EP: 93 Building a Better Tomorrow: Merlia Shaukath on Transforming Education and Mental Health

Merlia Shaukath, Founder and CEO of Madhi Foundation, is a passionate advocate for equity in education and is committed to eliminating the foundational learning crisis in India. She believes that access to quality early childhood education is the greatest leveler against social inequity.

Merlia holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Stella Maris (Chennai, India), an MSc in Area Development Studies from Oxford University and an MSc in Governance and Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her work towards quality foundational learning for children through Madhi Foundation has been recognised by the London School of Economics and Political Science.

In 2022, Merlia was selected to join the prestigious cohort of the Acumen India Fellowship, Rainer Arnhold Fellowship by the Mulago Foundation, Ashoka Fellowship, and the Nudge Accelerator program for the pioneering work done by the Madhi Foundation. She has also been selected as a Global Finalist for the UK Alumni Award by the British Council, UK.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• The mission at Madhi is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Leadership is also about listening.
• What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
• To whom much is given, much is expected.
• Culture fit matters more than skill; it can’t be coached.
• Team members must take ownership of their mental health.
• Privilege and luxury were present, yet money was never to be taken for granted.
• Parents need to be allies in uplifting education for all children.
• Prevent the damage from happening rather than trying to reverse it later.
• Being a startup with limited funds doesn’t mean delivering substandard quality.
• Powerful leaders often lead with kindness: empathy is a key element in leadership.
• A need for the brightest minds and biggest hearts in the social sector.
• Feedback is often equated with criticism; it can be life-changing.
• Social media has blurred the lines on mental health for young people.
• The key to creating change lies in building consensus to shift mindsets and behaviors.
• Public schools should become parents' top choice across income groups.

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