Naseema Kapadia; The Iron Lady of St Joseph’s Convent School

Naseema Kapadia, an educationist for over 43 years, joined St. Joseph’s Convent High School in 1980, became Headmistress of the Cambridge Section in 2010, and retired in 2023, leaving a lasting impact with her progressive mindset and problem-solving skills.
As Chairperson of PACES, she pioneered computer education in Pakistani schools, training over 1,000 master trainers, introducing computer literacy to 250 schools, and co-authoring a government-approved textbook.
Post-retirement, she became Chairperson of Synergy, organizing notable events like an art exhibition showcasing student creativity, and continued contributing to education through various national and international projects.

Naseema Kapadia was a passionate educationist for over 43 years. She joined St Joseph’s Convent High School in 1980 as a substitute teacher after being convinced by Sister Zinia Pinto, Principal of SJC.

A lifelong bond was formed and grew stronger with each passing year culminating in her becoming the Headmistress of the Cambridge Section in 2010, a position from which she retired in August 2023.

She was blessed with a progressive mindset and approached all challenges positively. She left a lasting impact on whomever she met with her intelligence, captivating smile, and the ability always to find a solution.

She impacted the lives of many students over 43 years and as the tributes and messages poured in, it was heartening to see the love, warmth, and appreciation.

I have worked with Naseema Kapadia for 43 years. She was a remarkable woman with such a zest for life. She was innovative, progressive and untiring in her efforts to provide quality education to girls. Her absence is a void which no one can fill. She was my friend, loving and caring. I miss her.

A Trailblazer in the Field of Computer Education in Pakistani Schools: Notable Achievements

Mrs Naseema Kapadia was elected as the Chairperson of PACES ( Pakistan Association of Computer Education in Schools ), a project created to spread computer literacy in Pakistani schools. It was set up as a collaboration with BCCI initially and later with IBM and was led by her from 1987 – 2003.

Naseema trained over 1000 master trainers and introduced the project to over 250 schools in Pakistan. PACES also trained teachers to teach the O-level Computer Science Syllabus. The first batch of O- O-level students ( 25 in total ) took the CIE exam from St Joseph’s Covent in 1990 and fared exceptionally well from that year onwards to date.

From then onwards, the spread of computer education in schools moved at a significant pace forward. PACES played a pivotal role in pioneering computer education in schools and also made the syllabus for the Matric Board when for the first time in 1994 it was introduced as a subject.

One of the most important milestones in her career as an educationist was co-authoring the book “ Exploring Computer Science “ which was published by OUP (Oxford University Press) and was approved by the Federal Government to be used as a textbook for the Metric Board Examinations.

The Agha Khan Board (AKB) was the first to introduce this. She was also on the Agha Kham University Board for Computer Studies and attended many Cambridge University Conferences representing St Joseph’s Convent School.

UNESCO invited Mrs Kapadia as the Chairperson of PACES to attend the International Conference on IT Education in Moscow, Russia in March 2000.

The Rotary Club of Karachi, Peshawar University, and St. Joseph’s Convent School awarded her for pioneering computer education in schools.

She coordinated with the British Council on a project called ‘Connecting Classrooms ‘ and headed most of the National and International Projects for SJC.

She was the founding President for the Sarmast Rotary Club, the only breakfast club in Karachi in those times.

Chairperson Synergy : The Cambridge Community Schools

After she retired from St Joseph’s Convent, Mrs Kapadia was elected as the Chairperson of Synergy, a Cambridge Community of Schools.

As the Chair, she curated and organized an Art Exhibition entitled “ Interpretations of Reality “ along with Ms. Nausheen Hammad, Secretary of Synergy. The event showcased the creative brilliance of students from grades 9,10 and 11 from over 20 Cambridge Schools in Pakistan. This was the first of its kind event involving students directly and was hosted at St. Michael’s Covent School.

Mr Shahid Ashraf, Deputy Country Director CAIE, and Manager of Sindh CAIE Ms. Hajra Sajjad played a pivotal role in making the exhibition a reality.

Early Years

She graduated from the Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics Bombay University with an Honors degree in Public Finance & Administration. At the time she was the first woman to be elected as the President of the Student Union in a male-dominated college.

After moving to Pakistan, she applied for a job at PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) and was appointed in 1959 as a Market Research Supervisor. At the time she was one of the few women in Pakistan engaged in this specialized field.

Women in PIA : An Exclusive with Naseema Kapadia, the First Woman to join the Market Research Team

The kindest soul and at the forefront of all major developments at St. Joseph’s Convent Cambridge Section. When I joined SJC Miss Naseema Kapadia was a teacher learning computers herself to introduce it to the students of the Cambridge section.

Last Sunday I texted her & was awaiting her response. Every time I achieved something she would message me how proud she felt. An amazing teacher, headmistress, and guide to hundreds of girls and women. She was the Iron Lady of SJC.” – Shafina Jaffer ( Former student, SJC)

She introduced many activities and events at the Cambridge section of SJC. The most notable of which include:

Annual Computer and Art Exhibition
Enterprise challenge with SEED Ventures
TCF Ubhartay Sitaray where many of her students won each year for their singing and musical abilities
Connecting Classrooms with the British Council
Woman of Substance Awards, that invited alumni who have achieved and given back to society in various fields
Field trips for students to the northern areas of Pakistan
School Trips for teachers to various parts of PakistanI

I have worked with Naseema Kapadia for 43 years. She was a remarkable woman with such a zest for life. She was innovative, progressive and untiring in her efforts to provide quality education to girls. Her absence is a void which no one can fill. She was my friend, loving and caring. I miss her.- Ms. Faiza Kazi, Senior Faculty, St Joseph’s Convent School

NASEEMA was an outstanding headmistress who could bring out the best in all of us. But it is as a mentor and caring friend that I will most remember her.- Ms. Ambreen Kureshi, Art Teacher at St Joseph’s Convent School

Awards

Mrs Naseema Kapadia, Headmistress, St Joseph’s Convent, Cambridge section was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award in the Education category of the Biz Today International Business Women’s Awards 2021.

The Sindh Govt also awarded Mrs Kapadia for for her many years of dedication in the field of education and pioneering Computer Education in Pakistan. We wish her all the success and May she continue to inspire, empower and impact all those around