Labib Abdur Rahman

In 2006, a young boy named Labib Abdur Rahman embarked on an extraordinary journey, ignited by a deep-seated curiosity about the universe. Fascinated by everything from celestial bodies to the history of existence itself, his inquisitive mind propelled him on a quest for knowledge. Despite the challenges of extensive travel, a factor motivated by the scarcity of local resources, his passion for science remained undimmed. By the tender age of eight, Labib had travelled miles upon miles, participating in science fairs and events, driven by a question that increasingly annoyed him: why should he have to traverse such distances for opportunities that should be readily available in his community?

What started as a seemingly unimportant question, inspired by his strong dislike to travel-associated discomfort, sparked a revolutionary idea. Why should anyone be denied easy access to science education? By the age of ten, this question ignited a beacon of change - The Rochdale Science Extravaganza.

This fiery initiative could not have been kindled without its foundational support. The community rallied, generously contributing donations and demonstrating unwavering support. But, the cornerstone of this remarkable endeavour was Labib's father, who, despite 

having no prior engagement with science, was able to harness his son's enthusiasm and the community's thirst for knowledge. He stepped into an unfamiliar realm, defying his own self-perceptions and laying the groundwork for the creation of the Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C (RSI).

Before Labib's story unfolded, his father had little to no connection with science. Neither his education nor his professional life had crossed paths with it. Yet, his son's spark and the community's hunger for knowledge unlocked the doors to the Rochdale Science Initiative's inauguration. Through this original burst of inspiration, they penned the opening chapters of a remarkable story.

Today, Labib Rahman stands as the Founding Ambassador of RSI, a testament to the power of curiosity, the strength of community, and the transformative potential of an idea. His journey from a small boy fascinated by the cosmos to the vanguard of local science education is a stirring reminder that opportunities should be accessible to all, regardless of where they live. It's an affirmation that distance should never be a barrier to the pursuit of knowledge.