In the village of Khoro, a quiet but meaningful transformation is taking place in the way the local school is managed. At the centre of this change is Sunil Tudu, a 40-year-old father of five, who was selected as Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) in 2024.
When Sunil first took on the role, he was committed but unsure of how to lead. Like other members of the SMC, he had never received formal training or guidance. He struggled to organize meetings, speak confidently in front of others, and guide discussions. The committee itself faced similar challenges—meetings were irregular, participation was low, and most members remained hesitant and silent. Without a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, the SMC was unable to function effectively or contribute to school improvement.
Building Capacity and Confidence
Recognizing these challenges, RMI’s NGO partner Samajik Parivartan Sansthan (SPS), with support from the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) and the European Union, organized a two-day training in May 2025 at Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya, Khoro. Sixteen SMC members participated.
The training focused on strengthening their understanding of roles and responsibilities, the importance of regular meetings, collaboration with teachers, and the use of simple tools to monitor school progress. It also created a supportive space where members could practice speaking, exchange experiences, and gradually build confidence in their roles.
From Hesitation to Active Participation
The impact of the training has been clearly visible. Sunil’s confidence has grown significantly—he now communicates more clearly, structures discussions effectively, and actively engages with both teachers and SMC members. Meetings are now held regularly, and participation has improved, with members contributing more openly and taking ownership of their responsibilities.
Using the monitoring tools introduced during the training, the SMC has begun reviewing school activities in a more structured and consistent manner. Teachers are also cooperating more closely with the committee, strengthening the relationship between the school and the community and fostering a shared sense of responsibility.
Reflecting on his experience, Sunil shared:
“I can now think and speak in a more organized way in my daily life. Here, I learned how to introduce myself properly and how to speak thoughtfully as a chairperson. I believe the SMC will perform better and contribute to improving the quality of services.”
Looking Ahead
With continued support from SPS, the SMC has developed a School Development Plan through collective discussion and planning. What was once an inactive and uncertain committee is gradually becoming a more organized, confident, and engaged group.
Sunil’s journey highlights the importance of investing in local leadership. By building the confidence and capacity of community members, it is possible to strengthen school governance from within. This transformation, while gradual, demonstrates the potential for sustainable change when communities are empowered to take an active role in improving education.
