The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma
Ep 413: Shaheen Mistri Goes to School
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Young people have the potential to drive change but often lack direction and opportunities to make a difference.
- Shaheen Mistri's efforts with the Akanksha Foundation demonstrate how education can uplift underprivileged children and empower them to succeed.
- Personal growth through self-learning and community engagement is essential in education, often lacking in traditional curricula.
- Diverse childhood experiences instilled in Mistri a deep understanding of social issues and a commitment to assist marginalized communities.
- Choosing community service over conventional career paths illustrates the importance of prioritizing social equity over personal ambition.
- Teach for India aims to create leaders within education, fostering community and encouraging innovative teaching methods tailored to students' needs.
Deep dives
The Vision for Change
The belief in the capacity of young people to change the world is central to the podcast's message. It emphasizes that many individuals have the energy and passion to make a difference but often lack direction or opportunities. The speaker recounts personal heroes who embody a bias for action, stepping in to fill gaps in society rather than merely discussing issues. This bias for action is fundamental to fostering an environment where change is not just envisioned but actively pursued.
Empowering Through Education
The creation of the Akanksha Foundation is a significant highlight in the journey of educational reform discussed in the podcast. The founder returned to India at a young age motivated by the plight of children living in poverty. Through the foundation, she established educational programs aimed at providing opportunities for underprivileged kids. The success of these initiatives demonstrated that with the right approach, education can empower children, allowing them to rise above their circumstances.
Self-Learning and Reflection
The speaker discusses the importance of personal growth through self-learning and reflection as a key component of the teaching process. Drawing from personal experiences, the emphasis is placed on the value of life lessons learned outside traditional education systems. A course called 'Life Lessons' was crafted to provide essential skills that are often overlooked in standard curricula, focusing on community engagement and hands-on learning. This initiative aims to address gaps in the existing educational framework while promoting continuous learning.
The Impact of Upbringing
A deep dive into the founder's childhood reveals how diverse experiences across countries shaped her worldview. With a rich background that included interactions with different cultures and exposure to various social issues, the founder gained a unique perspective on inequality and the meaning of privilege. These early experiences served as a foundation for her commitment to serve disadvantaged communities in India. The innate understanding of both privilege and struggle strengthened her resolve to create meaningful change in society.
Parental Influence and Values
The influence of the speaker's parents plays a crucial role in shaping her worldview and approach to community service. The mother's involvement in helping children with special needs laid an early foundation for valuing service and compassion. In contrast, the father's drive for perfection highlighted the significance of resilience and diligence. These dual influences fostered a sense of responsibility towards uplifting others, which remained key throughout her journey in education and activism.
Choosing a Life of Service
The decision to forgo conventional career paths for the sake of community service is a recurring theme in the podcast. The founder recounts stepping away from a promising academic future to focus on developing educational programs for underprivileged children. This bold choice reflects a commitment to social equity over personal ambition and success. The desire to create meaningful change in children's lives motivated the founder to navigate uncharted territories, highlighting the need for risk and courage in philanthropy.
The Journey of Teach for India
The establishment of Teach for India represents a pivotal moment in expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged children in India. The idea emerged from recognizing the need for leaders within the education system to drive meaningful change. The initial challenges included skepticism about whether young people would participate in such an initiative, and if they could succeed in challenging environments. However, the program ultimately attracted motivated individuals who were eager to serve and learn.
Building a Strong Community
A central aspect of Teach for India is fostering a sense of community among fellows and within schools. The structure emphasizes collective workshops, reflections, and support systems, creating a collaborative environment for teaching. The podcast highlights various projects and programs to facilitate bonding and shared experiences among fellows. This community-building effort resonates, as it fosters empathy and collaboration, enabling fellows to navigate challenges more effectively in the classroom.
Adapting the Educational Framework
The importance of adapting educational practices to meet the specific needs of students in diverse environments is emphasized throughout the podcast. The fellows are trained not just in pedagogical techniques but also in understanding the socio-emotional context of their students. Initiatives focused on project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and integrating the arts into education are presented as best practices. These innovative approaches seek to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes while promoting a holistic educational experience.
The Role of Art in Learning
Art and creativity are recognized as essential components in the educational journey. The podcast discusses how engaging in music, theater, and other artistic endeavors can provide students with outlets for self-expression and personal development. These experiences contribute to fostering resilience, teamwork, and critical thinking skills among students. The integration of arts into the curriculum ultimately enhances the overall learning environment, making education more engaging and impactful.
Navigating the Challenges of Non-Profit Leadership
The complexities of leading a non-profit organization are explored, including fundraising, compliance, and governance. The speaker shares insights on the importance of cultivating a positive organizational culture and working with a diverse team. Challenges related to managing people and balancing various expectations are highlighted, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience as a leader. Effective management in the non-profit sector requires both a commitment to mission and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of the work.
Confronting Societal Challenges
The podcast addresses the broader social challenges facing contemporary India and their implications for education. Issues such as social media's impact on attention spans, political polarization, and the erosion of communal values are discussed. It prompts a reflection on the need for educational frameworks to adapt to these changing dynamics, emphasizing the role of educators in fostering critical thinking and empathy. The commitment to instilling constitutional values and social responsibility becomes increasingly urgent in light of these challenges.
Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on personal evolution throughout the journey of leading Teach for India, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being present and cherishing meaningful moments. The transition from urgency to patience in pursuing long-term goals highlights a shift in perspectives cultivated through experience. Learning from successes and failures fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and the intricacies of leadership. This journey illustrates that the path of service is not just about measurable outcomes but also about the transformative experiences encountered along the way.
One of India's tragedies lies in the schooling of our children. We have let our kids down. Can we fix this problem? Shaheen Mistri joins Amit Varma in episode 413 of The Seen and the Unseen to describe her journey -- and what she has learnt about education. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Shaheen Mistri on Instagram, LinkedIn, Wikipedia and Facebook. 2. Redrawing India: The Teach For India Story -- Kovid Gupta and Shaheen Mistri. 3. Teach For India. 4. Akanksha Foundation. 5. The City and the City -- China Miéville. 6. The Rooted Cosmopolitanism of Sugata Srinivasaraju — Episode 277 of The Seen and the Unseen. 7. Teach For America. 8. Indicorps. 9. Sahil Bloom's tweet on planning and preparation. 10. Lighthouse Studios. 11. Third Space. 12. The Conference of the Birds by Teach For India. 13. Slam Out Loud. 14. Kahani Tree. 15. What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking -- Tina Oziewicz and Aleksandra Zajac. 16. Charlotte's Web -- EB White. 17. Oh, The Places You'll Go! -- Dr Seuss. 18. Education in India — Episode 77 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Amit Chandra). 19. Fixing Indian Education — Episode 185 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Karthik Muralidharan). Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must!
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Also check out Amit’s online course, The Art of Clear Writing.
Episode art: ‘Learn’ by Simahina.
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