Dharamshala: The STSS School Leadership Programme, initiated online in August 2023, concluded successfully on January 5, 2024 with active participation from 12 principals, 19 headteachers, and the deputy director of STSS Head Office. The comprehensive leadership programme, organised by the Department of Education in collaboration with Mahattattva, comprises eight modules. The initial four modules covering key aspects such as articulating strategic vision, cultivating essential leadership skills, promoting collaboration, and optimising resource allocation, were conducted virtually on August 22, September 21, October 19, and December 7, 2023. The training facilitators from Mahattattva were accompanied by four department heads from Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad to share their transformational journey with the participants.

Subsequently, the remaining four modules were covered through on-site training held from January 3 to 5, 2024, at Norbu House, McLeod Ganj. Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra presided over the opening programme as the Chief Guest on January 3. The opening programme started with welcome speech by Tenzin Dorjee, Head of the Academic Section providing a brief background of the school leadership programme.

Education Kalon in her opening remarks, said that the Principal is the most important person and the captain of a school. The school revolves around the thoughts and deeds of the Principal. She underscored the significance of trainings and workshops to enhance the competence of school leaders. Acknowledging the depth of the programme’s content, she stressed the importance of putting into practices the learning experiences they had from the leadership programme. If the schools leaders after returning to their respective schools do not implement their learning, the whole purpose of the programme is defeated.

Education Kalon expressed confidence that these training initiatives would significantly enhance the skills of the principals and headteachers, making them more competent, effective, and dynamic in their roles. Concluding her address, she encouraged school heads to cultivate compassion and kindness towards students while urging them to respect their teachers. In light of the declining enrolment in Tibetan schools, Education Kalon emphasised the need to focus on providing quality education, making a difference in the years to come.

During the three days, the participants had many interactive sessions and activities based on the remaining four modules covering the key aspects like building partnerships with stakeholders, managing diversity, advancing inclusive practices, leading academic excellence, and fostering innovation and 21st-century skills to drive change. Apart from these, there were sessions on the various work management tools and design thinking. On the last day, there were five minute presentations by all the participants showcasing the innovative practices of their schools.

During the closing programme on January 5, Tenzin Dorjee, Head of Academic Section, expressed gratitude to Mahattattva for generously conducting the leadership programme on a pro bono basis. Deepti Sawhney, CEO of Mahattattva and the primary trainer of the leadership programme, presented certificates to all participants. A few participants shared their learning experiences and the positive impact of the leadership programme during the feedback session, extending their thanks to the Department of Education (DOE), training facilitators, and donors for the enriching leadership experience. In his closing remarks, Tenzin Dorjee motivated and urged the principals and headteachers to collectively strive for the common goal of delivering quality education and elevating schools to greater heights.

Tsering Yangkyi, Under Secretary along with Tenzin Dorjee coordinated the entire leadership programme which was funded by Global Affairs Canada, with on-site training co-sponsored by Norbu House, McLeod Ganj.