A few weeks ago, we published an announcement from the Ministry and Department of Education about the upcoming change in leadership of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS). The announcement also solicited the support of parents and the entire Anguillian community in ensuring the success of the school. When I took the time to reflect on this, I wondered how many of us realise that, as a country, we each have a role to play in the success of our only secondary school. Most Anguillians would have passed through the hallowed halls of The Valley Secondary School, now the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. It is here that we would have received the foundation necessary to advance to higher education or into the world of work. We must be grateful for the opportunities this school has provided to all of us and that it continues to provide.
I often marvel at the wide array of subject areas that are now available to students, and the exposure that they receive in various areas. Over the years, I have been privileged to attend many events including catering events hosted by the Hospitality Department, performances by the Music Department and the Theatre Arts Department, the launch of a book written by fifth form English students, Science Fairs, Open Days at WISE and the Pupil Referral Unit – and the list goes on. The quality of the student’s work, performances and the passion of many teachers are often evident on these occasions. There are definitely many accomplishments to celebrate at ALHCS.
However, as a community it is hard to also ignore some of the concerns about ALHCS. These include what is perceived to be a deterioration in student discipline, drug use among students, low teacher morale, outdated teaching methods, dilapidated infrastructure to name a few. These are areas which anyone taking over the leadership of ALHCS will have to grapple with. It isn’t hard to see, based on the issues outlined, why this person will need all the support she can get from the Ministry and Department of Education, school staff, students, parents and the entire community.
I believe we have a mistaken concept about leadership. Whether intentionally or not, when someone assumes a leadership position, many of us sit back with our arms folded and expect that person to work magic. When he or she doesn’t, we then use this as an opportunity to criticise what we perceive to be his or her shortcomings and celebrate his or her failure. Seldom do we think about how we can assist our leaders in doing their jobs effectively for the benefit of the organization (in this case the ALHCS). I challenge all of us to recognize that while we may not have leadership positions, we all have leadership roles.
It was John C Maxwell who said, “Everyone is a leader because everyone influences someone.” I find this to be a profound statement on leadership. It demonstrates that leadership is not a one man (or one woman) show. Each of us has the power to influence others around us. We should use that influence for good. We may be surprised how powerful that influence may be in achieving positive results. It would be both welcome and refreshing if we applied those words to the ALHCS. If all teachers, students, parents and every community member used their influence to inspire change, ALHCS can become an institution of excellence. I believe it must start with the person in the mirror. We must be able to demonstrate self-leadership which manifests itself in our level of reliability, responsibility and self-discipline, our work ethic, our engagement in activities which are self-developing rather than self-destructive etc. Once we are able to master leadership of our own attitudes and behaviours, we then put ourselves in a better position to influence others to take action.
The education of our nation is everybody’s business. The time has come for all of us to think about what each of us can do, as stakeholders, to bring about change to those vexing issues which are plaguing the ALHCS. While there is an eminently qualified and competent leader at the helm, it is unreasonable to expect miracles if we sit back and do nothing. This is our school and it needs our support. I pledge my support. Will you?
