Shahzaib Asmat
“Where a child is denied education, humanity is denied its future; I choose to turn silence into voices, and barriers into opportunities for every child to rise.”
Shahzaib Asmat (15), is a student from Pakistan who founded Rise and Restore at just twelve years old. Growing up, he saw children—especially girls and kids from low-income families—pushed out of school or never enrolled at all. One story of a child denied an education because his family couldn’t afford it stayed with him and pushed him to act.
Through Rise and Restore, Shahzaib set up free education support that has helped over 200 underprivileged children keep learning in a safe, stable environment. He runs awareness sessions on child protection and equal opportunities, champions inclusive education for transgender learners, and works with parents and teachers to break down barriers like financial hardship and stigma.
His impact reaches far beyond his community. Shahzaib has connected with over 50,000 people through digital advocacy, and his youth training programs have engaged more than 60,000 young people online. He now leads a network of over 500 youth ambassadors spreading the message of children’s rights and equal access to education across many regions.
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