Pemban Queens

“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.