CELEBRATING MAY MENTORS OF THE MONTH.

Written by Abigail Chifusa, Global Schools Project Officer.

At the Global Schools Program, our mentors do more than offering guidance, but they bring ideas to life. They help turn the big picture of global goals into real, meaningful actions in classrooms around the world. 

This month of May, we’re proud to celebrate six remarkable individuals whose kindness, commitment, and leadership have made a lasting difference, for their mentees, and the wider education community as well.

Garima Singh is a committed Global Schools Mentor with over 16 years of experience in education across the Middle East and India. 

As Head of Computer Science and Robotics, she brings a strong STEM background combined with a genuine passion for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her mentorship focuses on blending sustainability with technology, empowering educators to harness innovation for meaningful global impact. 

Garima supports different groups of Global Schools Advocates, guiding them to design and implement student-led sustainability projects that truly matter. Through regular check-ins, resource sharing, and strategic planning, she fosters a collaborative environment where SDGs are thoughtfully woven into school curricula. Her approach combines empathy, tech insight, and a strong sense of global citizenship, encouraging educators to lead with purpose and inspire real-world change.

Sanam Arzoo is known for providing steady, thoughtful guidance and strategic support to Global Schools Advocates. Through structured cohort sessions, one-on-one follow-ups, and collaborative discussions, Sanam has played a vital role in helping Advocates design and implement impactful projects aligned with the SDGs in their schools. Her dedication to fostering meaningful engagement and creative problem-solving has been key to the success of the Global Schools Program and the broader push for sustainable development in education.

Mentoring educators from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in bringing the SDGs and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to life is a true joy for Priyanka Gupta. She believes real sustainability comes from lasting change and works to equip her mentees with the skills and confidence to lead boldly. She takes pride in seeing these educators inspire children across three countries to embrace their responsibilities and actively promote sustainability. Together, with  her co-mentor their efforts are creating powerful ripples of positive change within communities. Priyanka is especially encouraged by learners of all ages stepping up with creativity and purpose to meet global challenges head-on.

Now in her second term as a mentor in the Global Schools Program, Afreen Khan remains deeply engaged with mentees from various regions. She supports them in planning and carrying out initiatives connected to the SDGs. 

One highlight was teaming up with mentee Ms. Sadaf Naz as guest speakers in an online session for an Indian school. Afreen spoke on important topics such as digital literacy, the effects of sleep deprivation and excessive screen time on well-being, and ways to promote healthy habits. She also helped students develop meaningful projects for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) exhibition.

These sessions are lively and interactive, with students asking thoughtful questions and brainstorming project ideas. Afreen holds bi-monthly meetings to track progress on ESD projects, creating a supportive space to tackle challenges, share updates, and plan next steps aligned with school calendars and goals.

Batool Kazmi is all about inspiring action, nurturing vision, and planting seeds of sustainable change in every classroom. 

As an Educator, GQ Specialist, and Master Trainer for Pearson IGCSE Pakistan Studies and Modern Foreign Languages, she is deeply honored to be named Mentor of the Month. Promoting Education for Sustainable Development is a mission close to her heart, and she is grateful to work alongside passionate mentees and her co-mentor, Mani Ram Ghimire, whose support has been invaluable.

It’s inspiring to see her mentees actively engaged and benefiting from their guidance. Batool looks forward to their continued growth and the ongoing success of the Global Schools Program.

In 2024, she was recognized as Advocate of the Month and a finalist for the Pearson International Teaching Award in Asia. Now in 2025, being named Mentor of the Month feels like a true blessing. She believes her mentor, Professor Edward Roy, and the European International University share in this pride.

Representing the IWPG Global Region 3 Karachi Peace Committee, Batool keeps the mission to promote peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) close to her heart. She motivates mentees through open communication and encourages their efforts to advance SDGs 3 (good health and wellbeing), 4 (quality education), 13 (climate action), and others through education. The creativity and dedication of her mentees continue to inspire her deeply.

She extends heartfelt thanks to the entire Global Schools Program team for their dedication and support, which have allowed her to connect with inspiring educators, passionate advocates, and committed mentors worldwide. These connections have enriched her journey and strengthened her commitment to advancing sustainable education globally. She also appreciates the ongoing guidance from her senior mentor, Dhivya Kirupa.

Mani Ram Ghimire is a passionate Global Schools Advocate who champions the integration of SDGs into school curricula and learning environments. 

Through workshops, classroom dialogues, and community engagement, Mani inspires educators and students alike to actively contribute to global sustainability. He collaborates closely with school leaders and teachers to include global citizenship education, project-based learning, and values-driven pedagogy in classrooms. His focus is on creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable learning spaces where students are empowered to think critically, act responsibly, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.