Beyond Classroom : Cultivating Culture and Leadership

As I walked through the gates of our partner school, I was surprised to see a group of students digging in the school entrance. I couldn\’t help but wonder why they were doing this during school hours and whether it was really appropriate for them to be engaged in manual labor.

However, as I continued my tour of the school, I began to understand the reasoning behind their involvement. I was particularly impressed by this incident. As a sudden heavy rain shower hit the school, the ground became flooded and made it difficult for teachers and students to move around safely. Rather than waiting for outside help, the school principal and a group of 11th and 12th-grade students sprang into action. Through their combined efforts, they were able to drain the stagnant water and clear the ground, making it safe for everyone to move around again.

Through my visit, I came to appreciate the benefits of involving students in maintenance work and other school development activities. By taking ownership of their learning environment, students can develop a sense of responsibility and pride that can lead to greater respect for their school and community. The hands-on experience also helps them learn important life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

Overall, I left the school with a newfound respect for the innovative approach led by the school leader. It was clear to me that by involving students in the upkeep of their school, the school leader was creating a culture of active and engaged learners who take pride in their community.

– Preethi G, Communications Manager, Vidhya Vidhai