IPN Spotlight: Najma Shah (Early Years Coordinator, Aga Khan Education Services)
Najma completed a two-year term working with Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) Tanzania. There, she managed a team of 35 educators and over 200 student’s ages 2 to 6 years. During this term, Najma spearheaded many programs including community gardening, nutrition, and health awareness, after-school activities, recognition and awareness of global holidays, and partnerships with local libraries.
Najma fostered ongoing continuing education of all staff by collaborating with accredited universities in the United States to provide training and certificates to staff. She also personally provided need-based scholarships to select individuals to become certified teachers, and mobilized resources across US and Canada to advance faculty and enrich classrooms.
Along with AKES, Najma was a consultant for Early Childhood Development programs across Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar, and Zambia. Before working in Tanzania, Najma was head of a Montessori school in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
What skills have helped you in your career?
One skill that has helped me succeed as a manager is staying positive. I believe in the power of positive reinforcement. When I am working with a team of people, it is important to identify individual’s strength and play up those strengths. I have found that this improves morale and benefits the child’s learning experience. I value the ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders. It is important to assist in identifying and aligning effort towards a common goal which is synonymous with the mission and vision of the school.
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I do not think I would have done anything differently throughout my career. I have learned something new from each of my experiences.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
I always keep myself abreast of new research and development in my field by enrolling in workshops, webinars, attending seminars, and constantly learning.
What is next for you in your career?
I will continue my work in Early Childhood Development by supporting and mentoring teachers in my community. I will also continue my work in developing countries by providing consultancy and resources.
What advice would you offer to others?
My advice is to work hard in whatever you chose to do. If unique opportunities arise, go for it! It is important to go to places where you can provide your skills and education and also learn from those experiences.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• I can help professionals in areas of Early Childhood Development
• I would be happy to share my overseas experiences and challenges
• Share experience on nutrition and health awareness
Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Najma Shah
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