Unveiling the Legacy Behind Network International School Motto: “Kindle the Fire, Brighten your Future”

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. - Plutarch

Have you ever wondered about the story behind our school's inspirational motto? Today, we invite you to delve into the origins of these profound words, a mantra that has ignited the spirits of many young minds over the years at Network. This wonderful journey begins with our visionary founder, Carole Kyaing. 

It all started when a close friend gave Carole a book about a school in England. Inside, there was a quote from Plutarch, the Greek Philosopher, that said, "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." This simple, yet deep idea sparked Carole's interest and laid the stage for our school's motto. 

When people have asked about what the motto means, Carole fondly remembers her early days in Myanmar sixty years ago. She recalls watching her mother-in-law tending to a small stove on the kitchen floor, carefully adding bits of wood and sometimes charcoal to create a fire for cooking their Burmese curries. This vivid image etched itself into Carole's memory—a symbol of the power of modest beginnings, of kindling something profound from the tiniest spark.

As the years went by and Network International School rebranded, Carole thought deeply into her vision for the school. Among her thoughts, the memory of the kindled stove came back to her bringing back the memory of the quote from her friends' book, blending perfectly with the words "Kindle the Fire, Brighten your Future." These words captured her deep wish for young learners—to embark on their educational journey with boundless excitement, unquenchable curiosity, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge.

Recently, the motto's importance was highlighted during the U Kyaing Scholarship interviews. A touching moment unfolded when Carole asked a former student who wanted to return a simple question: "Why do you want to come back?" The student's heartfelt answer struck a chord: "I need rekindling." These words beautifully capture the heart of our school's motto, reminding us of its power to rejuvenate and rekindle a love for learning.

As we conclude, let us reflect on the genesis of our school motto. Let's remember the fire that burns within each of us—a flame that stands ready to grow, a potential that's waiting to be sparked. Together, we remember how "Kindle the Fire, Brighten your Future," carries on the tradition of igniting young minds and creating a brighter, more enlightened future for our invaluable students.

Network International School, Yangon