Financial sustainability will be a challenge for Indian schools in remote areas: Dr. Sivakumar

Times of Oman

22-03-2025

MUSCAT: In a candid conversation, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, reflects on his leadership journey over the past few years.
A passionate advocate for academic excellence and the growth of the education sector, Dr. Manickam's leadership has shaped the Indian School system in Oman over the past three years, navigating significant challenges while pioneering initiatives that continue to impact the community.
With over 30 years in education, his focus on fostering quality learning environments and providing accessible education remains a hallmark of his career.
In this candid conversation, he shares his perspectives on the future of Indian Schools, the role of technology in education, and the impact of community-driven schools on the Indian diaspora in Oman.
Here are excerpts from the conversation:
Q: What were the key priorities when you first assumed the role of chairman, and how have they evolved over your tenure?
A: When I took over as chairman in April 2021, Indian Schools in Oman were still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate priority was to address the academic disruptions and the financial challenges schools and families faced. We were fortunate to have the Indian Schools Virtual Learning Environment (ISOVLE) already in place, which allowed us to swiftly transition to online learning and minimise academic losses.
Simultaneously, we worked with our stakeholders to ease the financial burden on families by offering flexible fee payment plans, recognising the difficulties many were experiencing. Throughout my tenure, the focus was always on improving the quality of education while making it accessible to the largest number of students, regardless of their background or financial capacity.
At the time of my takeover, the Indian Schools were already a major force in the region's educational landscape, catering to over 47,000 students across 22 schools in Oman.
This success, I believe, is a result of the collective efforts of many - teachers, parents, and the community - who have worked tirelessly to provide an inclusive and affordable education for every child. We owe a great deal to the wisdom of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, whose vision for the educational sector laid the foundation for these institutions, and to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik for continuing to uphold this legacy. Together with the Ministry of Education in Oman and the Embassy of India, we've been able to navigate challenges, particularly those brought about by the pandemic, and continue to offer high-quality education.
Q: What are the most significant achievements of the board under your leadership?
A: During my time as chairman, the board launched several key initiatives designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking - skills essential for the 21st century. Programmes such as the Indian Schools Talent Fest (ISTF), Indian Schools Film Fest (ISFF), and Mon Avis have become vital platforms for our students to showcase their talents and broaden their horizons.
We also prioritised technological advancements, with ISOVLE enabling Indian Schools to integrate digital learning long before the pandemic, and capacity-building workshops for teachers to enhance their teaching skills. Additionally, our Psychometric Assessments for Career Path Selection have supported over 10,000 students in making informed decisions about their futures.
Q: What challenges did you face as chairman, and how did you navigate them?
A: One of the most significant challenges was addressing the diverse needs of the Indian community in Oman, which spans a wide spectrum of economic backgrounds. To overcome this, we worked closely with school management committees to ensure that every child's educational needs were met, regardless of the school's size or location.
We also faced the task of providing quality education in remote areas, which led to the establishment of Indian School Duqm, the 22nd community school. This school now serves children from diverse nationalities, reinforcing our commitment to providing equitable education across Oman.
Q: What lessons have you learned about effective governance in an educational institution?
A: Effective governance in education requires a collaborative approach. Engaging all stakeholders - teachers, students, parents, and the wider community - helps in building a shared vision and maintaining transparency. It's crucial to adapt to changing circumstances, whether due to technological advances, policy shifts, or emerging educational needs. Ultimately, the key is data-driven decision-making, ensuring that actions are based on evidence and lead to measurable improvements.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the school(s) in the coming years?
A: The biggest challenges ahead will be embracing technological changes while ensuring that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to these advancements. Additionally, fostering inclusivity will remain critical as schools work to accommodate students with varying needs and abilities. Financial sustainability will also be an ongoing challenge, especially for schools in remote areas with limited resources.
Lastly, we must continue to prioritise the mental health and well-being of students, ensuring that schools provide a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
Q: What's next for you after stepping down from this role?
A: I look forward to continuing my journey in academic leadership, focusing on research and contributing to higher education, particularly in the field of educational technology. I am committed to sharing my experiences and knowledge to support the growth of educational systems and to help shape the future of learning.