Teachers embrace reflection and resilience through professional development
Educators across the Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania recently came together for a reflective professional development workshop titled “Golden Repairs: Learning Through Reflection, Resilience and Renewal”. Through this workshop, they reflected on their experiences, strengthened their resilience and prepared for the term ahead.
Inspired by the Japanese art of “kintsugi" – the art of repairing broken pottery with gold to celebrate rather than conceal its history – the workshop, facilitated by Ms Latika Joshi, School Counsellor and Country Safeguarding Lead, invited teachers to look back on their professional journeys. Through a hands-on activity, participants intentionally broke ceramic plates before carefully repairing them with gold adhesive, symbolising that while challenges are inevitable, they can become powerful sources of learning and transformation.
The session encouraged educators to pause after a busy term, celebrate successes and acknowledge the challenges they encountered along the way. Through guided discussions and collaborative activities, teachers explored the importance of resilience, self-awareness and vulnerability in their personal and professional growth, while identifying lessons and insights to carry into the new term.
"Reflection is an essential part of professional growth," Ms Latika said. "Just as ‘kintsugi’ teaches us that brokenness is not the end of the story, we want our educators to recognise that every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, rebuild and emerge stronger. By embracing reflection, teachers develop the resilience and confidence needed to create supportive and inspiring learning environments for every student."
Beyond individual reflection, the workshop reinforced the value of collective learning. Teachers openly shared experiences, exchanged perspectives and supported one another, recognising that some of the most meaningful professional growth happens through collaboration and shared understanding.
"The 'Golden Repairs’ session reminded me that challenges are not signs of failure but opportunities to grow,” Grade 2 Teacher Ms Tahera Meral said. “It reinforced the value of perseverance and self-belief, encouraging me to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. I hope to cultivate the same positive learning environment for my students, where curiosity is encouraged and every step forward is celebrated."
As teachers prepare for the new academic term, the insights gained through the workshop will continue to inform their practice, encouraging them to approach new challenges with renewed purpose, optimism and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Through professional learning opportunities such as these, the Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania continues to invest in the growth and well-being of its educators, recognising that reflective and resilient teachers are central to providing high-quality, holistic education and nurturing learners who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Ms Latika Joshi facilitating the professional development session.
- Educators repairing ceramic plates, symbolising resilience and renewal.
- Teachers reflecting and sharing key lessons from the workshop.
