When Omar Beigh, a brilliant student of mine, came to me with the concept of a school and asked me to be a part of it, I did not hesitate - precisely for two reasons .
Number one, was Mr. Beigh’s passion for the project which was palpable and infectious. And secondly, the motto of the academy “Virtue conquers all” was something I have firmly believed in since my advent into the education sector.
I am a firm believer in virtue, and to my understanding, nothing is or should be more desirable for humankind than virtue for it is what defines us and shapes us into what we are and what we ought to be in life.
Nothing - including appearances, physicality, or apparel - defines us as humans. It is virtue and virtue alone that decides who we are and what we stand for in life.
And now that I am a part of this institution, I will leave no stone unturned in turning this academy into a place where holistic education is imparted and children are prepared not only to do well in life, but to contribute to the construction of a healthier, tolerant, and more inclusive society.
Apart from that, it will be an immense pleasure to see the children grow into people who value brotherhood, humility, tolerance, compassion, humaneness, and generosity - more than they value material possessions in life.
Having said that, we at Arise International Academy are people from among you, and we intricately understand the expectations parents have from a school and the teachers who shape their children into people of honor.
I am quoting a long letter by former United States President, Abraham Lincoln, written to a teacher to impress upon everyone here, especially our teaching fraternity, the expectations of a parent when he brings his young ward to the school.
“Dear Teacher,
My young son starts school today. It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would treat him gently.
You see, up to now, he has been the central attraction in our home. His mother has always been ready to repair his wounds and I have always been handy to soothe his feelings. But now, things are going to be different. This morning, he is going to walk down the front steps, wave his hands, and start out on a great adventure.
It is an adventure that might take him across continents. It is an adventure that will probably include wars, tragedy, and sorrow. To live this life in the world he has to live in, he will require faith, love, and courage.
So, dear teacher, will you please take him by his hand and teach him the things he will have to know? Teach him, but gently, if you can. He will have to learn that all men are not just, that all men are not true. But teach him also, that for every scoundrel, there is a hero and that for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.
It will take time, teacher, I know, but teach him if you can, that 10 cents earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose – and enjoy winning – when he does win.
Steer him away from envy, if you can, and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that bullies are the easiest people to lick. Teach him, if you can, the wonder of the books – but also give him time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hill.
In school, teacher, teach him, that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat, and teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is doing it. Teach him to listen to everyone but teach him also to filter all that he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through. Teach him – if you can – how to laugh when he is sad, teach him there is no shame in tears, teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics.
Teach him to sell his talents and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right. Teach him gently, dear teacher, but don’t spoil him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient – let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind and God.
This is a big request, teacher, but see what you can do. He is such a nice little boy – and he is my son. Abraham Lincoln”
So, dear parents and well wishers of ‘AIA’ you can rest assured that we go to any length and translate these expectations into reality for your child.
We solicit your blessings, support and availability as and when you are required in the Academy. It is our concerted effort that will transform the young child into a sociable, other-centered and responsible person of integrity.
Thank you,
Mr. Jacob Kavumkal,
Senior Administrator.