The key to bringing long term change to a school community lies in the full commitment of the school leadership to embrace new ideas and methods.
However, in rural Nepal, head teachers and their school management committees are often reluctant to change. They cling to outdated classroom techniques such as rote learning that have been common in Nepali schools for the last 50 years. These school leaders are often very ‘hands off’ and hesitant to embrace modern child friendly teaching methods that could improve their schools.
A lack of training and understanding makes them nervous of exploring new ideas. As we all know, it is easier to stay where you are than to embrace change. When we finally take the first steps though, we wonder why we did not change earlier.
Poor leadership affects children
We at First Steps Himalaya, see all too often what happens when a school does not have effective leadership:
Dilapidated, run down school buildings
Disorganised classrooms
Unmotivated teachers
Poor attendance
Poor academic results
Lack of community support
Poor reviews by school inspectors
Potential for school closure
Positive, simple changes
However, great positive change can happen if the school has active, enthusiastic leaders who really get on board with our early years education projects. Where possible, we encourage school head teachers to attend our teacher training programmes with their staff to see for themselves the potential effects of simple changes.
Targeted Leadership Training
First Steps Himalaya offers leadership training designed to help Nepali head teachers and school management committees better manage their schools. During the training, we work with them to identify their own specific leadership style, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. We encourage school leaders to be more visible in their school and become a role model for their staff and the wider school community.
Pride strengthens the school
When head teachers encourage their team to have more pride in their school, teachers become more inspired and motivated, the children’s educational experience is improved and the school develops a stronger relationship with the wider community.
When you have a motivated head teacher and a great school management committee, the change can be incredible!
Some of our most successful school projects are overseen by head teachers who are willing to change and bring their team together to make improvements happen. They support their teachers and listen to expert advice. Then we start to see well-organised classrooms, teachers who are respected and liked by their students and a school environment which is clean and tidy.
“It is not rocket science, just a willingness to change and step out of their comfort zones,’ says Director of Operations, Durga Aran. “Once school leaders embrace modern contemporary teaching methods and become more organised and efficient, the children really benefit.”
First Steps Himalaya has been running early years education projects in rural Nepal since 2009. For more information and to donate: Visit www.firstepshimalaya.org