“It makes my work
easier and my teachers to develop a sense
of accountability and responsibility”
quips the demure Bi Ramla of Jadida Primary School while Bi Kamaria of Miti Ulaya School states that “ working with a mentor, improve
more my school leadership skills” .
These two ladies are dubbed the Pemban Queens – for their efficiency and good
leaderships that made them well respected
on how they stir the oar of their respective schools to what they are
now, model schools of good leadership.
 |
| Bi Kamaria discussing school and leadership matters with Les Fry. |
These two female head
teachers are just one of the few head teachers that Les Fry, a VSO School and
Leadership Advisor mentored in Miti Ulaya Teachers Resource Center. However,
the two ladies were exceptional since they shine above their male dominated
counterparts and they head the biggest schools in Wete District.
Bi Kamaria said that she
learned that school leadership is not only planning but to execute the plan
with efficiency and resourcefulness but by a good example to her
teachers. She volunteered to be one of the teachers trainees to motivate her
teachers to improve their skills in teaching methodology by attending without
failure in all the PIE sessions in her school. She provides her teachers with
motivation on to improve their skills by setting herself as an example.
 |
| Bi Ramla and her school assistant in one of the consultative meetings |
On the other hand, Bi Ramla
always makes it a point to delegate work without insecurities to her
subordinates. According to her that she want teachers to feel accountable and they are together in managing their school. Also, in case of her absence the delivery of services will not be interrupted because her
teachers know already what to do.
But both of these head
teachers emphasize that the presence of VSO school leadership advisor gave them
a greater understanding on how they will lead their school to attain their
goals. Their vision and mission becomes clearer, planning their school
activities and planning together with the teachers and parents create an
environment of accountability and responsibility, b But best of all according to
them there will be continuity in service delivery if they are not around. Kudos
to these Pemban Queens for they are not only a good example to their
subordinates but an inspiration to the other head teachers as well. As what Bi Kamaria
said, to be a leader who must have a heart, passion, and the desire to always
learn.
 |
| One of the teachers making a visual aid. |
It remains a fact that these
headteachers can do more for the advancement of education service delivery if
they have more resources and knowledge to train others to be effective school leaders. As good leaders both of them agree, that leaders must a role
model, planner, implementor, but also a good listeners. I agree but I will add
one more, resourceful. No wonder why they are called the Pemban Queens!
 |
| A pupil using one of the learning materials. |
