Student leadership is a cornerstone of personal and community growth. By developing leadership skills early on, students gain confidence, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others—qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.
By Manuel Ortega MYP, DP Mathematics Teacher Student Council Coordinator
Empowering students to lead helps them make meaningful contributions to society and prepares them for future challenges. Effective student leadership ensures that students’ voices are heard and that they play a direct role in shaping the school’s culture and direction.
At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), we are deeply committed to fostering student leadership. Our school offers numerous platforms for students to develop as leaders. We encourage them to take on roles such as serving in the Student Council (STUCO), becoming Prefects, or leading various councils and clubs (over 25 at the start of this academic year!). These opportunities allow students to practice leadership in real-life scenarios, from organizing events to representing the student body’s concerns. These experiences build the foundation for strong, empathetic, and effective leaders.
Last week, our Student Council (STUCO) held its first meeting following the election process. The elected representatives from each advisory group now have the important responsibility of serving as a bridge between the student body and the school’s administration, while also seeking ways to enhance school life. In past years, STUCO has made a significant impact, and this year’s council is determined to raise the bar even higher. Under the leadership of their presidents, Julie and Pei Pey, we are confident they will achieve great things. These student leaders were selected through a thorough process involving written applications, speeches, and voting. We eagerly anticipate the positive changes they will bring.
To further support and prepare our student leaders, NISC has been actively developing leadership programs. Last Thursday, 34 student leaders participated in a full-day Leadership Conference organized by the school. Through various presentations and hands-on activities, our student leaders explored key topics such as the characteristics of a good leader, the importance of values in leadership, the difference between leadership and administration, the power of vision, and leadership styles. It was truly inspiring to witness the insightful reflections from our students and the remarkable potential they demonstrated.
The Leadership Day exemplifies how seriously NISC takes the development of leadership skills in our students. By creating dedicated programs and opportunities, we ensure that student leadership remains a priority for our school community. We believe that by nurturing these qualities in our students, we are not only helping them grow but also making our school—and the world—a better place.
The other week I was in Bangkok at the ASAC Basketball Tournament that is open for Grade 6 – 8 students from 9 competing schools across South East Asia. It gave me some time to reflect on the benefits and opportunities that our Northbridge students can access that will develop them holistically and physically.
Academic excellence is at the forefront of education, and whilst our duty as teachers is to foster this, we also have the responsibility to open students’ eyes to the wider world and their social responsibility within it.
Service- learning, or service as action, combines in school learning with supporting local communities, encouraging students to independently research local issues and take action to support those in need.
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues around the world. It is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is uniting with partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work.
