Norma Fernandes Explained

Norma Fernandes, TI
Nationality:Pakistani
Alma Mater:St Joseph's Convent School, Karachi
Occupation:Teacher
Known For:Headmistress (Junior Section) of the Karachi Grammar School
Awards:Tamgha-i-Imtiaz

Norma Fernandes, TI (died 6 January 2024) was a Pakistani teacher from Karachi.

Biography

Fernandes was educated at St Joseph's Convent School, Karachi.[1] She began her career teaching at St Patrick's High School, Karachi. She also was a sportswoman, a dramatist, and musician.[2] From 1966 to 2009, she worked first as a teacher and then as Headmistress (Kindergarten/Junior Section) of the Karachi Grammar School.[3] In January 2006, Norma Fernandes moved to a new area of responsibility within the Karachi Grammar School, as Advisor, working with the Board, the Principal and the Internal Management Team and also giving confidential advice to parents.[4] In 2009, she retired from the Karachi Grammar School after more than 50 years in education.[2]

In 2013, the Citizens Archive of Pakistan interviewed Fernandes to obtain the story of her service. In a podcast, Fernandes talks about her memories of growing up in Karachi and when her entire family migrated to Canada, but she stayed behind to continue working in education.[5]

On 14 August 2013, the Government of Pakistan announced that it would honour Fernandes on 23 March 2014 with the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for her services to education. (It is the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements.)[6]

Fernandes died on 6 January 2024.[7]

Notes and References

  1. https://sjc.edu.pk/women-of-substance/ St Joseph's Convent School website Accessed November 6, 2020
  2. The Christian Voice, Karachi, 2 August 2009
  3. Web site: Daily Times, January 26 2006.
  4. Web site: Daily Times, January 29, 2006.
  5. https://soundcloud.com/citizensarchive/the-citizens-archive-of-16 Citizens Archive of Pakistan
  6. http://tribune.com.pk/story/590036/honouring-the-distinguished-president-approves-national-civil-awards/ Tribune 14 August 2013
  7. https://www.dawn.com/news/1804041/beloved-ex-kgs-headmistress-norma-fernandes-passes-away Beloved ex-KGS headmistress Norma Fernandes passes away