The SchoolsCompared.com Interview. ‘Bob Dylan, The Future of Education and Not Trading Away Kindness for Cynicism.’ Dr Saima Rana On The Record.

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“If Wishes Were Changes.

What Really Matters in Education and Living a Good Life.”

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SchoolsCompared.com: What matters, really matters to you. What gets you out of the bed in the morning?

Dr Saima Rana, CEO/Principal, GEMS World Academy; Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education; and, Chief Education Ambassador, The Varkey Foundation:

What motivates me to get out of bed in the morning is a profound sense of doing what’s right and making a positive impact. I’m driven by the desire to help others, especially young people, discover the full potential of their lives. There’s a deep joy in creating vibrant and enriching educational environments, where schools become places of excitement where they can thrive. I believe in offering children the chance to savour the best aspects of their childhood while preparing them for the possibilities of adulthood.

The conviction that life gains its true value when we engage in activities that inspire us is a constant source of motivation. I’ve always held education and schools in high regard, recognising their significance, especially for those who might lack confidence or need encouragement. The opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of young minds and hearts propels me forward each day.

I’m blessed in having the opportunity to work for a remarkable person like Mr Sunny Varkey (GEMS Education Founder), plus work colleagues and friends who all want what I want too which means there’s a great sense of collegiality and common purpose and support. It makes getting up in a morning exciting – there’s always something to look forward to, always things to be done.

SchoolsCompared.com: If you had one wish, and it could come true today, and it could only be used in GEMS schools, what would it be, and what would you like to change/do/achieve/make happen?

Dr Saima Rana, CEO/Principal, GEMS World Academy; Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education; and, Chief Education Ambassador, The Varkey Foundation:

To have every student in GEMS schools now and in the future happy, fulfilled, creative, imaginative, smart, powerful, confident, thoughtful, spiritual, empathic, caring, honest, loving, brave, bold, autonomous, cosmopolitan, artistic, technically savvy, and unafraid of the future and change. I want them to be physically, spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally intelligent citizens of the future so that they can see off all the bad things and look after the planet and everyone in it from whatever position they choose to adopt, from CEOs to looking after households. Education in GEMS schools is all about trying to give people what they need to be the best person they can be, and to put them in a position where they can decide what fits them best. We know that being a young student today is really challenging because, let’s face it, there are many obstacles facing us all that will require a whole set of skills and values many of us adults don’t have. So, my wish is that everyone thrives and becomes what it takes to thrive – not just as an individual and certainly not for themselves alone but for the collective good, the good of the whole planet, and for future generations. 

SchoolsCompared.com: Can you tell me how you tell the story of GEMS Education to people that ask you, and tell us why you chose to invest so much of your life in working for the organisation?

Dr Saima Rana, CEO/Principal, GEMS World Academy; Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education; and, Chief Education Ambassador, The Varkey Foundation:

I am deeply invested in GEMS Education due to a shared set of values that resonate profoundly with me. GEMS Education embraces a holistic approach to education – one that nurtures the mind, the heart, the spirit, and the body. At its core, there’s a strong commitment to caring for others and instilling a sense of responsibility, values that I hold dear.

What truly sets GEMS apart is their perspective on childhood. GEMS recognises childhood not merely as a stage to pass through on the way to adulthood, but as a crucial and beautiful phase to be cherished in and of itself. Mr. Varkey’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building this exceptional organisation underscores the idea that education is a transformative force – an idea that I deeply believe in. Educate a child comprehensively, and you equip them with the tools to navigate the complexities and changes of the future.

My alignment with GEMS’ values and approach isn’t coincidental. It’s rooted in my personal experiences and convictions. Through my involvement in charity work, focused on establishing schools in places devoid of educational opportunities, especially for girls, I found a kinship with GEMS’ emphasis on equal opportunities for all. The notion that every individual matters, regardless of background, deeply resonates with me. Families, regardless of their circumstances, require excellent schools to support their aspirations, and this belief has been a driving force in my life. My journey through education and my connection to schools have been profound. I’ve taught in exceptional schools in London, situated in economically challenged areas. This experience taught me that schools possess the transformative power to empower individuals and unearth their inner potential. My mother’s role as a teacher served as an inspiration, and when she tragically passed it was in memory of her that prompted me to establish a charity focused on girls’ education – an initiative that aligns seamlessly with GEMS’ mission. I also draw inspiration from my father, a relentless worker who overcomes incredible obstacles to achieve success to provide safety and security for his family. His attitudes towards people and towards work have forged many of my own attitudes and my work ethic. Mr Varkey’s philanthropic work through the Varkey Foundation is another example of our shared values.

For Dr Saima Rana, The Varkey Foundation is a catalyst for change. Pictured above: Arts and textiles teacher Andria Zafirakou from Alperton School in the United Kingdom, the first British recipient of the US£1M Varkey Foundation Global Teacher prize created to create recognition of the centrifugal importance of teachers in the world.

GEMS Education is not just an educational institution; it’s a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Its values, its philosophy, and its commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals are reasons why I’ve invested so much of my time and energy into this organisation. I share the GEMS story with others, inviting them to join this transformative journey and to witness firsthand the power of education to shape lives and destinies.

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NEXT Chapter: Inflections Points, Cynicism and Kindness.