🌍 Global Friend Spotlight: Christer Edman from Sweden 🇸🇪 Professional Coach, Entrepreneur, and Mentor to Rehan School Students ⸻ A Long Friendship with Rehan School I first came into contact with Rehan Allahwala on September 6, 2012. The first thing I noticed was his passion — especially for the people of Pakistan and his determination to help them learn English by connecting with people from other countries. Over the last four years, our collaboration has deepened. I have been invited to international conferences as a guest speaker, and in the last three years, I have been interviewed by hundreds of Rehan School students, teachers, and principals. The difference I have seen in them is remarkable. Especially since the launch of the first Rehan AI School, I have witnessed a totally new way of building students’ self-confidence, discovering their unique skills, and nurturing their talents. The idea of adding Wala or Wali to their chosen field of passion was simply brilliant. It makes them instantly recognizable and gives them a clear identity. Some students have interviewed me more than once — and to see their growth in just a year has been amazing. ⸻ A Message to Students and Teachers To all students and teachers who may sometimes struggle with schoolwork or preparing classes, I want to say: nothing with a lasting impact comes easy. We all go through resistance and moments of doubt. That is part of growth. If you need encouragement, don’t stay silent — reach out, share your fears, and ask for help. You will find that most people genuinely want to support you. Never give up. Even when you feel afraid, challenge yourself, step beyond your comfort zone, and stay curious. Remember: abundance is a mindset and a choice. Get to know yourself. Learn to reflect. Express yourself in ways that feel authentic. True success is built on self-leadership, guided by your own values. ⸻ My Personal Journey I am 66 years old, and I am married to a wonderful Pakistani woman. Together, we are now working side by side, building bridges across cultures. My own journey has been shaped by curiosity and hard work. My first job was at age 12 as a babysitter. From there I worked as: • Errand boy • Bookstore helper • Restaurant staff • Farmhand • Car demolisher • Fashion warehouse worker • Delivery staff • Computer and electronics worker • Warehouse manager • Purchaser • Logistics manager • Teacher • IT specialist • Business developer • Project manager • Supervisor • Job coach In 1987, I certified as a professional coach, and since then I have also been an entrepreneur. In every job, I have worked like an intrapreneur — always seeking better, more efficient ways to improve systems and processes. I have traveled to more than 30 countries, lived in Argentina for a year and a half, and studied more than 20 different courses across disciplines that matched my interests. ⸻ Why Rehan School Matters In all my travels and professional experience, I have rarely seen a model as unique as Rehan School. Here, children are not only students — they are leaders in training. They are unlearning the old, embracing the new, and preparing for a future where their skills, values, and confidence matter more than memorized degrees. That is why I am proud to be part of this journey — as a mentor, as a friend, and now as family.