Celebrating diversity
Monday 11 November 2024
I’m currently visiting Bishkek International School, where I’ve been invited to facilitate a workshop for school leaders on promoting wellbeing within their school community. This school, with its 440 students representing 34 nationalities, is an incredible example of cultural diversity and inclusivity in education. Here, we’re diving into discussions about creating a nurturing environment that supports both students and staff, focusing on strategies that resonate with the school’s international perspective and the unique cultural dynamics of Kyrgyzstan.
As I explore Bishkek, I’ve come to appreciate how Kyrgyzstan’s cultural diversity is reflected in its local cuisine, where flavors and dishes draw on influences from across Central Asia and beyond. With popular foods like laghman (a Uyghur-inspired noodle dish), Russian dumplings, and traditional Kyrgyz beshbarmak, meals here offer a taste of the country’s rich cultural intersections. Kyrgyzstan’s history has been shaped by its strategic location between Russia and China, leading to a blend of Soviet and Asian influences that can still be seen in everyday life. Under Soviet rule until 1991, Kyrgyzstan gained independence but retained close ties with Russia, while also fostering a growing relationship with China, which has influenced both its economy and culture. This fascinating mix of influences provides a fitting backdrop for our conversations at the International School of Bishkek, where students learn within a global framework grounded in the local context.
It is always a privilege to facilitate a workshop within a school context. It provides me with a time to reflect, as well as take away some knowledge artefacts.
Each teacher is central to each students' wellbeing
In his work De auditu, Plutarch insightfully writes, “For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth” (p.259, Loeb translation). This notion underscores a critical truth in education: at the heart of a student's wellbeing is their experience of learning as a space that fuels their curiosity and passion, not just fills their memory. When students feel actively engaged and see themselves as capable thinkers, they develop a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in their education.
The teacher, then, plays a pivotal role as a facilitator rather than merely a source of information. By inspiring students to explore, question, and discover, educators kindle that essential spark in each student—encouraging them to view learning as a personal journey rather than a series of tasks. This approach not only fosters intellectual growth but also supports students’ overall wellbeing, as they learn to see themselves as agents of their own knowledge and growth. Through thoughtful guidance, teachers create an environment where students can experience joy in learning and an intrinsic motivation to seek truth, forming the basis of a truly meaningful educational experience.
Placing international mindedness at the heart of all we do
International mindedness is central to the International Baccalaureate (IB) mission, which strives to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world. This mindset encourages students to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, cultures, and values, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy that extends beyond borders. At Bishkek International School (BIS), international mindedness is similarly embedded at the core of their mission and vision. BIS has a carefully thought-out approach to nurturing this global perspective, recognizing that it is vital for students to develop respect for different cultures and a commitment to social responsibility in today’s globalized world. This commitment is visibly represented by a thoughtfully designed poster displayed on many of the school's walls, which serves as a daily reminder of the values of inclusivity, open-mindedness, and understanding. This visual presence reinforces the school’s dedication to cultivating an environment where international mindedness is not only taught but actively lived by the entire school community, underscoring its importance for fostering a collaborative, respectful, and globally aware generation.
This focus on international mindedness aligns seamlessly with the multicultural fabric of the Kyrgyz Republic, a nation celebrated for its diversity, where over 80 nationalities live side by side. This rich cultural mix provides an authentic context for students at Bishkek International School to experience and appreciate the value of intercultural understanding in their own community.
Our purpose is to nurture young people
The IB Learner Profile captures the essential traits of international mindedness.
I was impressed by how simply and thoughtfully the school has curated this profile, highlighting its commitment to nurturing the growth of the whole person—mind, heart, and soul.
Bishkek International School's vision is "to be a model of excellence in Central Asia providing inspirational education in a happy environment for globally minded students who are the leaders of the future." One of their key values is "to have fun". Here is what they have created in their playground, in the heart of their city. Inspiring and fun.
