Rippling efforts to build a child-centric school

Tale of Musthafa sir

Keeping students at the centre

Musthafa sir believed, the whole purpose of Education is to support students in facing their life challenges, equipping them with adequate social, critical thinking, decision-making skills and many more. With teacher participation and community partnership, driving student development initiatives regularly has been one of his ultimate focuses.

\”At the end, all we do is for the children themselves.”

Some of his efforts for students were student-led assemblies, in-house competitions that focus on skill development and sessions led by other organisations for student exposure. Recently, Musthafa sir organised a career guidance workshop for the higher secondary students to give them an awareness of different career paths they could take as they move forward in their learning journey. But would it suffice if the school’s focus is limited to just their students?

Here’s how Musthafa sir is pulling in the community.

Partnering for Education

Schools operate successfully only with equal and complete collaboration of school leaders, teachers, parents and students. In the words of Musthafa sir, “Schools must operate in a triangle. Parents, Teachers and Students at each corner and connected to ensure quality education.”

To make this possible, frequent opportunities for involvement need to be created for the parent community. He says, “Parent-teacher association is the greatest opportunity and support system for school. I make sure they feel respected and involved in the school processes.” Musthafa sir continuously engages parents in school assemblies and festive celebrations. He also connects with the extended community by engaging retired teachers and education officials in student coaching classes.

\”I make sure every special occasion or day is converted into an opportunity for collaboration between the school and parents. I never miss hosting the parents\’ meeting every month.”

This approach of his is also seen in the way he transfers ownership to his teachers and makes everyone feel they are the captain of their ship. By promoting teacher autonomy, he ensures teachers feel the liberty to innovate and initiate; be it their own professional development or decision-making within their classroom. Musthafa sir believes this space for teachers will pave the way for them to become part of his leadership team.

\”I have ensured teachers have the freedom to lead new teaching-learning initiatives in their classrooms. Teachers do not have to wait for my approval to lead new initiatives.”

Many of the efforts shared by Musthafa sir were commonly led by school leaders across India, but the highlight was how consistent these efforts were and how strongly the school leader held onto the reason behind these efforts.

Wishing Musthafa sir an inspiring journey to empower every student to reach their fullest potential. 

Bringing leaders to the light, one at a time!

– Preethi G, Communications Manager, Vidhya Vidhai