Leadership is not just about titles; it is about influence, responsibility, and service. At Verbum Dei International College, leadership development is a vital part of the student journey. One of the most practical ways the school nurtures this quality is through the prefect system.
Prefects at Verbum Dei are not just students with badges—they are role models, mediators, and representatives of the student body. Through their roles, they learn essential life skills such as responsibility, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These experiences prepare them for leadership far beyond the school gates.
The Purpose of the Prefect System
The prefect system is designed to:
- Encourage student responsibility in maintaining discipline and order.
- Build leadership skills through active participation in school governance.
- Give students a sense of ownership over their school environment.
- Serve as a bridge between teachers, administrators, and students.
By delegating responsibility, Verbum Dei teaches students that leadership is not about power but about service and accountability.
Selection of Prefects
Becoming a prefect is a highly respected achievement at Verbum Dei. The process is transparent, competitive, and based on merit.
- Nominations: Teachers and peers often nominate candidates based on character, academic performance, and conduct.
- Campaigns: Candidates may present speeches outlining their vision and values.
- Elections and Appointments: Votes from students and staff, combined with teacher assessments, determine the final selection.
This democratic process ensures that only students with genuine leadership potential are entrusted with the role.
Roles and Duties of Prefects
Prefects at Verbum Dei take on a variety of responsibilities, each designed to instill discipline and teamwork:
- School Captain and Vice-Captain: Lead the prefect body, represent the school, and oversee daily operations.
- Academic Prefects: Help foster a culture of learning by assisting with tutorials and monitoring study environments.
- Discipline Prefects: Support staff in maintaining order during assemblies, transitions, and school events.
- Sports Prefects: Organize practices, motivate their houses, and promote fitness among peers.
- Cultural and Social Prefects: Coordinate events, manage clubs, and ensure student engagement in extracurricular activities.
- Dormitory Prefects: Oversee hygiene, cleanliness, and order in the boarding houses.
Each role is tailored to provide students with practical leadership experiences that strengthen their character.
Lessons Learned Through Leadership
By carrying out their duties, prefects acquire valuable life lessons:
- Responsibility and Accountability
Prefects learn to lead by example. Their actions set the standard for others, teaching them that authority comes with responsibility. - Time Management
Balancing academics, prefect duties, and extracurricular activities requires planning and discipline. - Conflict Resolution
Prefects often mediate disputes among students, developing skills in negotiation and fairness. - Public Speaking and Communication
Leading assemblies, giving instructions, and addressing peers improve their confidence in speaking and presentation. - Teamwork and Collaboration
Working with other prefects shows that leadership is most effective when it is collective rather than individualistic.
Impact on the School Community
The presence of prefects has a noticeable impact on school life:
- Students have peer role models who demonstrate good behavior.
- Teachers receive support in managing routines and discipline.
- The school runs more smoothly as prefects take responsibility for tasks such as organizing queues, guiding events, and encouraging participation.
- Younger students develop aspirations to also become prefects, motivating them to work hard and behave responsibly.
Challenges Prefects Face
Being a prefect is not without challenges. Some students may resist authority, while prefects themselves sometimes struggle to balance duties with personal responsibilities. However, these challenges are part of the growth process.
Teachers and mentors at Verbum Dei support prefects by:
- Providing training sessions on leadership.
- Offering mentorship through weekly meetings.
- Encouraging prefects to share their experiences and learn from one another.
These support systems ensure that prefects thrive and continue to grow into effective leaders.
Long-Term Benefits of Prefectship
The leadership skills developed through the prefect system extend far beyond school life. Former prefects often testify that their experiences at Verbum Dei prepared them for:
- University leadership roles such as student unions or societies.
- Professional careers where responsibility, communication, and teamwork are essential.
- Community service and civic engagement, where they contribute positively to society.
In this way, the prefect system is more than a tradition—it is an investment in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Conclusion
At Verbum Dei International College, the prefect system plays a central role in teaching students about leadership, responsibility, and service. Prefects are not only caretakers of discipline but also role models who inspire their peers to aim higher.
By guiding their fellow students, balancing responsibilities, and working closely with staff, prefects develop skills that prepare them for future leadership opportunities in every sphere of life.
In essence, being a prefect at Verbum Dei is not just a badge of honor—it is a training ground for leadership, shaping young people to become confident, responsible, and service-driven leaders of tomorrow.
