Mrs.Norma Fernandes – The CAP Podcast #21

The Citizens Archive of Pakistan had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs.Norma Fernandes who has remained Principal at Karachi Grammar School for 43 years and retired in 2009. In this podcast, Mrs Fernandes talks about her memories of growing up in a peaceful Karachi where parties were abundant and laughter was heard on every corner of the streets. She also mention the time when her entire family migrated to Canada and about how she decided to stay back and serve the nation.

Norma Fernandes, TI is a teacher from Karachi, Pakistan. She started off her career teaching at St Patrick's High School, Karachi. She also was a sportswoman, an accomplished dramatist, and musician.

From 1966 to 2009, she worked first as a teacher and then as Headmistress (Kindergarten/Junior Section) of the Karachi Grammar School.

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.

In 2009, she retired from the Karachi Grammar School after more than 50 years in education.

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. Also about the time her entire family migrated to Canada, but she stayed behind to continue working in education.

On 14 August 2013, the Government of Pakistan announced that it will honour Mrs. 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).