We recently had the chance to have an inspiring conversation with Rizma Butt, the co‑founder of 1 Million Teachers (1MT). Rizma shared her incredible journey of creating 1MT, a teacher training initiative that’s working to transform education for millions of children worldwide. Her story is one of passion, purpose, and determination, and it’s a message that resonates deeply in Pakistan, too.
Interviewer: Assalam-o-alaikum, Rizma! Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you tell a little about the vision behind 1 Million Teachers and what inspired you on this journey?
Rizma Butt: Wa-alaikum-salaam, and thank you for having me. The idea for 1 Million Teachers (1MT) really came from a very personal place. Growing up, I watched my mother, a strong, capable woman, face challenges because, despite being educated, she did not have the confidence or opportunities to work outside the home when difficult times came. I remember her saying, “Every girl needs to be financially independent. Your identity is your own, not just as someone’s daughter, sister, or wife.” It has always stayed with me. It pushed me to advocate for women’s empowerment and girls’ education, not only in Pakistan but all over the world.
Interviewer: That really is moving. How have these experiences influenced 1MT’s global perspective?
Rizma Butt: When I co-founded 1MT with Hakeem Subair from Nigeria, we realized quickly that even though we were from different continents, the core issues were quite similar. There’s a major shortage of trained teachers. Millions of children, especially girls, don’t have access to quality education all around the world, including Pakistan and Nigeria. We agreed that real, lasting change starts with teachers, with different teacher training programs, the ones who can influence classrooms, communities, and the next generation.
Interviewer: The scale of the problem really is enormous. Can you explain the approach that 1MT takes to address it?
Rizma Butt: According to UNESCO, by 2030, the world will need an additional 44 million teachers. In Pakistan, the challenge of teacher training is especially urgent. At 1MT, we call it the “Triple Challenge”. We focus on three main areas. First, Attract. We want to bring more people into teaching, especially from remote or underserved areas. Next, Train. We provide teachers with the teacher training courses and tools they need in order to be successful, from managing classrooms well to designing inclusive, gender‑sensitive curriculums. Finally, Motivate. It’s not just about getting teachers in the door, but keeping them motivated, supported, and recognized for the amazing work they do.
When all these pieces come together, it creates an environment where teachers thrive and can give their best to their students.
Interviewer: Pakistan’s education system poses its own set of challenges. How can 1MT make a difference here?
Rizma: In Pakistan, the difficulties we face are by no means different from those seen globally: a lack of teaching staff, gender discrimination rooted in early education, and rural areas where educational opportunities lag behind others. 1MT wants to deal with these issues by refocusing its attention on how teachers are trained with teaching development programs in Pakistan. We hope to bring new people into teaching, give them a good education, and keep them motivated so they can become effective agents within their classrooms.
In Pakistan, where education remains a challenge for many, our platform can offer online professional development programs and connect teachers with resources that they may not have easy access to. The goal is simple: make quality education accessible to every child by empowering teachers.
Interviewer: Gender bias in education remains a huge concern, particularly in South Asia. How does 1MT address this?
Rizma Butt: It is very close to my heart. In so many communities, when families have to choose, they send the boys to school but keep the girls at home. Through our teacher training, we ensure that our teachers complete teacher training courses on gender equality. We help them create classrooms where girls are respected, heard, and encouraged to lead. We also train teachers to develop gender-sensitive curriculums and encourage them to engage their communities about why girls’ education benefits everyone. Teachers often have the greatest authority in village matters; a single shift in their mindset can change many people’s perspectives.
Interviewer: What are some of the biggest challenges teachers face on the ground, especially in challenging environments?
Rizma Butt: The struggles are immense. Teachers in conflict-affected or under-resourced areas deal with fear for their own safety and that of their students. Some schools don’t even have electricity, clean water, or toilets. It has a direct impact on girls; many skip school during their periods simply due to a lack of privacy and facilities. Both teachers and children carry the burden of trauma from living in unstable environments, with almost no mental health support. Yet, despite all these barriers, I see teachers show up every day purely out of their dedication to their students’ futures.
Interviewer: What is next for 1MT teacher training programs, and how do you plan to grow globally?
Rizma: We’re on track to reach 1 million teachers globally, and we’re already supporting over 100,000+ teachers. But we’re just getting started! Our future plans include expanding into more countries, particularly those in Africa and Asia, where teacher shortages are most urgent.
We’re also looking at new partnerships and ways to scale our teachers training programs so we can reach even more teachers, especially in rural areas where resources are limited. The journey ahead is long, but we’re determined to make a difference, and we’re excited to see how far we can go.
Interviewer: For many people in Pakistan, it can feel overwhelming to think about how to help. What can an ordinary person do to support this vision?
Rizma Butt: I want everyone to realize that true change happens when communities work together. If you’re a teacher, join teachers training platforms like 1MT and benefit from training and community. If you’re a parent, support your children, especially your daughters, in pursuing education. And if you care about education equity, consider supporting organizations, or even just spreading the word. Talent is everywhere in Pakistan, but opportunity is not. By investing in our teachers, we’re investing in a brighter, more equal future for all.
Interviewer: Rizma, thank you for sharing your journey and the mission of 1 Million Teachers. It’s inspiring to see how compassion, determination, and a vision for education equity can create such a meaningful impact.
Rizma Butt: Thank you so much. I truly believe change starts with each of us, and together, we can make sure every child, in Pakistan and around the world, gets the chance they deserve.
The work of 1 Million Teachers is a powerful reminder that teachers are the true changemakers. By supporting and empowering them, we can build a brighter future for all. Rizma’s vision for 1MT shows that, no matter the challenges, there’s always hope if we invest in those who shape our children’s futures.
In Pakistan, where we face significant educational hurdles, it’s time to support our teachers more than ever. Let’s work together to make sure that every child, no matter where they live, gets the quality education they deserve.