Through the numerous online discussions, it is evident that flexibility and acceptance of changing variables is non negotiable and perhaps a more ‘healthy’ way to approach processes in the next few months. Resistance and ‘wanting’ it back like it was is delaying what will eventually happen, so you might as well focus on what can be done, and not what ‘had to happen’?
Interesting article in the Economist today about divided economists world over suggesting approaches to get out of this financial devastation and yet, time and again with every crisis since World Wars and in fact the 2009 crisis, the sector that is taken most likely to support the creation, solutions, demand and supply and propels growth is the least discussed from a futuristic point of view.
In India for example, we have states divided about how to address the parental requests for fee waivers, and management concerns for continuing without the fee collections. Supreme Court has directed High Courts to assess and make their recommendations – well at least some courts were strategic enough to speak about banning online learning as unconstitutional! The others went with some in between path, some are still deliberating which may have deep consequences in long run.
The news on the ground now is that Gujarat is thinking of rejecting online learning and will force many educators out of jobs as managements unable to collect from parents, will be forced to close down.
What happens to the children?
“Well, parents can engage them with activities at home, and after all a few months here and there will not really impact”, is what I have been offered as an explanation by many given that families are out of jobs, and the financial devastation is tremendous.
Same for the school managements? Or is this not really impacting them? Assumption is that they have deeper pockets? That is the private sector debate that has been around forever and never ending – (parents picked these schools as options and this contractual commitment needs to honoured?)! What about government schools? Is this a sector not important for government to build IT skills in teachers and make access to students studying in their schools possible given school closures may be longer than anticipated?
Educators are clear that with schools not opening anytime soon there needs to be support for children who can be ‘e-engaged’ and continue with learning for there are significant developmental impacts with prolonged periods of non learning. There is also deep concern for those with lack of devices and connectivity issues, and there’s tremendous effort being put in building capacities – allowing these children access via TV channels and many organisations are leading the way with no child left behind. Are these perfect solutions? And is learning happening without challenges all across?
No. Remember we spoke about flexibility and working with variables? Ideal is not something we can strive for. And thinking of it will force us to surrender, as options are limited and changes take time. Need time. Much of the news on the ground with schools leading this successfully is very encouraging!
It is work in progress, patience everyone?
Then there are tweets from certain sections that speak about online as “a poor substitution for physical schools”, for which the question that comes up is, ‘what’s the alternative?‘ Engagements on line are balancing screen time, and in fact more innovative with teachers coming up with extended ideas to help families who are also faced with partnering part of this work load (Especially upto grade 3/4) given children are now at home all the time and will need assistance initially. Parents cannot manage this?? Why?
And yes those spending hours training themselves, Upskilling, researching and teaching on line will have to be rewarded for their efforts. They too have households to run. Fees must come in for this to happen.
So what the solution?
Middle path? Especially in the private sector, the conversations must be between two stake-holders and happen in a seamless manner as there is access and affordability. Flexibility is the key, and addressing challenges as they arise to resolve problems.
For the government aided schools, which are significantly higher in terms of number of student enrolments, governments will have to step in and solve problems. This is well within their control and requires a bit of planning. Many have reached out to guide and support – the question is there a real desire to address this?
This customisation will allow for there to be progress and for more success stories including sustained employment and economic revival. Learning continues seamlessly for one. Children do not miss out. Some households have children with needs, and some are dealing with mental health issues. Solutions are available. Yet courts are deciding basis of a small fraction of petitioners?
But the more important question is this only about economics?
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Fatema Agarkar, Founder and Chairperson , Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE)
Veteran of 3 educational start-ups , now Founder of the Agarkar Centre of Excellence, Fatema’s passion for teaching-learning and children defines the different roles she has crafted in 20 years – as an edupreneur, educator and mentor.
Fatema who is a State and University topper as part of the prestigious Mumbai based Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics, holds a degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Birmingham (UK), apart from her B.ED and ECCE degrees amassed when she decided education was her calling. Having kick-started her career in the corporate world and working with premier organizations like Commerzbank, Times of India and Egon Zehnder International, she always had an inner urge to bring about an enhancement in the sphere of education..
As an educationist and life-long learner, she has come a long way to intertwine modern methods of learning, teaching and customizing education as per the student’s intellectual requisites thus eradicating stress that stems from the education system. She has been sedulous in making comprehensive alterations in the education field in India. Being a risk-taker, Fatema has been focusing on the generation of innovative educational modules and her in-depth academic know-how, nothing but truly defines her ceaseless passion. Her name is synonymous with successful education models of the country and she is adjudged as Education World’s top 50 Educators in the year 2020. Adding more feathers to her hat, she has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards for her outstanding contribution to the field of education in the years 2013 and 2015.
Fatema has been awarded by Giants Group for her outstanding contribution to the field of education in 2012, the Young Achiever’s Award in the year 2017, Singapore based, Best of Asia’s, ‘Enterprising Educator in the year 2018 and as an entrepreneur ‘Best Edupreneur 2019 and Best Leadership’ by Progressive Academic Excellence India (Maharashtra 2019) and one of the 10th finest inspirational educators in 2019 by TKR, India . Her name is synonymous with successful education models of the country and she is adjudged as Education World’s top 50 Educators in the year 2020. Adding more feathers to her hat With close to 2 decades of experience in education, Fatema is the recipient of several honours including the Indian Achiever’s Award 2021. In July 2023, Fatema was also awarded the ‘Mumbai’s top Women Leader’ award by the CMO Asia National Awards’ (10th edition). Fatema is also a Jury Member for Cambridge School Recognition Awards 2025.
Having being associated with leading high school brands like DRS International, Hyderabad, NSS Hill Spring International, Mumbai, The Gera School, Goa, D Y Patil High School, Talegaon (Pune), SVM, Ratnagiri by the Gadre family, The Excellere World School, Gurgaon, JBCN International Schools, Mumbai, Fatema has now close to 40 pre-schools and high schools that she has set up from the grassroot level including a school for special needs’.
Fatema is on the Advisory Board of several Trusts including EduTech India, Wockhardft Foundation as well as a jury member, Education World Awards, a platform that recognizes the efforts of educators pan India. Fatema is also the Vice President for Early Childhood Association (ECA) and the Mumbai Territory Head for Association for Primary Education & Research (APER) in India. Fatema has been appointed as the global ambassador of the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club. . Fatema is on the advisory board of the All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and currently appointed as the National Council Member for Financial Literacy & Management by WICCI. Given her access to parents and her ability to provide age appropriate strategies to enable them to make more informed choices, Fatema’s passion remains counselling in the hope that effective parenting will enable children to benefit the most.
Fatema is also the special advisor of the Child Chapter Association (CCA), a non-governmental organisation registered as a Section 8. company under the Companies Act, 2013 whose mission is to spread awareness and eliminate child abuse, including child sexual abuse. Her role as a special advisor of CCA includes providing advice and guidance for their special outreach programs for Schools and teachers that tap into the child psyche and help them raise their voice against abuse. Fatema also played an instrumental role in the development of the CCA comic books and characters for their global campaign for child abuse awareness and prevention.
Currently, Fatema is the Advisor & Mentor to Finland International School, Race Course and on course to start her own school in 2026. As a TedX speaker, and a avid blogger, Fatema is passionate about sharing her knowledge amassed and inspiring stakeholders be it teachers, parents or students.
Her vision includes set up up of Soup Kitchens, Foster Homes and a community centre for the elderly under the Agarkar Foundation in time.
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