We are so pleased to welcome a new school delivery co-ordinator at PIE - Manjinder (Munji) Sandher joins us to increase our school delivery capacity, so let's get to know her!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career:
I’m a former teacher, massive bookworm and have a huge love for travelling the world. I have spent the majority of my seven year teaching career leading RE and PSHE departments in inner city, diverse secondary schools. Beginning my journey in West London, I quickly realised I had a passion for helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds to be successful, This led me to becoming more involved in the holistic education of students and so I took leadership of the PSHE curriculum, implementing the new DfE framework and ensuring students were not only academically successful but also happy, healthy and ready for life after school! Two years ago, I relocated to Manchester to set up a RE department at a relatively new school that had just reached full capacity – I still haven’t quite adjusted to the rainy weather unfortunately!
I love travelling, often solo and sometimes with my partner and friends. I am super fortunate to have visited over 30 countries and am able to share amazing experiences with the young people I work with. My latest trip in August 2023 was to Sri Lanka – a beautiful country with delicious food and such kind people, some may say it’s the perfect setting for a proposal – which I found out was absolutely true! Reading is another major hobby of mine, nothing compares to a good book and a chai latte on a rainy Manchester evening!
What drew you to PIE?
The idea of helping young people to be future ready! As I became a more experienced and established teacher, I realised that sometimes the education system didn’t prepare students for life beyond school. Coming from a working class, minority ethic background, I personally found the transition from school to university especially hard – I wasn’t prepared to meet, socialise and study with people whose backgrounds had led to them having more privileges than me. As I read through the programmes and the backgrounds of the rest of the team, I found myself completely in sync with ALL the company values and beliefs – this is so rare! Of course, I then jumped at the chance to work at PIE!
What is one thing you are looking forward to at PIE?
The idea of working in lots of different schools with young people of different backgrounds is really exciting! Education and experiences at school shape the lives of our young people so much, so it really is a privilege to be able to deliver our programmes to schools that also recognise this.
What’s your favourite pie?
Apple pie – I have such a sweet tooth!
Thanks so much Munji, we can't wait to see you in action!