When faced with pending change, there are four general styles or types of people we come across in these situations. They are commonly known as Resistors, Followers, Early Adopters or Pioneers.

Théophile is the Head Teacher at Kabuga School, located approximately twenty minutes outside of Kigali. He definitely fell into the 'Resistor' category when Wellspring's Whole School Development Program started in his school two years ago.

Kabuga Head Teacher, Théophile, discusses an idea with Kabuga’s deputy at a recent Head Teachers’ Day at Wellspring

Not unlike some of his other administrative colleagues, Théophile was a very reluctant participant. By definition, individuals with a 'Resistor' personal change handling style are likely to be reluctant to accept change or like to be the very last to do so if possible. As such, resistors tend to have little or no interest in thinking about a change initiative unless it is likely to offer substantial benefits over and beyond the circumstances that they currently enjoy. When a 'Resistor' is also the leader of the school, changing the school culture is likely to be next to impossible.

"At our teacher training workshops, he didn't care about anything we did," recalls Beatrice Namango, one of our Quality Education trainers. "When we visited Kabuga to do observations, he would sit in his office and never joined us in the classrooms. When teachers tried to dodge observations, Théophile would defend them with his own excuses."

Miraculously, over time, Théophile began to change. As he witnessed the improvement of some of his teachers, he too started to believe that Wellspring's program was having a real impact.

As we finish this implementation phase, we are keenly aware that if a school leader believes in what we are doing, it will undoubtedly trickle down to the teachers. Théophile no longer defends the Kabuga teachers who hope to avoid observations. Instead, he has them write apology letters to the trainers. Not surprisingly, the teachers are now taking their observations much more seriously.

Not only does Théophile now join the trainers for many classroom observations and discussions with teachers, he even joins the trainers for lunch on occasion. "We share ideas on how the school can improve," adds Beatrice. As a school leader, Théophile will have the chance to impact the future of Rwanda long after Wellspring has moved on to work more intensely with other schools. Still, we look forward to maintaining a relationship with him for years to come. The 'Resistor' who ran from change is now the one leading the process!