Mission SOAR Nagaland conducted a week-long orientation from March 9 to 13 for its three Lab Schools, marking an important first step in preparing these schools to lead and demonstrate the larger vision of the mission.
The orientation was a moment of alignment, reflection, and renewal — an opportunity for school communities to come together, understand the deeper purpose of Mission SOAR, and begin building the habits, practices, and confidence needed to make that vision real. As Lab Schools, these institutions hold a special responsibility: to become spaces where innovation is lived; where strong pedagogy, values-based leadership, and a culture of excellence can take root and inspire wider change across the education system.
A central part of the week was a one-day orientation for Mission SOAR Lab School teachers held on March 10 at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima. The day included sessions on Mission SOAR, the interventions portal, school-level reflections, a values workshop, discussions on the interventions, brainstorming on potential challenges, and action planning. These sessions gave educators the opportunity to not only understand the framework of the mission, but to locate themselves within it —as active participants in a shared journey of transformation.
Throughout the week, coaches from mission partner Shikha Institute were embedded in the schools, working closely with teachers and school leaders to support the implementation of innovative pedagogy and best-in-class school practices. Their presence brought the goals of the orientation into the everyday life of the school. It meant that ideas could be explored in context, challenges could be addressed in real time, and new practices could begin to take shape where they matter most: in classrooms, in staff spaces, and in the daily rhythm of school life.
Speaking about the significance of the week, Kevisato Sanyu, Founder of NagaEd and Director of
Elevate Foundation said, “Mission SOAR is grounded in the belief that every school can become a place of excellence when it is supported with vision, trust, and the right tools. This orientation was about preparing our Lab Schools not just to participate in change, but to lead it with courage, clarity, and commitment.”
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Aluou Shuya, Vice Principal of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Jotsoma said,“This orientation gave me clarity on how to go about with the mission soar interventions. It also reinforced our ability to work collaboratively and share responsibility in order to bring about the desired outcome. This mission is also a reminder of the kind of impact that we teachers can have on a student’s life.”
Anguno Khate, Social Science teacher from Sovima Government High School, said,“The one-week orientation on school interventions was intense yet enriching. Our coaches guided us through the purpose and implementation of the various interventions, helping us gain a clearer understanding of how they can strengthen teaching practices and enhance student engagement. The sessions also encouraged reflection on our current practices and highlighted the importance of thoughtful and consistent implementation.”
Karishma Shanghvi, Director of Shikha Institute, said,“Our effort during the week was to walk alongside schools as they began this journey. By working directly with teachers and leaders, we wanted to help create strong foundations for the kind of learning environments Mission SOAR envisions, high-quality, academically rigorous, and deeply responsive to children’s needs.”
