STRENGHTENING STAKEHOLDER’S ENGAGEMENT AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Nothing is permanent in this world. This is indeed the real scenario of our situation now. Gone were the days that we heard our school children playing in our school playground, chasing each other and enjoying everything under the sun and gone were those days that we work hand in hand with our stakeholders tangibly. Today everything has changed. The school is occupied with so much silence. Activities that need the presence of stakeholders are limited. But behind the crisis still, Department of Education firmly believed that education must continue.

Pandemic has thought us a lot of things. Realization came rushing that constant change is real. With the challenges brought to us by this COVID 19 pandemic, there is one thing that remains true- the importance of stakeholders in education in this trying time. Stakeholders in education has three categories; the learners as stakeholders, family as stakeholders and school as stakeholders. How do these people act with this crisis? One of the most important things I have learned being an education leader is to deal with the stakeholders through open communication. Communication is an important part of stakeholder’s engagement and one that we should always put great care into as a school head. It is transactional and impersonal. It is a part of the bigger goal of connections. We can make great strides in engaging with them by intentionally setting our sights on what really matter. Let us focus on human connection, collaboration and relationship strength first and always. Once we do this, TRUST forms. We always remember that Relational Trust is the best currency of partnership.

When every school pivoted a virtual and modular learning environment last year, parents and family members suddenly became active in assisting their children and engaged in teaching and learning process though some of our stakeholders are also carrying anxiety and fear into this situation full of uncertainties but they managed to carry ideas and resources. The goal is, as always to create a positive atmosphere for learning and growth full hope and opportunity. The only true way to work through this, is to connect with each other in open, transparent dialogue with all stakeholders, include them in every decision making and project proposals so that everyone feels seen, heard and valued. While covid-19 has thrown us many obstacles, we can lean into the opportunities by embracing all stakeholders, including learners in rich, dynamic connection and collaboration. Let us not get tired of taking risks, fall forward and re-imagine a more caring and equitable education because I confidently and positively believe that filling the gas tank, enough momentum, TOGETHER we can maneuver small hills no matter how rough our road in achieving quality education behind COVID-19 pandemic for our school children.