Every Child Can by Kiran Bir Sethi

Kiran Bir Sethi’s book, “Every Child Can,” is a sheer delight to read. Effortlessly flowing, arranged in a logical sequence, and adorned with numerous anecdotes, it is imbued with profound wisdom. Its appeal extends to a wide audience, encompassing students, teachers, parents, and any adult with children in their lives. The book brings alive the magic that is Riverside School. I call it magic because it ignites possibilities of what education can be and is on a daily basis. The school’s design principles revolve around keeping the whole child at the center and the belief that every child deserves an education that is relevant, rigorous, caring, and empowering. Through its many anecdotes, the book makes visible what learning can look like when freed from the notions of exams, rote memorization, and mediocrity. It describes learning processes wherein due to engagement and meaning-making, children remember every learning session they have been part of. The emphasis on understanding the “why, what, and how” of a concept is refreshing. The book spotlights the importance of documentation. Unlike typical SOPs, which restrict thinking by telling people what and how to do, Riverside emphasizes the “why.” By sharing the origin story, they create opportunities for more people to understand the problem and iterate solutions if needed. Riverside has acted on its belief in every child’s capabilities. They’ve created systems, processes, and tools to ensure that every child can do good and well. The book inspires us to move beyond thinking alone and embrace action. Sethi applies design thinking to every aspect of a school, from timetables to curriculum, and even beyond the borders of the school. The model presented is brilliant, and the interactive QR codes throughout the text allow readers to explore how each element works in practice. In a world where education is crucial, Kiran Bir Sethi’s perspective on young people and her methods for helping them grow up should be known and replicated everywhere.

“Every Child Can” is not just a book; it’s a beacon of hope and possibility. In summary, “Every Child Can” is not just a book; it’s a beacon of hope, possibility, and actionable wisdom for transforming education globally.