Edutop

By Moqheeta Mehboob AI-generated image created with child protection in mind T ucked away behind the vast white expanse of the Zanzibar seaside and swaying coconut trees lies a school full of curiosity and wonder. My first interaction with the students was both heartwarming and amusing—an experience I can’t wait to share with you. As I was passing by the classrooms after lunch, I noticed one class sitting without a teacher. The teacher had taken sudden medical leave. So, I took the opportunity to step in—to get to know the students and informally assess their comprehension and cognitive abilities. Since I knew that they were strong in Swahili, their national language, and had only recently shifted to English, I approached them with care, adjusting my speed and vocabulary. Keeping everything simple and slow, I told them a short story about a beautiful white cat caught in the rain, searching for shelter until a kind lady took her in. I narrated the story with lots of dramatization, whi...

By Moqheeta Mehboob We meet people, speak to them, listen to them, and our thinking expands. We relate their words to something close to our hearts. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting some capable dentists at the Tamani Foundation, and one guest, visiting from Kerala, India, shared an interesting concept that struck a chord with me. They were discussing their book publishing work and the internship programs they offer, covering every aspect of book creation. They aptly call it "Training on How a Book is Born." I was impressed by how well-structured the process was, divided into various stages—from the idea of writing the book, guided by creative writers, to the physical compilation, digital versions, font selection, book cover design, binding, and securing an ISBN number. It made me think: if the making of a book is so thoughtfully planned, why is the process of starting a school—a place that shapes the future generation—often rushed or overlooked? Shouldn’t the founders of...