IN THE SPOTLIGHT

EXEMPLARY INDIVIDUALS AND INITIATIVES

NECTAR recognises and appreciates proactive stakeholders of the project that support its
initiatives, contributing to enhanced learning environments, improved teaching-learning practices, and efficient school management. In this edition, we spotlight a few of the many dedicated School Management Committee (SMC)/School Management and Development Committee (SMDC) leaders for their commitment to improve the schools in their communities.

SMCs/SMDCs

“There’s no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares for. “
Margaret J. Wheatley, Writer

With support from the Performance Incentive Grants (PIG), a total of 1913 SMCs/SMDCs received
capacity-building trainings that went on to inspire community participation for comprehensive
school improvement. We provide a glimpse of this progress by featuring three community leaders whose concern for the welfare of children is reflected in their efforts to usher in progress in their respective schools.

A farmer by profession, Yentin Ongbou began his educational journey at Government Primary
School, Chendang Saddle, where he now serves as the SMC Chairperson. Describing his motivation to serve as an executive member of the SMC, Yentin remarks:

“When I assumed the role of Chairperson, my primary goal was to enhance the school’s academic standards, infrastructure, and overall student experience. Recognising that education is constantly evolving, I worked alongside the committee, teachers, and parents to introduce modern educational practices and promote extracurricular activities.”

Over the past two years, some progress that Yentin, along with other SMC members, has been able to bring about with support from the NECTAR project includes:

1. Improving Academic Standards: The school was introduced to new teaching methods, and
teachers were encouraged to attend training programmes provided by the government. The school integrated the use of audio-visual aids into daily lessons through smartphones. The school could also purchase books and teaching-learning materials and make infrastructure improvements that enhanced learning.

2. Strengthening Extracurricular Activities: Recognising the importance of holistic development,
the school promoted arts, sports, and cultural programmes that allowed students to explore their
talents beyond academics.

3. Parental and Community Involvement: Regular meetings and feedback sessions ensured active
participation from parents, making the educational system more inclusive and community-driven.

When Neichütsoü Thenuo first expressed her desire to be the SMC Chairperson, community
members as well as her children tried to deter her, fearing the challenges ahead. However, she
asked herself repeatedly, “If not me, then who?”

With this sheer determination and refusal to let any barriers define her, she began her work with the vision to bring about improvements in her village school. In this effort, when the school was posed with the challenges of access to clean water, she, along with her team, approached the Village Development Board (VDB) relentlessly. Their efforts bore fruit, and by 2023, the school could construct its much-needed water reservoir, ensuring clean water for students.

Commenting on her personal transformation and her determination for development, Neichütsoü quips:

“I feel I am gaining new experiences after becoming an SMC member. I notice I have started
talking more and have become more active in participation. I really wanted to do more for my
school and village.”

In her term, the committee defined roles and responsibilities, which ensured each member’s contribution towards the overall development of the school. Through these and other efforts, she has been leading change and paving a path for others to follow in this journey.

“Hukai always believed education is the process of learning, and through education, good citizens are made who can solve problems.”
Shikiho T Zhimo, Teacher-in-Charge

With this belief, Hukai Zhimomi, a Village Council member, worked with GPS Chekiye Aqasa as their School Management Committee Chairperson over the last two years. He mobilised the Council and Committee members to have drainage constructed, which was an immediate requirement since the school grounds were constantly waterlogged during monsoons. He is fully committed to the school’s uplift by holding timely meetings with the members and teachers.

When Hukai joined the SMC, the total enrolment was at 70. He encouraged the teachers to go door to door to increase the enrolment, focusing on dropout students. Now the overall enrolment has gone up to 98. The Teacher-in-Charge is optimistic that their school is advancing under the Chairperson’s dynamic leadership.