Introduction to Collaboration: Sharing, Caring, Daring 

The International Confederation of Principals (ICP) and Parents International have recently embarked on a very interesting and promising collaboration. As part of this developing partnership, we were honored to participate in the ICP World Convention titled “Future Pathways for Learning & Learners,” held in Mombasa, Kenya, from August 20-23, 2024. Bringing together school leaders from around 30 countries, this event spanned from Argentina to New Zealand and Iceland to South Africa. The three-day convention was marked by many professional discussions, energising and vibrant African music, and characterised by strong spirit of friendship. Our plenary presentation sparked widespread interest in topics like leadership training, coaching for school heads, and potential joint ventures, aligning with our philosophy of sharing, caring, and daring.

Keynote Highlights: Creativity and Psychological Well-being 

The event opened with a keynote by Andreas Schleicher from the OECD. Notably, he shifted focus from academic performance to themes like creativity, psychological well-being, agency, resilience, and openness to diversity. Schleicher emphasized that prioritizing these elements could not only enhance academic performance but also increase students’ motivation to learn. He pointed out a concerning trend: 15-year-olds believe they are significantly less creative than they were at 10, indicating a loss of creativity within the education system.

Silent Exclusion: Uncovering Hidden Challenges in Education 

A thought-provoking presentation by local academic Professor Laban P. Ayiro delved into less visible problems within education systems, particularly what he termed “silent exclusion.” He highlighted the issue of unnoticed students being left behind, a reality familiar to many parents. Ayiro also underscored the need to reevaluate school systems in light of high youth unemployment rates, where many graduates struggle to find employment. He argued that education systems are producing “unemployable” graduates rather than merely unemployed ones. For Africa, he advocated for a shift towards an “upload society,” where the focus is on creating content rather than simply consuming it.

The Student Voice: Global Challenges and Solutions 

One of the standout moments of the event was a panel discussion featuring students from the ICP’s Student Forum. Representing diverse continents and social backgrounds, the students offered clear messages on the global challenges school systems must address. While Artificial Intelligence and social media were cited as major issues, they downplayed climate change as a priority, with some African students considering it more pressing. The students highlighted concerns about losing individuality and sensitivity due to information overload, particularly through exposure to global disasters. They also linked social media to the normalization of substance abuse, noting that this is becoming an increasing concern.

Leadership Approach: Embracing Sharing, Caring, Daring 

The overarching solution to the challenges discussed at the event was a leadership style grounded in the principles of sharing, caring, and daring. This approach fosters a collaborative and compassionate environment, encouraging educational leaders to take bold steps while maintaining empathy and support for all stakeholders. The emphasis on sharing knowledge, caring for community well-being, and daring to innovate resonated throughout the convention.

Future Collaborations and Training Initiatives 

Our engagement with ICP members sparked numerous opportunities for future collaboration. There was a significant interest in working together on projects across various countries, paving the way for more ground-level partnerships. Additionally, before the World Convention, we met with the National Parents Association Kenya in Nairobi. Together, we outlined their training needs and began planning a large-scale training initiative scheduled for the spring of 2025.