WASI UR REHMAN

Wasi is a progressive and optimistic educator with a deep passion for youth development, education, and civic engagement. He completed his bachelor’s degree BS (Hons) English from the Hazara University Mansehra in 2019. Wasi has developed a diverse skill set in teaching, leadership, and community engagement, driven by a passion for education and empowering youth.

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Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

Born in the mountains of District Mansehra, I grew up with a chalk in one hand and a dream in the other. From teaching English in remote classrooms to training election officers for national impact, my journey blends education, civic engagement and peacebuilding. Inspired by Edhi’s legacy, I’ve dedicated my life to empowering underprivileged youth—one lesson, one vote, one voice at a time.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

In my society, the loudest challenges are often met with silence—education inequality, civic apathy and intolerance. But I believe each lesson taught, each vote cast and each dialogue sparked is a step toward turning that silence into sustainable change.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

Growing up in a remote town, access to quality education was more of a dream than a right. But I turned obstacles into opportunities—studying under candlelight, walking miles to learn, and later teaching those who once stood where I did. Resilience became my routine. I’ve battled through the silence of overlooked communities, the weight of underfunded dreams, and the pressure to play small. From being the first in my community to attend international training to teaching students across borders, every milestone came with resistance—financial, cultural, even self-doubt. I handled them with a mix of grit, gratitude and guidance from mentors who saw my light.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

For me, GTF mentorship is important because it aligns with everything I stand for—empowering youth, building inclusive communities, and turning challenges into change. I’ve been shaped by my mentor and now it’s my turn to guide others. Through GTF, I can pass on not just knowledge, but hope, purpose, and the belief that every voice matters.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

Life has taught me that impact doesn’t require perfection—just purpose. Even small efforts, when consistent and compassionate, can change lives. One lesson life has taught me: when doors don’t open, build a bridge. Determination, not comfort, shapes destiny.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

One name that inspires me deeply is Edhi Foundation. Founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi, it’s a symbol of humanity in action—offering shelter, healthcare, and dignity to the forgotten. His legacy continues to teach us that service is the highest form of love.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in Pakistan face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, economic inequality, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. However, efforts toward gender equality are gaining momentum through initiatives like the Roshni Baji programme, which trains female electricians, and Women on Wheels, promoting mobility and independence. Organisations like the Digital Rights Foundation and the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women are also advocating for women's safety, rights, and digital freedom—helping pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

I live by the motto: “Serve with purpose, lead with compassion.” For me, true impact comes not just from what we achieve, but how we uplift others along the way. Every small act of kindness and every effort to empower someone else creates ripples of positive change that can transform communities and build a better future.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

If I had unlimited funds, I would launch a comprehensive education and empowerment centre in underserved communities—combining quality English language learning, digital skills training, and civic engagement workshops. This project would nurture young minds, especially girls and marginalised youth, equipping them with the tools, confidence and opportunities to become leaders and changemakers in their own right.

Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?

In Pakistan, technology drives social impact through apps like Humqadam, which supports survivors of gender-based violence, Mashoom for maternal health guidance, and MAI, a chatbot providing menstrual health info. These tools empower women, promote inclusion, and improve access to vital services.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I’d like to add that lasting change begins with education and empathy. When we invest in empowering youth, fostering tolerance and building inclusive communities, we create a ripple effect that touches every corner of society. I’m committed to being part of that ripple—one lesson, one conversation, and one step at a time.