Empowering Girls Through Storytelling: Syeda Munazza Bukhari Receives Educator Changemaker Award Special Mention
“The films deepened our understanding of gender barriers, climate challenges, and the power of youth-led action. Students gained new perspectives on global citizenship and recognized that even small steps can create real change. Their confidence grew as they connected film stories with their own lives and community realities.”
Syeda Munazza Bukhari, educator from Islamabad, Pakistan created the Dream2Rise Education Project for young girls to learn about the power of storytelling, dialogue and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To complement her project, Munazza screened the SIMA Academy Film First Period: A Film on Green Schools, a film in which children engage beyond the classroom with the environment and have fun doing school-attainable eco-friendly activities. The session encouraged the girls from the school to think critically, grow their confidence while also encouraging students to connect with the SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Q&A WITH SIMA
Why did you choose the SIMA Academy film First Period: A Film on Green Schools?
Film-based education is extremely powerful in motivating students to think critically and take action. The SIMA Academy film First Period: A Film on Green Schools shows how a school creates hands-on learning through composting, planting, recycling, and teamwork. It was chosen because it makes SDG learning simple, visual, and relatable for Grade 10 girls.
How did the screening meet your objectives for the overall event?
The screening met my objectives by engaging 30+ Grade 10 girls in watching the SIMA Academy film and participating in guided SDG discussions. It helped teach practical concepts such as teamwork, responsibility, environmental learning, and climate-friendly school practices, while linking environmental responsibility to daily behavior.
The film examples—such as composting, planting, recycling, and water conservation—improved students’ awareness of waste management, recycling, and climate responsibility. The safe space for verbal discussions and written reflections increased students’ confidence in speaking, sharing ideas, and connecting the SDGs to real life. As a result, students began taking small eco-actions at home, including proper waste disposal and reducing plastic use.
Can you tell us if and how this event changed the students’ awareness of the subject matter?
The film First Period: A Film on Green Schools significantly changed the students’ awareness of the subject matter. It helped girls understand practical environmental actions linked to SDG 13 while also connecting environmental issues to quality education and girls’ empowerment (SDGs 4 and 5).
Through the film, students reflected on responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of supporting peers, and learned how environmental challenges can directly impact girls’ education. The storytelling approach inspired them to see how informed action and collaboration can create meaningful change in their own communities.
What were the main topics of discussion at the event?
The main topics of discussion focused on environmental lessons from the film, the importance of girls’ education, and supporting peers. Through open verbal discussions, students built confidence and actively shared ideas, while written reflections encouraged them to express what they learned and how they could improve their school or support girls’ education.
Please share a memorable moment during your event.
A memorable moment throughout this experience was to see the 34 girls who participated on this project grow excited and actively participate in the activities designed for the school. Seeing them create their creative SDG-inspired posters and draft plans on how to adapt eco-friendly practices for the school and their homes was truly inspiring.
