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A Relentless Pursuit of Hope -The story of how Sashizungla Ao founded Hope Academy


1. What is the vision and mission of your school, and what core ideology or values do you uphold to achieve this? What makes your school stand out from others? 


Hope Academy's vision is to empower each student to achieve their potential within a safe, positive, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment. The mission emphasises academic excellence and character education, supporting parents to raise moral children and promoting intercultural harmony. The core ideology of fostering both academic and moral development stands out by preparing students to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.  


 Hope Academy stands out because of its unique emphasis on the integration of music, arts, and academics. Our students aren’t just excelling in classrooms; they are also performing at prestigious events like the Hornbill Festival and Brillante piano festival, reflecting the level of musical and artistic exposure that sets our school apart. We provide platforms like Melomania, where students can showcase their talents on a larger stage, allowing them to grow into versatile and dynamic individuals. The diverse opportunities we offer—whether it’s through our advanced music programs or our drama and dance initiatives—give students an education that few others in the region can match. This holistic approach to learning ensures that each student discovers their strengths and feels valued for their unique contributions to the school community.  


2. Can you describe a pivotal moment in your journey as a school leader that significantly shaped your philosophy of education and your approach to leadership? 


In the year 2017, we faced an unexpected trial where the main bridge, our crucial link to the school, collapsed under relentless heavy rains. This event could have easily halted our efforts, but instead, it ignited a powerful resilience and unity within our team and community. Determined not to let this setback disrupt our students' education, we reached out to local leaders, ministers, and even army personnel to find alternative ways to connect. This period became a testament to our commitment and collective willpower. 


Despite the challenges, everyone—from our teachers to our support staff—came together, sharing ideas and resources to ensure classes continued without interruption. Students and parents showed immense support, adapting to the new arrangements with patience and determination. This experience deepened our philosophy: education is not just about classrooms; it’s about adapting, overcoming, and nurturing resilience. This challenge reinforced our belief that leadership is about fostering unity in adversity and that true progress is built on unwavering commitment, even when the road gets difficult. This moment became a cornerstone of our journey, a reminder that no obstacle is too great when a community stands together.  


3. How do you ensure continuous professional development for yourself and your staff? What strategies or initiatives do you prioritise to stay ahead of the evolving educational landscape and best practices? 


Continuous Professional Development to ensure that both I and my staff remain at the forefront of educational innovation, professional development is a cornerstone of Hope Academy. I personally attend leadership training sessions and educational workshops,  staying updated on the latest trends in pedagogy and technology. These experiences are crucial in keeping the school aligned with global best practices. Within the school, we have established a culture of continuous learning among the staff. We host regular in-service training sessions, where experts from diverse educational fields introduce new teaching methods, classroom technologies, and assessment techniques. These sessions are designed to empower teachers with the tools they need to adapt to an ever-evolving educational landscape. One of our most significant initiatives was the early adoption of student-centred learning models. This shift toward personalised education has allowed us to cater to each child’s unique learning style and pace, creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Staying ahead of trends, like the integration of AI in learning and leveraging digital tools for personalised assessments, ensures that we are not only current but also forward-thinking in our approach. 


4. Has there been a time when a student’s curiosity or resilience in the face of a challenge took you by surprise? How did that experience impact your perspective as a school leader or educator? 


 A memorable instance of student curiosity came when a seven-year-old expressed a deep interest in space during a science fair. Her project on the planets was beyond her age level, and her questions about orbital mechanics astounded the teachers. Her curiosity led her to explore concepts like gravitational pull and centrifugal force, and she eagerly researched with little guidance.  This experience left a lasting impact on me. It reinforced the importance of nurturing natural curiosity and providing students with the space to explore their interests, no matter how advanced or seemingly unconventional they may be. Witnessing her resilience and commitment to understanding complex ideas at such a young age emphasised that children have an innate ability to exceed our expectations when given the right encouragement and resources. As an educator, it reminded me that fostering curiosity should be central to our teaching methods. Allowing students to question, explore, and experiment is key to nurturing lifelong learners. This moment further solidified my belief in creating a learning environment where students can thrive beyond the boundaries of traditional education.  


Another instance which has left a lasting impression will be that one time where I helped a differently abled student of Grade 5 with his maths problem. With a little nudge he could solve the problem. He was beyond ecstatic. He jumped up and ran through the entire maths lab giving me a high five. From then on if he ever saw me, he would come running out of the classroom to open my car door. This made me realise that every child has potential and it is up to us to nurture them.  


5. How do you foster an environment where students can express themselves freely? What specific methods or programs does your school implement to ensure every child feels heard, valued, and acknowledged? 


Fostering Student Expression at Hope Academy, we believe that students must feel heard, valued, and respected in order to grow both academically and emotionally. We foster an environment where expression is encouraged through various programs and practices. We also encourage students to express themselves through creative outlets like music, drama, and art. Our drama clubs and music ensembles are designed to help students build confidence in their abilities while learning to communicate their emotions effectively. Furthermore, leadership opportunities within the student council give them an active role in shaping the school's future, reinforcing that their voices matter. Additionally, reflective practices such as journaling and classroom discussions help students articulate their feelings and experiences. Through these activities, we ensure that each student feels seen and acknowledged, creating a safe space for personal and intellectual growth 


6. Could you tell us about an idea or an innovation that was challenging to implement at your institution? Elaborate on how you felt when you saw it come to life. 


Implementing a robust character education program within the academic curriculum can be seen as an innovative and challenging endeavour. The integration requires careful planning to balance educational goals with moral lessons, which can be challenging but rewarding as students apply these lessons in real-world interactions. 


7. In challenging times, have you noticed unique or heartwarming ways in which students cope? How have these instances influenced your approach to supporting students emotionally and academically? 


During the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience of our students and teachers shone through in unexpected ways. One particularly heart-warming moment was when a group of students organised an online talent show to keep their peers connected and engaged during the lockdown. Students coordinated virtual performances, ranging from singing and dancing to poetry recitations, all while supporting each other emotionally. This display of initiative and unity deeply touched me. It reminded me that students, when given autonomy, can create their own pathways to cope with challenges. Their ability to adapt and find joy amidst uncertainty reinforced my belief in the importance of social emotional learning and peer support systems. As a result, we have since placed greater emphasis on programs that foster emotional well-being, ensuring that students have the tools to navigate both academic and personal challenges.  


8. What’s one of the most humorous or insightful things a student has said/done at your school? How did this moment affect your understanding of how children perceive the world? 


One of the most insightful moments came during a school assembly on responsibility. A young student raised her hand and said, “Responsibility is like holding a baby. You can’t drop it.” Her analogy was simple yet profound, illustrating a deep understanding of the topic far beyond her years. It was a moment of clarity that highlighted how perceptive and thoughtful children can be when given the opportunity to express themselves. This humorous yet insightful comment made me realise that children often grasp complex concepts in ways we might not anticipate. It also reminded me that as educators, we must allow room for students to interpret and internalise lessons in their own unique ways. This moment reinforced the importance of creating a learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and express their understanding freely, no matter how unconventional it might seem. Through these experiences and reflections, Hope Academy's dedication to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and innovative learning environment remains unwavering. We continue to prioritise both academic excellence and creative exploration, ensuring that every student feels empowered to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.


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