My first ever academy visit in the UK had to be Oasis Academy Temple for all the right reasons. Temple is an all-inclusive academy whose children come from 23 different countries and speak an impressive 27 different languages
As global partner (Oasis India) for the Academy, I visited Temple on 11th March 2019 with Michelle Briers, Head of Oasis Global Partnerships, and I experienced a wonderful time of learning and sharing together with some of the most inquisitive young minds in the academy. I also had splendid chats with teachers and staff.
As a parent of three kids myself, I always thought children are more informed and inquisitive as compared to grown-ups but it honestly didn’t occur to me why this was so. Fortunately, my daylong interaction with children at Oasis Academy Temple has taught me that children here are unafraid to make mistakes. They are courageous, honest, and unlike many grown-ups, they are not worried about being diplomatic and freely express themselves.
We were given a tour of this wonderful school by the Head Boy, Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy; we delivered an assembly to the KS2 children and staff to introduce them to their global partnership with Oasis India; we spent time in lessons, the Year 5 children had so many fantastic questions for us; and we met with the student council - who also blew us away with their knowledge and inquisitive minds.
I left Oasis Academy Temple in the evening carrying with me several questions the children posed to me. I simply was not prepared with answers for some of the very simple, yet crucial questions about India and about Oasis India. I am still amazed at the hunger the children have for information and knowledge, the extremely high level of an analytical mind of a Year 2 boy, and finally the overall sense of unity in diversity each one of the students, teachers and staff have at the Temple.
It is such a joy to be a Global Partner of Oasis Academy Temple, Manchester. I am hopeful our partnership will continue to grow stronger and together we will find answers to all the questions.
Love you all!
Mangneo Lhungdim
Oasis India
Written by Mangneo Lhungdim, Oasis India Executive Director