeph's win was announced on 8th November 2023, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, where all 10 finalists were invited. According to the official citation, "Her dedication to education and empowerment has touched countless lives and earned her numerous awards, recognizing her as a true change-maker and advocate for women's rights and children's education around the world."
Sister Zeph with her school kids
“I was stunned in the first few seconds. It came as a surprise to me. But I did see that my dress color matched the golden trophy, so I guess I was half expecting it,” Sister Zeph said with a smile. Since the money will come in installments over 10 years, Sister Zeph hopes to get the government to give her a piece of land, so she can start building her dream school. Sister Zeph plans to build a school on 10 acres where children from the poorest families can be educated without discrimination, with the award money. She would also like to create a shelter for orphans, where food would be grown on the property, and teachers from all parts of the world would be invited to instruct them in a range of subjects. "This recognition is a reminder that when we work together, we can overcome the obstacles. It is a call to action, a call for us to redouble our efforts, and a call for the world to unite in our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to a quality education. I will use this platform to advocate for quality education, gender equality and the empowerment of every child, especially those in marginalized communities. We must continue to innovate, collaborate and invest in education to shape a brighter future for all," Sister Zeph said in her acceptance speech.
Zeph's center for vocational training
“Every week has its own challenges and wins. There have been many rejections and disappointments over all these years, and sometimes I cry in solitude. On Christmas eve in 2006, bullets were fired at our house by those who were not happy with the work that I was doing. Even that did not break my resolve to continue my mission. My ideal is Mother Teresa, and I hope to serve my people the same way as she did. It is important to never lose hope and keep trying to make a difference for the better,” Sister Zeph said. Sister Zeph’s life is a true reflection of the Chinese proverb, “better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”.
Sister Zeph conversing with the elders of the village
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