Nurturing leadership during COVID–19
‘Enriching lives by creatively enhancing and sustaining quality education in a relevant global environment’ is the vision of Aga Khan Education Service, India (AKES,I). It is one of the many reasons why the Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai (DJHSM), had its very first virtual Investiture Ceremony in August 2020 for the newly elected Student Council.
The Student Council was elected in March 2020. The virtual swearing-in ceremony of the 42-member Student Council began with the inspiring words of the school song, followed by prayers recited by and for the Council and the symbolic handover of the school flag from the previous Council. The ceremony’s chief guest was school alumnus, Dr Afaque Momin, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. As a former House Captain, he inspired students with stories of his challenges and achievements during his schooling and professional life.
Sarah Khan, the new Head Girl, commented, “Being elected as the Head Girl filled me with a sense of pride and responsibility to fulfil my duties in the best way I can. It makes me feel like my teachers believe in me. Leading the Student Council has given me exposure to a world beyond academics, especially during this lockdown period. I was extremely excited to lead the organization of the Teacher’s Day Celebration. Since it was the first virtual Teachers Day, as a Student Council, we worked as a team, with guidance from our teachers, to make sure the event was interactive and engaging. I would like to improve on my leadership qualities this year – especially learning to be assertive and ensuring that responsibilities are shared between our team. I would also like to build on my communication skills and confidence.”
The Student Council was established to provide students with a platform to take ownership, test ideas and drive improvement to enhance their educational experience. Members have the opportunity to hone their intrapersonal and interpersonal skills and learn about the ethics of fair governance and the essence of democracy. Some of the key skills that they have developed include reflection, responsibility for oneself and others, teamwork, valuing multiple perspectives and leadership.
The Student Council has begun work in earnest. They have taken charge and successfully conducted various inter-house events like quizzes and competitions. The Council also conducts weekly house assemblies, works with students of each grade to prepare each grade’s internal exam timetable and help organize the school’s Teacher’s Day Celebration.
Photos (top to bottom):
- The Secondary Student Council for 2020-21 at the Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai
- The Primary Student Council for 2020-21 at the Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai
