Noor Saldin, Founder And CEO, Modern Generation International Private School
The day Noor Saldin decided to build a school, she wasn’t merely setting out to construct classrooms or hire teachers. She was standing at a personal crossroads, with a vision that stretched far beyond traditional education ideas. Living in an emerging city, she faced a common yet deeply personal challenge: finding a school that would not only educate her children but also inspire them to dream, innovate, and lead. That pivotal moment ignited the journey leading to the creation of Modern Generation International Private School (MGIS) and, with it, a transformative chapter in Oman’s education landscape.
Noor’s story begins humbly. As a child, she describes herself as curious—a relentless questioner eager to absorb the world around her. Her parents’ encouragement to read and write instilled in her a lifelong love for learning. This passion, paired with a natural drive for self-improvement, shaped her aspirations for a corporate career. Yet, after achieving professional success, Noor found yearned for a greater purpose.
“At the pinnacle of my career, I felt constrained. My growth as an employee felt limited, and I realized that true impact lay in taking control of my own path,” she recalls. It was then that she began envisioning a different kind of institution—one where education wasn’t just about academics but about nurturing creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Birth of MGIS: A Leap of Faith
Founding MGIS was far from an easy endeavor. Noor faced the daunting challenge of securing financial resources to bring her vision to life. “I had to invest all I had. It was all or nothing,” she says. Noor recalled that many questioned her ambition, wondering if the market needed a school that strayed so far from convention. However, she stood firm, convinced that a school rooted in cultural values and forward-thinking methodologies was precisely what the community needed.
In its earliest days, MGIS was built on Noor’s relentless optimism and hands-on leadership, supported every step of the way by her husband, Jamal Ahmed Al Harthy, who was her pillar of strength. Together, they navigated the complexities of starting a business, with her life partner playing a crucial role in tackling the bureaucratic procedures that often overwhelm new entrepreneurs. Noor spent countless hours designing curricula, selecting faculty, and engaging personally with prospective families. “Parents weren’t just choosing a school; they were placing their trust in a promise—that MGIS would inspire their children to achieve their fullest potential,” Noor explains.
Her perseverance paid off. MGIS opened its doors, not just as a school but as a catalyst for personal growth and societal change. From the beginning, it was clear that MGIS was different. The school embraced a holistic approach to education, embedding values like integrity, empathy, and responsibility into daily activities. Noor’s unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing environment for both students and staff, bolstered by her husband’s support, laid the foundation for what MGIS would become: a community dedicated to lifelong learning, social responsibility and global citizenship.
Fostering Creativity, Leadership, and Independent Thinking
At MGIS, the mantra “Learning Never Stops” defines the school’s ethos. Noor’s vision goes beyond textbooks and exams; it’s about preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
The curriculum integrates project-based learning, inter-school competitions, and hands-on workshops, where students tackle real-world challenges and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets. The morning assembly begins with a pledge that reminds students to be SMART: Sincere, Moral, Attentive, Responsible, and Thankful.
One of Noor’s proudest moments came during the annual Students Charity Day at MGIS, a vibrant reflection of the values she has instilled in her school. It was incredibly inspiring for her to witness the entire school community coming together, with students taking the initiative to raise funds for less fortunate.
The students organized food stalls, created unique accessories, set up a play station hub, and offered a variety of commodities for sale, all showcasing a remarkable spirit of cooperation and empathy. This event provided them with a hands-on opportunity to learn the spirit of entrepreneurship, as they applied their sales and marketing tactics to maximize their fundraising efforts. Noor felt immense pride as she watched the students strive for the highest sales while demonstrating teamwork and a commitment to making a difference in their community.
For Noor, seeing their enthusiasm and dedication was both humbling and rewarding. Each student not only contributed their time and creativity but also learned valuable lessons about the importance of giving back to the community. This event represented more than just a fundraising effort; it was a celebration of the school’s core values—integrity, empathy, and responsibility. It reinforced Noor’s belief in the mission of MGIS, and she couldn’t have been prouder of the students for demonstrating that even young hearts can make a significant impact.
“We want our students to not just excel academically but to grow into thoughtful, capable individuals who can contribute to their communities and the global stage,” Noor explains.
Leadership, debate, and community service programs further nurture students’ personal growth and decision-making skills, while a focus on global awareness ensures they’re ready to thrive in an interconnected world. Noor’s vision has transformed MGIS into a space where creativity, collaboration, and moral grounding intersect seamlessly.
Leading Through Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Noor’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration. “You can never be a good leader if you are not a willing follower,” she asserts. At MGIS, this philosophy creates an open culture where all stakeholders—teachers, parents, and students—feel valued and empowered. Noor believes in actively listening, adapting, and fostering an environment that encourages continuous improvement and development.
“A leader’s role isn’t just to command; it’s to protect the organization and embrace change,” she explains. This approach has cultivated a strong sense of trust and creativity within MGIS, allowing staff and students to explore ideas that push beyond conventional boundaries.
A key component of Noor’s commitment to collaboration is the focus on continuous improvement training at the school. This training helps everyone enhance their professional skills, expand their knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the business environment. By investing in the development of the entire team, Noor ensures that collectively they can support the vision of MGIS to be a quality-focused educational institute in all aspects. In this way, the school community continuously evolves and thrives together under her innovative leadership.
A testament to her hands-on approach is the “professional development workshops,” where staff, are invited to brainstorm ideas to improve and think out of the box. “Every voice matters,” Noor says. “It’s often the smallest observations that spark the most meaningful innovations.” Noor actively listens to the concerns and perspectives of parents, students, and staff, embracing opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions. Her focus is on making MGIS a holistic environment. She believes that nurturing a healthy micro-culture within the school can create a ripple effect, ultimately leading to positive changes at the macro level in society. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the school can influence broader social dynamics and contribute to a more harmonious community in a national scale.
Innovating for the Future
The pandemic was a turning point for MGIS, highlighting the importance of adaptability and digital learning. Noor swiftly transitioned the school to online platforms, setting a precedent for innovation that continues today. Classrooms are now equipped with Smart Interactive Screens, and the integration of AI tools encourages students to become independent learners.
“Technology is essential, but it must complement foundational skills like critical thinking and collaboration,” Noor emphasizes. Professional development for educators ensures they remain equipped to blend modern teaching methods with these essential values.
Noor is also exploring partnerships with tech firms to introduce coding and robotics classes at MGIS, aiming to position students at the forefront of the digital revolution. “Our responsibility is to prepare children for a future we cannot entirely predict. That means equipping them with adaptable, tech-driven skills,” she explains.
Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey
As MGIS enters its next phase of growth, Noor envisions expanding enrollment capacity, introducing enrichment programs in STEM and the arts, and continually upgrading infrastructure. Her entrepreneurial journey has taught her that achieving success in a venture hinges not only on financial prudence and a keen understanding of the market but, most importantly, on surrounding oneself with the right people. Building a strong team that shares a common vision and complements each other’s strengths is essential for navigating challenges and driving the business forward. She is proud of the management team she has in place at school, who not only share her vision for educational excellence but also foster a collaborative and innovative environment, ensuring that every decision is made with the best interests of the students and the community in mind.
“Profit in business is like oxygen for a person. If you don’t have enough, you die. But if you think life is only about breathing, you’re missing something meaningful,” she shares. She also advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on sustainability and brand-building while embracing calculated risks.
Noor also emphasizes the importance of thorough feasibility studies and mastering the Five Ps of business—Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. “Create a value that people will seek out, no matter the cost or effort. That’s the essence of a successful business,” she advises.
A Legacy of Impact
Today, MGIS stands as a testament to Noor’s vision and determination. It is more than a school; it is a hub of innovation and growth, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Noor’s unwavering dedication to creating an environment that prioritizes integrity, resilience, and lifelong learning has set MGIS apart.
As Noor reflects on her journey, she emphasizes that MGIS is not just her story— it is the result of a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders. This includes the school management, educators, administrative staff, support teams, parents, and students—each of whom has played a vital role in fostering the growth and development of the school and contributing to the current success. Through her work, Noor has not only transformed education in Oman but also created a legacy of empowerment and possibility—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.