It is normal for the managements of several schools, reopening after summer break, to organise student body formations through elections.

A student body normally comprises a ‘head boy’ and ‘head girl’ as the senior tier of the council while individual classes elect their prefects. In some schools, the student body is divided into ‘houses’. Such schools also organise elections to elect house captains and vice captains. Irrespective of the composition followed by school managements, the few weeks leading to elections present very colourful scenes and frantic activities on the campus.

The school managements invite nominations — usually head boys and head girls are considered privileged positions for the students of most senior class. The other nominations are derived according to rules and traditions prevailing in each school system.

From the nomination of candidates to the actual stage of the polls, the young ones can be observed behaving like mature adults. Friend fraternities are formed to develop promotion material. Colourful posters, placards and personal badges are designed and developed by the supporters of various candidates. The school managements also advise the candidates to prepare caucas speeches. In some cases the contesting nominees are also given the opportunity to hold debates in front of the school bodies. Banners and posters are put up by friends and supporters all over the school building and playgrounds. Others go around campaigning for their favourite candidates.

The students become totally involved and immersed in this energising pursuit till election day. Normally, the polls are managed under the watchful eyes of the teachers. After polling and the counting of the votes, the results are announced in the school assembly. The successful candidates are invited to take the oath and are decorated with sashes, bands, badges or any other appendage as per the tradition of the school.

The principal or head of administration authorises the student council to begin performing its duties. The roles of the school council vary depending upon school administrations. Assistance in co-curricular activities such as sports and games, poetry recitals, study tours, musical shows, fun and activity weeks are common mentions. In some cases the student council is also given the liberty of proposing a few activities of its own. Many interesting ventures are suggested by creative folks. Kite-making and flying festivals/competitions; street, school precinct or beach cleaning campaigns; folk or classical dance performance shows and a range of community service projects are proposed and executed by some of the most creative councils. In some cases, publishing the school magazine is also managed by the school council in some cases.

The routine duties of student council members include maintaining discipline among fellow students, checking for cleanliness and helping teachers in the usual academic cycle. The young inspectors can be seen in the assembly ground assisting the teachers and academic coordinators in several such ways.

The whole process of elections leading to formulation of a student council is vital on a number of counts. One, it gives first-hand experience to students to observe and practice democracy. The qualities of leadership begin to make their mark through such exercises. Two, it provides a live opportunity to learn the interpersonal skills in communications and extending messages to convince fellow beings. Three, it extends them the rare experience of carving out winning arguments to constitute a mini-manifesto for gaining support from their peers. And four, it prepares them to shoulder greater workload and responsibilities for public good after getting elected.

For schools not practicing the elected school council routine, it shall be worthwhile experiencing the activity for nurturing their student bodies. Lessons and practices of democracy must be ingrained from the earliest possible stages in our lives.

The writer is professor and chairman, Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University, Karachi.

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