Sughra’s life is a powerful example of how determination, passion, and commitment can open doors to opportunity. Today, Sughra is the Principal of Sun Valley Public School in the remote village of Kanday, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. But her story began in the very classrooms she now leads. Once a student at the MF Adopted Community School, Sun Valley Kanday—supported by Central Asia Institute—she has returned to guide new generations of learners. Sughra is giving back to the place that shaped her own future and inspiring young girls to follow in her footsteps.
Sughra was born and raised in Kanday. She faced the same challenges that many girls in her community continue to encounter: limited resources, long distances to reach higher schools, and social pressure to discontinue her education. But unlike many, she refused to let these barriers stop her. She studied at Sun Valley Public School from nursery to Class 8.
From an early age, Sughra stood out as an eager and curious student. Teachers remember her as someone who always came to class prepared, participated in every activity, and displayed leadership qualities even as a child. She led morning assemblies, participated in debates, and helped organize school functions. Her school not only nurtured her love of learning but also instilled values of honesty, discipline, hard work, and compassion. These qualities continue to define her leadership today.
After Class 8, Sughra pressed forward despite many obstacles. She completed her intermediate and higher education with the enduring support of her family. Along the way, she also volunteered at local events and mentored other students. Eventually, she obtained professional qualifications in teaching and school leadership, paving the way for a career in education.
Sughra had opportunities to follow other career paths. But she chose to return to her village and the school that raised her. She wanted to improve the quality of education for the next generation and ensure that young girls would have the opportunities she had fought so hard to access.
As a teacher, Sughra has introduced modern teaching techniques, activity-based learning, and the use of educational aids. She involves parents, especially mothers, in their children’s education. She holds regular community meetings and encourages girls to stay in school. Her efforts have built stronger connections between the school and the community, creating a vibrant environment where students thrive and parents are supportive.
Her dedication, creativity, and leadership soon caught the attention of the school administration and the wider MF Community Schools network. Sughra was promoted to administrative roles and eventually appointed Principal of Sun Valley Public School. It was a proud moment for her community: a young girl who once studied in these same classrooms had now returned as head of the institution.
As Principal, Sughra has transformed the school into one of the region’s model institutions. She has strengthened classroom management, prioritized regular teacher training, and encouraged students to excel in both academics and extracurriculars. She has been a strong advocate for girls’ education, often visiting families to speak directly with parents and convince them to keep their daughters in school.
Today, Sughra is recognized across the MF Community Schools network as one of the most effective teachers and leaders. Her story has come full circle, from student to principal, inspiring her community and proving what is possible when education pairs with determination.
Sughra’s journey is more than a personal success. It is a symbol of progress for girls everywhere. Sughra is a reminder that with education and perseverance, no dream is too big and no village too small to nurture future leaders.