Brunei - Minister tells school leaders to have vision

BRUNEI needs school leaders with vision, stated Education Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong yesterday.

In his speech at the Teachers' Day celebration at the Tutong Sixth Form Centre (PTE Tutong), the minister elaborated that school leaders play a key role in the implementation of the 21st Century National Education System (SPN21).

"Therefore, we need leaders with vision who can design the mission needed to achieve the said vision," he said.

He noted that school leaders, including school principals, deputy principals and the middle management of schools, hold great responsibilities towards "making changes or transforming" their respective schools.

The minister explained that school leaders are also responsible for guiding their schools from its current situation to the intended position.

"Until we know our destination, then it is likely that we will be swept away in the journey. (When) we know the direction, we can prepare for the journey by anticipating any possibility as well as the unforseen and unexpected," he said.

He reiterated that school leaders need to convince as well as receive the support of their colleagues in order to achieve their vision and strategy.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar also called on school leaders to develop and expand the training of teachers as well as staff through capacity building, which includes learning best practices from schools or institutions and relevant agencies. He noted that "all these initiatives are related to changes" and that also acknowledged that it is a challenge to change, adapt to change and cope with change.

"It requires a shared understanding, thus a change in mindset, thinking, approach and so on, which requires all members of the school to follow and adapt themselves to the culture change," said the minister.

RABIATUL KAMIT

The Brunei Times

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