During her Fellowship, Rufsana faced a community ban on wearing hijabs, restricting her access to her own classroom. Shocked but undeterred, she continued teaching her students online, determined to support them despite the challenges. Her resilience paid off, as within a week, she was welcomed back to the school. This experience reminded her that sometimes, love means rising above anger and holding steady in adversity, especially for her students’ sake.
Rufsana’s commitment to creating safe, nurturing spaces continues in her work with Makkala Jagriti. She champions holistic development through their SPICE model (Socio-emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Ethical), working with students, teachers, and parents to ensure children grow in a supportive, inclusive environment. Her journey reflects a deep-rooted belief that education should empower students to rise above limitations and embrace their potential, no matter their circumstances.