Get Guardian on GoogleOluwaronke Fatunase is an educator and the Founder and Proprietress of Reading Rainbow Preparatory School, Ikorodu, Lagos state which was established in 2015, she has been committed to nurturing confident, compassionate and capable children through an education that develops both academic ability and strong moral character. She holds a degree in Mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Management. Her educational philosophy embraces the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), recognising the importance of purposeful play, positive relationships and an enabling environment in children’s development. She believes that every child is unique and deserves learning experiences that respect their interests, abilities and individual pace of growth. An advocate for continuous professional development and strong home–school partnerships, Fatunase is dedicated to supporting teachers and working closely with families. Her vision is to build a foundation for lifelong learning, independence and responsible citizenship, empowering every child to thrive in school and beyond. She talks about her work, education sector and other sundry issues.
Can you take us through your journey into the teaching profession?
My journey into education has been one of learning, growth and purpose. My academic background is in Mathematics, and I later pursued a postgraduate diploma and also a master’s degree both in Educational Administration and planning to deepen my understanding of school leadership. Establishing Reading Rainbow Preparatory School in 2015 gave me the opportunity to bring my vision to life: creating an environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to achieve their best. By the grace of God, over the years, my commitment has grown beyond academic achievement to nurturing confident children with strong moral values.
How has that journey help to shape you into the woman you become?
This journey has shaped me into a more patient, resilient and intentional woman. Working with children has taught me to listen carefully, recognise individual differences and appreciate that progress looks different for every child. Leading a school has strengthened my ability to make difficult decisions, manage relationships and persevere through challenges. Above all, it has taught me that leadership requires compassion, accountability and a willingness to keep learning.
As a woman who has experience in teaching, what challenges are female teachers facing in our present society?
Female teachers face several challenges, including balancing demanding professional responsibilities with family commitments, sometimes with limited support. There are also concerns about inadequate remuneration, heavy workloads, limited opportunities for professional development and a lack of respect for the profession. These pressures can affect their confidence, wellbeing and career progression.
How do we change the narrative?
We can change the narrative by treating teaching as a profession that deserves respect, fair remuneration and meaningful investment. Schools should provide supportive working environments, clear opportunities for growth. Female teachers also need mentorship and practical support, while families should recognise that responsibilities at home must be shared. As women, we must continue to develop our competence, speak confidently and support one another’s progress. I believe the decline in moral values among children reflects several influences, including inconsistent guidance, exposure to inappropriate content, peer pressure and the behavior they observe in adults. Children notice when dishonesty is rewarded, disrespect is excused or rules apply differently to different people. Many parents are also under considerable pressure, which can reduce opportunities for meaningful conversations and supervision. We must therefore look beyond blaming children and examine the examples and environments we provide for them. Yes, I believe that moral character should be strongly reinforced at home and be taught in schools. In schools, we must strive towards producing a total child not just the academic reward. Education should develop both the mind and the character of a child. Honesty, kindness, respect, empathy and responsibility should be reflected in lessons, relationships and everyday school routines. However, these values must also be demonstrated by adults . Children learn more readily when what we teach agrees with how we behave.
Moral decadence amongst children is an issue of concern in our society, what do you think is responsible?
Children should learn to take responsibility for their actions, respect other people’s rights and differences, and understand that their choices affect others. They also need communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork, digital responsibility and the confidence to solve problems. We should teach them the dignity of labour, care for their environment and the importance of contributing to their communities. Being useful to society goes beyond earning a living; it includes being trustworthy, compassionate and willing to serve.
Is there a particular woman who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
One woman I admire is Graça Machel. Her dedication to education and the wellbeing of women and children resonates with my work as an educator and school owner. I admire the courage and compassion reflected in her advocacy, and her willingness to use her influence to create opportunities for others. Her example reminds me that leadership carries a responsibility to protect, empower and serve. Although she is not my personal mentor, she is a woman whose work offers valuable lessons for my own journey. This journey has shaped me into a more patient, resilient and intentional woman. Working with children has taught me to listen carefully, recognise individual differences and appreciate that progress looks different for every child. Leading a school has strengthened my ability to make difficult decisions, manage relationships and persevere through challenges. Above all, it has taught me that leadership requires compassion, accountability and a willingness to keep learning.
What is your advice to parents ,teachers and school owners?
My advice to parents is to be present and intentional in their children’s lives. Listen to them, encourage their efforts and work closely with their teachers. Look beyond academic performance and pay attention to their character, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Every child deserves to feel loved, heard and supported. To teachers, I would say: never stop learning, and never underestimate your influence. Take time to understand each child, teach with patience and compassion, and maintain high expectations while providing the support children need to succeed. To fellow school owners, my advice is to keep children’s wellbeing and learning at the heart of every decision. Invest in your staff, build strong systems and communicate openly with parents. Lasting success comes from the quality of education we provide, the trust we earn and the positive difference we make in children’s lives
