FROM OUR CHAIR
Dear Members of FOBISIA,
It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as your newly appointed FOBISIA Chair. My name is Vanita Uppal, and I am privileged to have been part of the FOBISIA community, initially as a Member school Head and later as a dedicated member of the FOBISIA Board.
My journey with FOBISIA began when I first joined as a Member school Head more than a decade ago. Over the years, I have had the honour of serving in various capacities on the Board, including representing our collective voice on the Safeguarding Executive Committee. This role reflected my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student within our Member schools.
Additionally, I was appointed Vice Chair, entrusted with overseeing the new Strategic Plan for the Federation. In this capacity, I worked closely with fellow Board members to chart a course that aligns with our shared vision of educational excellence, innovation, and inclusivity across our region (and beyond).
As I now embark in the role of Chair, I bring with me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our Member schools. Together, with the support of my fellow Board members, our CEO and in fact the entire membership, I hope to build upon our achievements, forge new partnerships, and empower our students to flourish in an ever-changing world.
As we look forward, FOBISIA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering key benefits that enhance the educational experience for our Member schools. We will continue to prioritise an extensive professional development programme tailored to the needs of our community, alongside a vibrant calendar of student activities and events that enrich their learning journey.
Our growth in recent years has been nothing short of incredible. We remain a supportive and caring network, comprising over 100 Member schools across 20 countries along with 150 Affiliate Members, who offer so much valuable service to our schools. We are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging, inclusion, and collaboration amongst the membership and beyond. Together, we create opportunities for shared learning, innovation, and continued growth, ensuring that every member in our community can thrive and succeed.
FOBISIA's reputation extends beyond our region, earning recognition and respect globally, particularly among other British International school associations. We maintain strong ties with the British Government's Department of Education and Department of Business and Trade, reflecting our commitment to upholding and promoting the highest standards of British education.
In my capacity as Chair of FOBISIA, I would like to recognise the outstanding service and commitment of all my predecessors, and I look forward with huge enthusiasm to collaborating with each of you as we embark on this exciting chapter together. Please feel free to reach out with your ideas and aspirations for the future of FOBISIA.
Warm regards,
Vanita Uppal OBE FOBISIA Chair (August 2024 - Present) & Director, The British School New Delhi