Naila Kiani, a celebrated Pakistani mountaineer and the newly appointed National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education, believes that education is the highest peak one can climb. In a telephonic interview from Dubai, Kiani shared her journey from the narrow alleys of Rawalpindi to scaling some of the world’s highest peaks, emphasizing the transformative power of education, especially for girls in underserved regions.
Naila Kiani: From Rawalpindi to the Peaks
Early Life and Discovering Climbing
Naila Kiani’s journey began in the narrow, winding alleys of Rawalpindi. It was here that she discovered her passion for climbing, a pursuit that would take her to the highest mountains in the world. Despite her climbing achievements, her heart remains with the girls back home, whose dreams are often limited by societal and economic barriers.
Educational Background
Kiani credits her education as the most reliable anchor in her life. She started her educational journey at a federal public school in Rawalpindi and eventually graduated from Queen Mary University in London with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Her mother played a pivotal role in her educational success, supporting her through the challenges of working nights and studying during the day.
Role as a Goodwill Ambassador
Mission and Objectives
As the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education, Naila Kiani aims to inspire and advocate for educational reforms in Pakistan, focusing on underserved regions. Her mission encompasses three key areas: advocacy, mentorship, and resource mobilization. She believes these pillars are essential for transforming the educational landscape for girls in Pakistan.
Advocacy
Kiani’s advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education. She uses her platform to highlight the challenges faced by girls in accessing education and the transformative impact that education can have on their lives.
Mentorship
Through mentorship programs, Kiani hopes to provide guidance and support to young girls, helping them navigate the educational journey and achieve their dreams. Her own story serves as a powerful example of what is possible with determination and educational support.
Resource Mobilization
Kiani is committed to mobilizing resources to improve educational infrastructure and opportunities for girls. This includes working with government initiatives that focus on IT, AI, and infrastructure development to ensure that girls have access to quality education.
Overcoming Challenges
Cultural Barriers
Kiani acknowledges the cultural norms and practices that often hinder girls’ education in certain regions. She emphasizes the importance of respecting and working within these cultural contexts to promote education without causing resistance.
Personal Struggles
Kiani’s educational journey was fraught with challenges. Balancing work and studies in London required immense dedication and sleepless nights. Despite these struggles, her education provided her with the strength and resilience to achieve her goals in both academics and mountaineering.
The Impact of Education
Transformative Power
Kiani firmly believes that education was the main source of her achievements in sports. It gave her the wings to reach new heights, both literally and metaphorically. Her story serves as an inspiration to countless girls who aspire to overcome societal barriers and achieve their dreams.
Government Initiatives
Kiani supports government initiatives aimed at promoting girls’ education and improving educational infrastructure. She is tasked with raising awareness about these initiatives and inspiring girls to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.