We Want to Be Great

Success and failures are worth telling, because we can learn from them and strengthen ourselves. We can use that experience to strengthen organizations and societies in which we work and live. This book is a true story, set in the gender segregated context of Saudi Arabia. It presents lively stories of the different social actors that were involved in establishing and developing the Female International Technical College, where the authors worked as the principal and acting vice-principal. It is captivating how women and men skilfully shape and maintain, but also challenge and change Saudi Arabia’s distinctive traditional and modern worlds while reshaping gender segregation.By unravelling the dynamics of an educational development project, the authors provide valuable insights into the intriguing processes of personal, organizational, educational and societal change. This book shows that when learning, leadership, and laughter are our cornerstones, we will grow to greatness.

Carin Vijfhuizen was born in the Netherlands. She studied agricultural economics (BSc) and development sociology at Wageningen University (MSc and PhD). She was contracted for almost 30 years by different Dutch employers including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at universities and projects in various countries in Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia (mainly long term and short term). In Saudi Arabia, she was the principal of the female college. She is a development sociologist and gender specialist and works as international consultant in capacity and institutional development, leadership, rural development and gender. She wrote several books and articles (see www.carinvijfhuizen.com).

Corina Tautan was born in Romania. She studied at Babes Bolyai University and later lectured at the USAMV University in Cluj. In 2000, she emigrated to the Netherlands. She is a computer science specialist and an international consultant. She has lived and worked in various countries, including Colombia, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, she had various positions in the female college, such as team leader student services, team leader data management and acting vice principal. She has published various courses and articles in the academic field.