Five years ago, on 13 September 2021, we lost Miss Saira Said Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of our partner, the Kashmir Education Foundation (KEF), after a short illness following COVID-19. She was the first woman to lead KEF.
She was laid to rest at 4pm (Pakistan time) on 13 September 2021 in her home area near Banjosa, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, close to Banjosa Valley Public School. a KEF trustee, staff and students attended her funeral, and pupils and staff across KEF’s schools and college prayed for her and paid tribute at their morning assemblies. Within KEF she was known, with affection, as its “Iron Lady”, for her pursuit of high standards and her meticulous attention to detail.
On the anniversary of her passing, Quest for Education Foundation shared the following tribute with KEF’s principals, teachers, staff and students. We publish it here in full.
Tribute to Miss Saira Said Ahmed
Former Chief Executive Officer, Kashmir Education Foundation
Respected Principals, teachers, members of staff and dear students,
Today, on the anniversary of her passing, we come together to remember and honour Miss Saira S. Ahmed—an exceptional educationist, an inspiring leader and the first female Chief Executive Officer of the Kashmir Education Foundation.
Miss Saira’s short life was a remarkable story of courage, dedication and achievement. Coming from a humble background, she demonstrated that with education, determination and sincere hard work, it is possible to overcome barriers and reach the highest levels of leadership.
She joined KEF in 1996 as a primary school teacher. From the beginning, she was recognised for her intellect, her eagerness to learn and her determination to provide the very best education for her students. She never regarded learning as something that ended with qualifications or professional training. She remained a learner throughout her life—always seeking new knowledge, reflecting on her practice and adopting the best educational approaches for the benefit of the pupils in her care.
Miss Saira received training from the British master trainers engaged by KEF through Voluntary Service Overseas UK. Her ability, commitment and leadership qualities soon made her stand out. Through merit and sustained hard work, she progressed from classroom teacher to Principal and later became Director of JACTE.
During her highly successful period at JACTE, she made an important contribution to teacher education and professional development. She understood that improving the quality of teaching was one of the most effective ways of improving the lives and prospects of students. Her achievements led to her being shortlisted for the position of Chief Executive Officer, and she subsequently became the first woman to lead KEF.
This was an extraordinary accomplishment. In a society where senior leadership has traditionally been dominated by men, Miss Saira broke through barriers with dignity, competence and quiet determination. Her appointment was not only a personal achievement; it was a proud and historic moment for KEF and an inspiration to women and girls everywhere.
Sadly, she was able to serve as CEO for only three short years before becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. Yet even during her final illness, her commitment to KEF never weakened. She continued working and fulfilling her responsibilities from her hospital bed while gravely unwell, until she passed away on 13 September. Her dedication until the very end reflected how deeply she cared about the Foundation, its schools, its staff and, above all, its students.
Miss Saira expected the very best from everyone because she always gave her very best. She believed that every child deserved excellent teaching, every teacher had a responsibility to continue learning, and every leader had a duty to serve with honesty, fairness and commitment. She did not allow a humble beginning, social expectations or professional challenges to limit what she could achieve.
Her life carries an important message for every KEF student: never allow your circumstances to define your future. Be eager to learn, work hard, remain disciplined and have confidence in your abilities. Miss Saira began as a primary school teacher and rose to become the leader of the entire Foundation. Her journey shows that education can open doors, transform lives and enable individuals to serve their communities.
Her example also carries a clear message for KEF teachers and staff. We must never stop learning or become satisfied with work that is merely adequate. We must remain open to new ideas, continually improve our practice and always place the needs of our students at the centre of our decisions. To honour Miss Saira is not simply to remember her with words; it is to uphold the standards, values and commitment to excellence for which she stood.
For the leaders of KEF, her legacy is a reminder that leadership is not about position or status. True leadership is about service, integrity, courage and the ability to bring out the best in others. It is also our responsibility to recognise talent, create opportunities and ensure that capable women and men from every background can progress on merit.
Although Miss Saira S. Ahmed sadly is no longer with us, her influence continues in the teachers she guided, the institutions she strengthened, the students whose lives she touched and the doors she opened for those who will follow her.
On this solemn anniversary, let us renew our commitment to the principles that guided her life: a love of learning, dedication to duty, high expectations, equal opportunity and an uncompromising determination to provide the very best education for every child.
May her remarkable journey continue to inspire every member of the KEF family. May Allah accept her devoted service, grant her the highest place in Jannah and give us the strength to carry her educational mission forward.
Miss Saira S. Ahmed will always be remembered with gratitude, admiration and pride.
Quest for Education Foundation
United Kingdom
11 September 2026
Miss Saira trained and led teachers at what is now the Joan Atkinson College of Teacher Education. If you would like to honour her memory, please consider supporting the training of teachers, the cause to which she gave her working life.