Rabadi joined Mama Parsi as a primary teacher in 1974. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
“It has been a very challenging journey but now when I look back, I feel an assurance from within that my time with this school has taught me a lot,” Rabadi, the headmistress at the school’s afternoon shift since 1991, said while talking to The Express Tribune.
Rabadi and her team of 39 teachers cater to around 700 girl students in the shift.
“I was a simple and inexperienced young lady, even a crybaby at times,” Rabadi said with a chuckle, recalling her early time at the school. “But I credit all the qualities that I find in myself today to the school and my colleagues. They taught me how to take on challenges and face hardships.”
She was employed as a primary teacher in 1974.
Over the years, she has taught multiple subjects, from secondary classes up to O’ level. Rabadi had the honour of working with three different principals - Mani Sheriar Contractor, Zarine Tehmurasp Mavalvala and Furengeez D Tampal.
Currently, she is one among the 17 faculty members who have been serving the school with their academic expertise for more than 35 years.
“The children and even grandchildren of the girls I have taught are now at Mama Parsi,” she said with a smile.
Rabadi also shared the praises she has received from parents who wish to transfer their children to the Mama Parsi School from other reputable institutions. “They say that Mama ki baat aur hai [in a league of its own].”
She candidly stated that the school offered its services without any sense of grandeur to charge exorbitant fees or make the parents feel like kings and queens. “For all these years, we have been doing it with utmost honesty and have never compromised on it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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Thank you tribune for making me proud of my school,it's teachers and fellow students all over again. Ms.Rabbadi is the sole reason why I fell in loved with the world known as school. My most beautiful 1st grade teacher. It.'s been plus 30years but seems like yesterday when she greeted me in her class. I am indebted to my school and teachers for the four "H "in my life.Humbleness, hard work ,honesty and humanity. I can detetect a Mamian in a crowd of hundreds just by her mannerisms. The school taught us discipline which has become our identity.I think we Mamians ,who reside worldwide are very nostalgic about our prime years as a part of us still lives within school and its surroundings and its all due to the efforts delivered. I have been a part of Ms. M.S.Contractor era ,and what a golden era was that. Signing off, Amna khaliq, Mama House, Batch of 89-90.
my mama parsi school is one of the best educational institutions of karachi,although some people are saying negative things about it but still no other institution provide quality education ,character building as mama school,i as an ex student could never forget my principal miss contractor's devotion and discipline which is a landmark in the history of school.may my school always prosper.
The Mama School is a non profit organization. All the money/things that the students are told to bring, go to charitable organizations.
how dare you tlk like to mama school... its a very nice school.... whatever money they get they spned on us only.... love you mama school...long live
how dare you say about my school like this ayeshaaa.... it is a very nice school... whatever money they get they spend it on us onlyyy..
Will always be indepted to my beloved school for who and where i am today! Long live Mama School!
May her tribe increase.
I am proud to be a Mamian, but recently I have been very surprised to see that its no more economical any more, fees is perfect but other expenses are loading parents with a lot of burden. i have few cousins studying there and I often see them bringing notices from school to bring 20 pack of juices(which school uses to sell them in Mela), all the time asking for money to buy raffle tickets which is a must thing in school now. Making dustbins and bookmarks and instead of exchanging or using themselves in classes school is selling those again to the same students who made them, of minimum price Rs 100 and so, and all this is happening almost every month. Its just depressing when we think about parents who bear all these expenses and have more than one daughter studying there.I have always been proud of my school that it never burdens parents with useless expenditures like other commercialized schools but it seems to be no more the same.
Those who have studied and worked under the era/regime of Ms.Mani Sheriar Contractor can not deny nor forget the awe and strict-nature and non-compromising attitude on principles of her. An inspiration and torch-bearer to many of ex-mamains.
Mrs. Rabadia was the most amazing person I've met in my childhood. I don't think I would have been the same person I am without her motivation and guidance. May she live a long, healthy & prosperous life. If I was still in Pakistan & I would definitely send my daughter to Mama Parsi School. It is the best school in the country, only because of it's teachers & mentors.