DUBAI, UAE – Orphans from Pakistan’s Kashmir region defied the odds, winning the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize at COP28. Their innovative water conservation and organic farming projects secured them $100,000 and the title of Best Global School in South Asia.
The Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) school faced stiff competition from finalists in India and Bangladesh, but their dedication to environmental solutions shone through. Two young representatives, 19-year-olds Sumaiya Bibi and Kinza Bibi, proudly received the award from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Their project tackles a dire issue: Pakistan’s dwindling clean water resources. “We want to set up water filtration plants and smart taps in our school to minimize wastage,” Sumaiya explained, her eyes reflecting a profound understanding of the crisis. “We also want to grow organic food so our children can have nutritious meals.”
Driven by personal tragedy, Sumaiya lost her parents in the 2005 earthquake that devastated Kashmir. This loss fueled her passion for climate action. Kinza echoed her sentiment: “We want our school to be a model for water conservation.”
KORT School and College of Excellence, established in 2016, is a beacon of hope for orphaned children. It provides education, boarding, food, clothing, and medical care to over 500 students, offering them a future beyond the earthquake’s trauma. This October, they opened another school in Swabi, reaching even more vulnerable children.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, honoring the legacy of UAE’s founding father, recognizes impactful solutions in health, food, energy, water, and climate action. This year, 11 winners across these categories shared a total prize pool of $3.6 million.
For KORT, the $100,000 will translate into tangible change. “We’ll use it for clean water and organic farming projects in rural areas,” shared Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar, KORT’s founder. This win is more than just a prize; it’s a testament to the resilience of orphaned children and the power of education in tackling global challenges.