“The process of reforming our education system must aim for standards and goals which are of the highest possible order. We cannot compare present progress with our past and celebrate it as a measure of success.” The Royal Kasho decreed last December echoes on the need to raise the bar of performance of every individual in the education system.
This bar definitely is not merely about increasing academic scores, but also of leadership performance, systemic transformation and excellence in the services of everyone. Dasho Chewang Rinzin, Director of RIGSS, shared that the programme attempts to deepen and enhance, “values of collaborative learning, connecting ideas, people and resource by leveraging on talents.” Dasho indicated the relevancy, purpose and direction of the two weeks’ training to the 4th cohort of 27 School Leadership Development Programme participants on the night of 15th August 2021.
The new package for school leaders’ training was inspired by His Majesty’s Royal Kasho for education reform. It is one of the most important support mechanism Education Ministry has taken to bring principals on the platform through one of the pioneer leadership institute. We cannot be any less proud, any less complacent anymore.
We have attended so many meetings, several professional development programmes, and travelled across borders and overseas to learn and experience teaching and leadership skills. Even otherwise, we have decades of experience as a leader, some since school days and as teachers. The question is, have we transformed to become better leaders? Have our managerial ways become more GNH imbued than before? The reminder to the participants was crystal when the Director of RIGSS, said, “If we cannot use what we learn at training in our leadership roles, it will become just another training.”
The platform at RIGSS is the pinnacle from where we will no doubt receive the best trainings to reflect upon our capabilities, services and future. If this training opportunity does not change us, perhaps, nothing ever will. I was deeply touched when Dasho Chewang took us through the detailed Do’s and Don’t of the Institute like we were primary students receiving our first orientation at school. Most often we fail to take note of small things as important, and we are even more complacent when things are not our own. Breaking a coffee cup at the training center may seem trifle issue, pocketing away room key upon departure may be a small mistake, staining a towel with hair dye may be not a serious matter to us, but it amounts to expenditure to the government treasury. It is those small things that make habit and we discredit the value of public properties. These are not small, these demonstrate our lack of right attitude and values that we often proclaim and teach other to practice.
I have always believed that ‘small things matter and what matters is not small for any individual’ and held on to this morale in my service to the school. This has helped me to be creative, focussed and excellence driven at any task we do at school. “Excellence,” The Director said, “is performing at a high standard and evolving consistently to stay ahead and relevant.” In the 21st Century, the children of today have different potential, different experiences, and different opportunities than two decades ago. This differences call for a heightened and relevant leadership capabilities that is drawn from study and reflection than by experience. The Director strongly believes that, “Leadership is more about doing than about decorations. It is about being presentable through appearance and action, being fair and just, accountable and focussed on finding solutions to challenges.”
The Director also mentioned the importance of research studies for growth. Dasho said that, “Research should shape policies for wellbeing of the country , for growth and happiness.” The RIGSS staff and alumnus have been carrying out research works to help solve national issues. This message inspires school leaders to conduct research and to engage in ‘high impact research’ in the school. In fact, if not late, it is not early for schools to initiate rigorous research related to education processes, social impact, practice in teaching-learning and leadership roles.
It was a moving orientation presented through video conference, which brought many small things to awareness. This connected to the vision and aspiration of His Majesty the King. Indeed, “ We cannot give what we don’t have.” It is rare opportunity for principals to come together at RIGSS, learn, discuss, and charter way forward how better we can serve differently to contribute towards fulfilment of the visions in the Royal Kasho.
In retrospect, I feel ashamed that a Royal Kasho had to be decreed to us to transform. His majesty said, Bhutanese are SMART people, and if we are one, we must be able to serve better before our beloved king have to direct us. SLDP therefore must be the reason for better future.
Enriching piece. Thank you for sharing la sir.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward for next write up la.