Saira Rafiq’s journey began in the small village of Poona, in District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Raised in a middle-class family where traditional views were common, Saira faced many of the challenges that young girls in rural areas often do. But she was determined to break barriers. With a strong passion for learning and teaching, she set out to make a difference not just for herself, but for others like her.
From her school days, Saira stood out as a hardworking and high-achieving student. She developed a deep interest in the English language early on and worked hard to earn a master’s degree in English Language and Literature. Her academic record and strong test scores helped her secure a government teaching position after a competitive selection process. In 2017, she began teaching English at an elementary school in a rural part of District Bhimber.
Even with limited access to training and resources, Saira stayed committed to improving English education. Her efforts were noticed when she was selected for the Professional Development Program for Novice English Teachers a week-long residential training held in Islamabad. It was her first major professional development experience outside her home region.
Her biggest breakthrough came in 2022, when she was chosen for the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Among thousands of applicants across Pakistan and AJK, Saira was the only woman selected from her entire division. During the program, she explored new ways of teaching, strengthened her leadership skills, and gained confidence in bringing change back home.
When she returned to Pakistan, Saira didn’t wait to apply what she had learned. She started a school and community project focused on mental health and well-being an issue often ignored in rural areas. Her TEA experience also helped her prepare for and pass the Public Service Commission exam, leading to her selection as Headmistress of a High School. Despite her administrative duties, she continues to teach English at the secondary level, showing her lasting dedication to classroom teaching.
Since her return, Saira has stayed active in the learning community. She regularly joins American English Live webinars, online courses, and workshops supported by the U.S. Department of State. She is currently part of the Global Online TESOL Methodology Course offered by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County a competitive, fully funded eight-week program for English teachers around the world.
Looking ahead, Saira plans to expand her mental health initiative to more schools and communities across AJK. Her story from a classroom in rural Poona to a university campus in the U.S. proves that with passion, persistence, and a clear sense of purpose, anything is possible.
Saira Rafiq continues to lead by example, reminding us that powerful change often begins in the most unlikely places.
