Rabia Basri Foundation
About Rabia Basri
At Rabia Basri Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusivity are the core pillars of our philosophy. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment. As such, we aim to enhance the accessibility of fair and inclusive education for all.
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Our global network of educators is dedicated to running programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Our work supports educators seeking to implement inclusive practices in their schools and communities. Additionally, we raise awareness about the benefits of accessible, fair, and inclusive learning.
Our foundation is committed to providing educational opportunities to children from all backgrounds and abilities. We envision a world where everyone can thrive.
Our Mission
RBF confronts critical yet overlooked challenges in the educational landscape. Chief among these is the exclusion of children who do not conform to mainstream educational systems. This marginalization hinders academic progress and sets the stage for limited opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
Our foundation aims to combat this cycle by fostering a global framework of inclusive learning. RBF works at the forefront of this mission, implementing inclusive practices in schools nationwide.
Through innovative training sessions and personalized intervention plans, our network of educators provides essential services to local schools and communities. We are transforming the educational landscape through rigorous engagement with the latest innovations. Our approach creates a more equitable and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or ability.
RBF Co-Founders
CEO: Bushra Hasham
Based in Pakistan, Bushra Hasham is a Montessori teacher with 15 years of experience, specializing in teacher training focused on Montessori principles and effective classroom management. As a dedicated educator committed to guiding young minds toward academic success, she fosters inclusivity and tailors her approach to meet the needs of academically disadvantaged students. By implementing strategic, activity-based learning, Bushra has achieved significant success, earning widespread appreciation and the Best Teacher of the Year award.
Academic Lead: Samrina Anwar
Samrina Anwar is a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience. Samrina co-founded and led Pakistan's first school for autism and has authored curriculum books for Oxford University Press. She is skilled in many intervention frameworks aimed at supporting neurodiverse students. As a polio and cancer survivor, she is passionate about bridging the gap between mainstream and periphery-bound individuals through workshops and advocacy. She works as an ICT and English Literature teacher at Lahore Grammar School Defense.
IT Lead: Zainab Hameed
Zainab Hameed is an accomplished IT leader with over 25 years of experience, serving as CEO of StrataG Consulting promoting technology-driven transformations and governance projects. She also co-runs TeeSquare, an edTech initiative for underprivileged children and mothers. Internationally recognized for her expertise, Zainab holds certifications in IT Governance (CGEIT), IS Auditing (CISA), and Project Management (PMP). As President of WiCyS Pakistan, she champions gender diversity in tech and is a semifinalist in the MIT Solve initiative, reflecting her commitment to impactful social change through technology.
Co-Founding Member: Ayesha Vawda
Ayesha Y. Vawda brings 28 years of experience in education policy, financing, and efforts at disability inclusion. She has worked with policymakers on education system reforms in over 20 countries across the US, Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia. Her work has been published in international journals. Ayesha is passionate about supporting RBF's mission, aiming to drive pioneering educational transformations that benefit children and families worldwide.
Global Volunteers
Our Logo: The Butterfly
Modelled after the butterfly and its metamorphic cycle, our logo symbolises growth and transformation – essential for our mission to foster inclusive educational communities. The butterfly design consists of four components, each reflecting the different values of our foundation. All aspects blend together under the umbrella of inclusion.
Antenna
The shape is unenclosed, facing outwards. This represents
open-mindedness and receptivity
to both people and ideas.
Right wing
Uniqueness; valuing the individuality
of every child. It is the only shape
with a loop, which invokes a
sense of playfulness.
Left wing
Innovation and creativity. It is inspired
by both the shapes of a brain and a thought bubble.
Bottom wing
Empathy and compassion lay the foundation of equity. The classic heart shape reflects this, as connection comes from the heart.
