On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we bring you some of the most notable and distinguished women eduleaders from the education industry to share their incredible journey, insights, and experiences. Here are the excerpts from the interview
Lakshmi Sravanti Kakarla
Director
Bachpan Play School & Academic Heights
Public School, Hyderabad
On girl child education
If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. Our school helps girls realise their full potential. We make sure that every girl gets equal opportunity. We instill in them the fact that education is for their own benefit and has an intensive value. Our institution has 80% of women workforce, this shows effective participation. Girl education also empowers the wallet by boosting her earning capabilities. Bachpan bachao andolan also creates a child-friendly society where all children get equal opportunity. Our school gives free education to the girl child of our supporting staff. Studies have shown that women invest 90% of their income for their families, health and education. An educated girl is more likely to become involved in the workforce. School conducts conferences for parents to understand the betterment of the women.
On edupreneurs
Women have contributed tremendously to the betterment of education and the society. The art of compassion and nurturing is not taught to women, she is naturally born with that. Women traditionally take care of the entire family and play a crucial role in binding them. The world has changed and the participation of women in every sector is celebrated but there are still a few fields where the role of women is critical and one of these is education. It is rightly said, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Education is an integral part of every individual’s life, but where girls are educated, countries become stronger and prosper.
Learnings as an edupreneur
Plan everything in advance. Developed a business plan on how school is going to operate over its first five years. Secondly, plan finances from budget distribution in building the school, furniture, recruiting the staff to advertisement. I visited schools and learnt a great deal. I recruited highly skilled teachers. Word of-mouth advertising boosts brand recognition and reputation. No matter how much we have learnt, the journey never stops and there is always room for improvement and self-analysis. The only failure that really exists is standing still. Staying humble and open-minded always brings a lot of energy. We can only be good at what we do if you truly love it.
