‘IT’S A JOY TO SEE EDUCATION TRANSFORM LIVES’
POONAM BHOJANI, CEO, INNOVENTURES EDUCATION
Igot into the education sector… in the early 2000s from a parent perspective as I wanted the very best for my two young sons. I felt they could be far more challenged and that their education could have a more international perspective. My two sons have been my inspiration in every way. At that point, much of the education in Dubai was either British, American or Indian. The international aspect of education was not so pronounced and that was what I felt was missing. With some research I discovered that the International Baccalaureate was offering not just a Diploma Programme but also programmes for children from the age of 3. Innoventures Education was established in 2004 to provide world-class education to Dubai. At that stage, Dubai was opening up with new business models. While I may have had the passion to get into education, the credit for translating this into a viable business entity goes solely to my husband as well
as our share-holders. We are truly grateful to Mohammad Alabbar who showed confidence in our vision and thus granted us our first project in Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills.
There were many challenges I faced… Even completing the school building in time was a challenge. Other challenges included finding IB trained staff and educating parents on the new concepts in education as DIA was the first school to get authorised by the IB for its continuum of programmes. For instance, a teacher would teach not just what was in the textbook but would educate children through the process of inquiry and this was a difficult concept to explain to parents at that time. Parents needed to understand this way of learning and much energy was invested by school leaders and teachers to enable the same.
A major shift for me was… moving from a highflying career in banking technology to education. I got into it because I was passionate about education. I was driven by the desire to achieve the best possible education for a child that was rigorous, holistic and international.
I take pride in… the fact that we work very hard to offer world class education measuring ourselves against the highest internationally recognised benchmark standards of education in not just academics but also in music, sports, arts, extra-curricular activities and we focus on inculcating values of global citizenship in our students.
I believe… education should be holistic, international and rigorous, and empower students with 21st century skills preparing them for success in an ever changing world. I believe that every child is gifted and the role of educators is to identify and enable the talents of all children.
What gives me great joy is… seeing how education can transform lives. I will never forget one particular student – an extremely shy Iranian boy who could barely speak English when he enrolled in our school as he came from a totally different system in his home country. This boy went on to deliver the valedictorian speech two years later and is now a successful entrepreneur after being educated on a scholarship from a top university. There have been many other such true stories. The joy of seeing young minds blossom is infinite. Such moments make me feel that we have achieved something and it has all been worthwhile.
What makes me proud is… when I see a student recognise his or her talents and blossom into a fine citizen ready to take on the world in their chosen field. The fact that the education they received at our schools had a role to play in their achievements gladdens the hearts of not just their parents but all educators who have seen their metamorphosis and in some measure, have been a part of it.
When recruiting staff, I look for... positive attitude and personal passion towards enabling the success of students. We also try to match their personal aspirations with the vision and mission of the school so that we can offer growth careers and not just jobs. While skill sets such as subject knowledge, experience, technology skills are important, it is their attitude and drive that make all the difference in the achievement levels of their students. While skills are important, if a science teacher can also coach students in say theatre or music or football, it is valuable.
A favourite line is… In the words of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Mnister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line”. I also believe that attitude determines altitude.
Education should be holistic, international and rigorous, and empower students with 21st century skills preparing them for success in an ever changing world.
Passion, persistence and attitude are irreplaceable attributes. With these anything can be achieved. Another favourite line is that persistence pays.
My strength is… my ability to work very hard when I set my mind to any goal. I also think that I can work well with people from all walks of life and bring out the best in them. I have learnt that success is about enabling everyone around you to be successful. I believe that if you genuinely invest in the success of your people then everything works well. Also, I never give up. With grit and resilience even most challenging goals can be achieved. It may take time but the trick is to never give up.
My weakness is… I think I often set very high expectations. That can be a weakness because I get sad and disappointed when I am unable to achieve them. But then, if I fall down anytime, I can pick myself up, dust my knees and start running again.
What makes me happy… is seeing our students develop into life-long learners and enable their development. It’s also important for me to ensure that the people around me are doing well. I savour the sweet taste of achieving goals. On a personal note, it has been joyful for me to see how well my own children have grown.
What makes me sad... are missed opportunities. Sometimes, not being quick enough to respond to some things can leave me regretful.
My favourite word is… collaboration. In fact it’s a word we use in all things relating to our schools. The staff collaborates with each other, with students and with parents, and vice versa.
A life lesson I learnt is… how fortunate I am to come from a loving family, to work with the most wonderful colleagues and some of the finest minds and to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. And… to never give up. Working with integrity and passion can enable a lot.
What drives me is the belief that… nothing is impossible within the realm of realism. This is all the more so if you live in Dubai where truly nothing is impossible. If you look at the visions of the Rulers of this amazing country we all call home, you will be convinced anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it and work hard with integrity.