Beyond borders

Batool Mohammad Qamber, Kindergarten classroom assistant at ABA, an IB World School, in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Her words:

I feel proud to be associated with ABA as it is one of the Sultanate's leading international schools. I have learnt so much about different countries and cultures since I have started working here.

I was born, raised and educated in Oman; I studied children's education, specialising in kindergarten education.

I taught at a local Omani school for five years before I began contemplating leaving the school.

The government was introducing changes in the curriculum; the teachers, however, held the burdensome responsibility of executing these changes.

I was feeling exhausted and considered quitting my job to stay at home. I also wanted to have another baby.

However, my husband knew I was an ambitious person and that I would not be content whiling away my time at home.

It was around this time that one of my students had shifted to ABA; his parents were family friends and suggested that I consider applying to ABA for a position.

I was flabbergasted ...

... at their suggestion. The Omanisation move had not really begun. I remember telling my husband, ‘I am an Omani and I can barely speak English – the school will never hire me'.

But my husband insisted that I apply ... he felt I had nothing to lose by trying. I was very surprised when I received a phone call from ABA's elementary principal, Wayne Morton, asking me to meet him. I was sure they would realise I was the wrong person in the wrong place.

I nevertheless went to ABA, taking my husband along as a translator. Morton instantly put us at ease and we had a half-hour conversation. He would pose questions to my husband who would translate them into Arabic for me; I would reply with a ‘Yes' or ‘No' in English.

I returned to ABA to meet the school superintendent, George Hoffmeir, three weeks later. His opening words were, "We would like you to work with us – starting from tomorrow." I couldn't believe my ears! I got into the car and raced to my husband's office to give him the news!"

I still remember the conversation I had that day with the kindergarten head, Sue Thera. I was concerned about the fact that I did not know much English. I was wondering whether I would be able to cope with the work.

However, Sue consoled and told me she wanted someone who loved and cared for the kids.

Love was a language ...

... that would never need translation. [Sue Thera] also pointed out that both the kids and I would be learning from one another.

It did initially take me some time to adjust to ABA's international curriculum and environment with students and staff from over 60 countries. I became aware of the differences in teaching methods, curricula and materials used between ABA and the Omani school where I had taught earlier.

There was a more informal and integrated approach to education in ABA compared to the Omani school.

Furthermore, I also had to become accustomed to teaching and interacting with foreign students and teachers.

I had worked with Omani staff in my previous school. There I had no hesitation in speaking out because [my colleagues and I] shared the same culture and language ... [we shared] a tacit understanding because of these factors.

However, at ABA, I always thought twice before saying or doing anything because I was concerned about my colleagues' reactions. Would they understand what I was trying to say? Would they take [what I was saying] in the right spirit?

I think it became easier for me to relate to my colleagues once I began to perceive them as individuals rather than as Americans or Australians. I saw them as people with individual characteristics and quirks.

Human politics is ...

... ultimately the same wherever you go. We all need one another to complete us. I have learnt so much from interacting with my foreign colleagues. It has been possible for me to gain access to their cultures in a way I would not have thought possible.

[Today], I will not feel I am in an alien country if I were to visit Australia. I have met several Australians and heard so much about their country that it has become familiar to me.

I am proud to be part of the Omani staff working at ABA. I feel we are the ambassadors of Oman over here. We also feel very proud when we talk about our country and its achievements to the kids.

I feel it is important to communicate to them that Omanis have still retained their traditional values and beliefs despite the developments that have occurred in our country.

We hold our history in our hands and will never let go of it. We may have changed from the outside but inside we essentially remain the same.

The typical Omani still loves the old way of life. We, will only assimilate into our culture those qualities that will benefit our country.

It is great that Omani women...

... are contributing so extensively to the workforce in Oman. I believe [it takes] a man and a woman [to] complete life; I see a country as an example of a life as well."