Twenty-six teachers and headteachers from public, private and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) school systems were awarded Advanced Diploma in School Management (ADISM) at a certificate distribution ceremony held at AKU in August 2001.

This was the fourth ADISM Award Ceremony organised by AKU Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED). The programme aims to develop headteachers as 'pedagogical  leaders' to critically reflect on their management practices and develop the required attitude, competence, and knowledge to manage change effectively in their schools. To date the Institute has graduated 103 headteachers.

Successful course participants of the ADISM programme equipped with new skills and competencies for better and effective management of their schools. In the middle row are Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President, AKU (8th from left), Chief Guest, Nazar Hussain Mahar, Secretary of Education, Government of Sindh (center), and on his left is Dr. Gordon Macleod, Director AKU-IED.

Congratulating the diploma recipients, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President, AKU, said, "These diploma-holders are now the 'levers of change' in their schools, and are involved in improving the quality of education and developing effective leadership to enhance educational standards." Speaking on the professional development of headteachers, Dr. Kassim-Lakha added, "It is unfortunate that our schools continue to be managed by untrained headteachers who are unable to introduce positive changes for maintaining better standards in their schools." He said the educational policies of the  government should focus on the development of managerial competence, skills and leadership qualities in headteachers, as "only then can headteachers lead their schools more effectively."

Dr. Gordon MacLeod, Director, AKU-IED, speaking on the standard of education in Pakistan, said, "The course is not only about teaching technical skills, it is also about inculcating the right attitude, morality and conscientiousness."

Commending the role of AKU, the chief guest, Nazar Hussain Mahar, Secretary of Education, Government of Sindh, said, "We are indebted to His Highness the Aga Khan for creating such a notable institution in Pakistan." He suggested that AKU and Sindh Government work closely to develop a mechanism to give the people in Sindh an opportunity to benefit from the University's educational programmes. Mahar distributed the certificates to the headteachers and the ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Memon, Associate Professor and Head Professional Programmes, AKU-IED.

Sharing her experience with the audience, a course participant, Shaheena Ali Raza, said: "Today, ADISM has succeeded in not only making us knowledgeable, but also in teaching us skills, attitudes and values. It has transformed us to a great extent in many ways - today we know our path and our vision. This course has helped us in reconceptualising our roles as pedagogical leaders of effective schools. Thus it has given us direction".