Unleashing Potential And Shaping Minds With The African-born Ceo And Principal At Gems Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi: Hazel Govender
We recently had the privilege of interviewing Hazel Govender, an African-born transformative leader and dedicated educator with a passion for shaping the future of learning. Hailing from the beautiful land of South Africa, Hazel brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and management to her role as the CEO and Principal at GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi. She has established herself as a champion of innovative teaching practices and student-centric approaches, making a significant impact in her field.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and how did you become the Principal/CEO of GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi?”
Hazel shared, “Becoming the educator I never had was a journey fueled by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education. Growing up, I often felt unseen and unheard in classrooms that prioritized standardization over individual learning. This experience ignited a passion within me to create an inclusive and engaging environment where every student feels valued. I realized that education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing curiosity, fostering resilience, and empowering learners to explore their potential.
Driven by the desire to change the world one learner at a time, I am committed to equipping my students with the tools they need to think critically, embrace diversity, and become catalysts for positive change in their communities. Each day, I strive to be the mentor I once longed for—an advocate for discovery, creativity, and growth.
After six years of serving in various roles at CIA, I was honored to become principal, leveraging my deep understanding of the school community. Through diverse experiences, I built strong relationships with students, parents, and staff, fostering trust and collaboration. This foundation equips me to lead our school to new heights, harnessing our collective potential.”
Worth-Sharing Moments
We were curious to learn more about Hazel Govender’s triumphs in her career. So, we asked, “Can you tell us about your role at GEMS Cambridge and the key initiatives you’re most proud of?”
She replied, “As a school principal, my roles and responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks essential for creating a positive educational environment. I oversee the academic curriculum, manage staff, and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders, while also prioritizing the well-being of both students and staff.
One of my proudest achievements personally is the fact that I am a newly published author. My debut book, “Hannah Comes Homes and Other stories” is a dream come true and it is so surreal to see my words in print. On the work front an initiative I am really proud of is the establishment of a Well-Being Room, a dedicated space designed to support the mental health and emotional needs of our staff. This initiative reflects my commitment as an empathetic leader to foster an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. In this room, staff find peace and solace, reinforcing the importance of emotional well-being in their overall work experience. Celebrating the positive impact of the Well-Being Room is a testament to my belief that a healthy school culture empowers us all to thrive.
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable phase of every career path. So, we asked, “What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a leader, and how have you overcome them?”
Hazel responded, “Talent Retention is a huge challenge. With a competitive job market, attracting and retaining skilled talent is crucial. I work extremely hard to create an engaging work environment that is supportive and caring. I invest very heavily in my team and ensure that we offer a wide range of professional development opportunities. I also believe in promoting from within the school.
The UAE is home to a large expatriate population and as a leader of a school with 90 different nationalities, I have had to navigate various cultural norms and communication styles, fostering inclusivity while respecting different traditions. It has been a very exciting journey, learning all about different cultures and traditions.
Work-Life Balance can also be challenging. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is vital for employee satisfaction and it is not always easy to role model this.
Empowering Women
We further asked, “You’re passionate about women’s development – how do you support and inspire female leaders within your school community?”
“The crucial thing for me is to recognize the role I play in inspiring aspiring female leaders, whether with the staff or the learners. There is a great need for mentorship in leadership. I ensure that I demonstrate the behaviors that these women leaders can emulate. Providing mentorship for aspiring leaders and giving them time for constructive feedback is essential. I assist them in goal setting and regularly review or help them adjust their goals. I am always available to provide encouragement in challenging times and help build their confidence in their abilities.” She added.
Redefining Businesses With AI
AI has been redefining the way businesses perform. To get a glimpse of Hazel Govender’s perspective on this aspect, we inquired, “How do you see technology, especially AI, shaping the future of education? Are there any tech-driven initiatives you’re currently working on?”
Hazel replied, “I see technology playing a transformative role in education, fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is imparted and acquired. As tools like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and online learning platforms become increasingly integrated into the classroom, they hold the potential to deliver personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs and learning styles. This shift not only enhances engagement but also fosters critical skills such as collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy – essential for thriving in today’s rapidly changing world.
Moreover, technology enables educators to access a wealth of resources and data, allowing for informed decision-making and more efficient classroom management. Ultimately, as technology continues to advance, it will pave the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective educational landscape, preparing future generations for the complexities of the global society they will navigate. At our school, we have recently invested in a state-of-the-art innovation lab. We have Lego robotics and I know it is going to be life-changing for the students.”
Shaping The Future Of Learning
Eager to learn Hazel’s approach towards shaping the upcoming times of education, we inquired, “What do you believe is the future of education, and how are you preparing GEMS Cambridge for it?”
She responded, “Technology and AI are the future of education. I am actively preparing my school for the integration of technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience and streamline administrative processes. To start, we are concentrating on conducting workshops and training sessions for teachers to familiarize them with new digital tools and AI applications that can aid in personalized instruction.
Additionally, we have recently upgraded our infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure internet access throughout the campus. We’re also implementing data analytics platforms to monitor student progress and tailor educational resources accordingly. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, I aim to empower not just educators and students but parents as well to embrace technology as a vital component of our educational environment.”
Work-Life Balance as A Leader And Mother
We were interested to learn how Hazel manages work and personal life smoothly at the same time. So, we asked, “As a mother of four, how do you maintain a work-life balance while managing a leadership role?”
She added, “I have a clear understanding of my priorities and what truly matters to me. Nothing is more important than my family, husband, children, and my parents. I always put my family first and make sure that I am present for them and stay connected with my support system. It is challenging at times to balance family time with work commitments, but my family is incredibly understanding and supports me in all my endeavors. I have recently registered for my Doctorate in Education, and I know that I have their full support in this journey.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners
Addressing the aspiring professionals, we asked, “What advice would you give aspiring educators and leaders, especially women, looking to make an impact in education?”
“Believe in yourselves and know your worth. Find a suitable mentor, one who is suitable for you and never give up. You can and will make a difference, you will have an impact, however, you must be super passionate about what you do. Prioritize work-life balance to avoid burnout. Be resilient and keep pushing forward. Build relationships and engage with others, no man is an island. Surround yourself with strong, positive people. The important thing to keep growing and not become stagnant is to be a lifelong learner.” Hazel concluded.
Follow Hazel Govender on LinkedIn.
Find Gems Cambridge on LinkedIn and visit https://www.gemscambridgeinternationalschool-abudhabi.com/
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