What is instilled in a child at a young age stays with them forever. They intend to use their newfound knowledge to make a difference in the world. It is common knowledge that the youth of today will hold positions of power in the future. And educators have the opportunity to shape these young minds during their formative years by engaging the students in not just classroom learning opportunities but by creating rich learning experiences outside the classroom through co-curricular activities, games, sports, and service learning.

Teachers are responsible for shaping the next generation, and the Principal of Shining Star International School, Abhilasha Singh, views this obligation as a privilege and exerts a tremendous influence on her students by educating them on a variety of real-world concerns. Abhilasha Singh embarked on her career as an educator in 1996. A two and half decade-longcareer in the education field is rich with teaching across India and foreign shores. Abhilasha has the privilege of teaching in the Republic of Seychelles, Mahbert High School, Siliguri and Pinegrove School, Himachal Pradesh, India.

She was the Founder and Principal of Golden Harrier School, India. In 2015 she received the opportunity from New Indian Model School, Dubai to take over as Head of Girls Section and held the additional responsibility as Head of English Department. She was promoted as Vice Principal of NIMS in 2018 and in 2019, she became the Principal of Shining Star International School, Abu Dhabi Engaging in an exclusive interaction with the Women Entrepreneur magazine, Abhilasha described her successful journey so far as the pioneer of the education sector in India and overseas.

What Are Some Important Features Of Your Expertise As An Educationalist?

In school, I am known for my boundless passion and vitality. As someone who holds Global Goals - Agenda 2030 and the education of others about Sustainable Development Goals as a shared obligation, I find this work immensely rewarding. Consistent with this, I have led the Global Classrooms Goals Project since 2019, assisting a group of international educators in launching initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals that have been allotted to their schools. As part of the Climate Action Project led by KoenTimmers and supported by the United Nations Foundation, I serve as a Facilitator involving classrooms from UAE all around the world in ideating solutions against the current climate crisis.

Climate Action Project is a design thinking initiative by Take Action Global which is cofounded by Dr. Jennifer Williams and KoenTimmers. I am the UAE Ambassador for the Project and have contributed to getting one million classrooms from all over the world. This year we aim to involve schools in UAE and around the world to become Climate Action Schools. My school last year was selected as a School of Excellence among 250 schools selected Globally. During March and April of 2020, I had the privilege of serving as a co-host for the Microsoft Education Tweet Meet on Twitter and since then have co-hosted many tweet chats for Ed Chat India and T4 Education. I am also the Country Ambassador for T4 Education founded by Vikas Pota.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of Shining Star International School.

With full accreditation from CBSE, the largest examination conducting institution in the world, Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi is among the best international schools in the region. Our course work is rooted in empirical research and is structured to be intellectually demanding for learners of all levels. Students flourish intellectually and socially because of the emphasis placed on critical thinking and the free expression of ideas. In this way, we help our students grow up to be informed, caring, and law-abiding members of society and global citizens. School Vision – “With innovation and creativity prepare students for global challenges” is lived in spirit and words.

"As someone who holds global goals - agenda 2030 and the education of others about sustainable development goals as a shared obligation, i find this work immensely rewarding"

Shining Star is an HP Idea School recognized for its innovative teaching and learning practices. School has eight school leaders including the Principal as HP Idea Fellows. We recently were shortlisted among the Top 10 schools in the Innovation Category for the Best School Prize by T4 Education. We are the only school in UAE to be selected in the category of Innovation where we have initiated the practice of Gratitude is our Attitude focusing on Gratitude as a Pedagogy.

In Your Opinion What Are Some Of The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved Throughout Your Professional Journey?

My current position is Principal of Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which follows the Indian curriculum. As the leader of the school, I implement innovative ideas to foster a growth attitude among faculty and students. I have completed the International Inspection Skills training offered by Tribal Group, UK, and have been awarded the School Inspection Competency Certificate as a result. I am a Global School Advocate ’2022 with Global School Program supported by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

I trained at the UN HQ, NYC in 2015 and 16 for UN4MUN training held by the UN Department of Public Information. As a passionate Model UN Trainer with success at all national and international conferences, this was one of the highlights of my professional journey as I later received the opportunity to lead a UNGA Committee on Women Empowerment and Global Economy. My dream of standing at the hallowed green marble podium in the UN General Assembly came true as I delivered the committee report at the UNGA plenary in 2016. This further brought the opportunity to work with WFUNA as an international Model UN trainer in South Korea.

In 2013, the British Council recognized me as a Global Teacher with their Global Teachers Accreditation. Furthermore, I am an Ambassador for SDGs for Children, a global organization that works to achieve Global Goals by launching initiatives with schoolchildren, and for which I am responsible as a representative of Dubai. A TEDx speaker and presenter at GESS, Dubai, I've also played also handball and basketball at the highest levels in India. Currently, I prepare to run marathons and am an active cyclist who has competed in numerous open events. One of my plans is to compete in a triathlon.

As The Head Of Shining Star International School, What Would You Like To Convey To Your Students?

In particular, I'd first want to express my gratitude to the parents who have entrusted their children’s education with us, and the teachers who managed the disruption caused in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their agility. I remain obliged to our parent community and management of Shining Star for their strong support.

We owe the success of our institution to the three pillars of what makes Shining Star such a special institution: Rigour, Relevance, and Relationships To my students I would like to say my favorite quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. Whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward”.

Abhilasha Singh, Principal, Shining Star International School

Abhilasha is a graduate of panjab university, chandigarh. She completed her post-graduation in zoology from hnb garhwal university, uttrakhand. She acquired a pg diploma in environment and sustainable development from ignou. In addition, abhilasha is now pursuing tefl certification from the university of toronto and international career coach certification level 2 from mindlers, india. Abhilasha has completed the school leadership & management from harvard school of education and harvard business school certification programs in leading change, leading school, & leading people for leadership & management. P square international honoured abhilasha with the most inspiring leader 2020 & ekupdesh in collaboration withnagrik foundation & fit india conferred the title of most innovative leader in 2021.