On December 18, 2025, the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls in Nadakkavu, Kozhikode, hosted a historic visit from Ouided Bouchamaoui, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Invited by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation, Bouchamaoui’s presence served as a powerful validation of the school’s journey from a local government institution to a world-class center of excellence.
Ouided Bouchamaoui is renowned for her role in co-leading the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, a feat that earned her the Nobel Peace Prize for steering Tunisia toward democracy and avoiding civil war. As a business leader and philanthropist, her life’s work revolves around dialogue and compromise. During her tour of the campus, she emphasized that the values of human rights and student empowerment she saw at Nadakkavu are the same pillars required to build a peaceful global society.
The PRISM Project
The visit shone a spotlight on the PRISM project (Promoting Regional Schools to International Standards through Multiple Interventions). Initiated in 2008 by former Kozhikode North MLA A. Pradeep Kumar, the project saw a massive transformation starting in 2012 through a ₹16 crore partnership with the Faizal and Shabana Foundation. By addressing infrastructure gaps and introducing smart classrooms and professional landscaping, PRISM has elevated this 132-year-old institution into one of India’s top three government schools. This success story has now inspired a statewide mission in Kerala to renovate 1,000 schools and is currently being replicated in Kashmir.
Collaborative Philanthropy: The Faizal and Shabana Foundation
The Faizal and Shabana Foundation, established by Faizal E. Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal of KEF Holdings, played a central role in this event. Since 2007, the foundation has championed sustainable development by partnering with the government to support vulnerable communities. Their long-term commitment to Nadakkavu including the launch of a significant crowdfunding initiative in 2017 has proven that public-private partnerships can fundamentally change the trajectory of public education.
Inspiring Leadership and Innovation
During the visit, Bouchamaoui engaged in high-level discussions with the school’s principal and headmaster regarding their long-term academic vision. She also participated in a faculty session led by Dr. Abdunassar, focusing on innovative teaching practices and the cultivation of socially responsible citizens. Bouchamaoui was particularly moved by the teachers’ commitment to building confidence and leadership skills in their students, noting that the school serves as a beacon of hope for young women.
The visit concluded as a major motivational boost for the entire school community. By hosting a Nobel laureate, the Nadakkavu school has demonstrated that high-quality, international-standard education is possible within the government sector. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership, community support, and global inspiration come together to empower the next generation.