Youth ambassadors from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Akhlaquna initiative took part in a panel discussion at the WISE 12 Summit, which explored the impact of non-classroom learning experiences on shaping students’ character and ethical values.The summit – held every two years by QF’s global education initiative WISE – saw the students share their personal journeys and key moments from their experiences both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the role of non-classroom activities in building skills, strengthening confidence, and reinforcing ethical values, and how these experiences contribute to making a meaningful difference in learners’ lives.Moza Abdulla al-Fakhroo, 19 , spoke about her experience in the session, saying: “I’ve learned that real education isn’t limited to what we receive in the classroom, it’s shaped by every experience we live outside of it.“Being part of the WISE Summit came with a strong sense of responsibility, as it gave us students, a platform to share our experiences. Over the course of my journey, I realized that what truly shaped my character wasn’t grades or assessments, but the initiatives and volunteer work I pursued out of personal motivation and without any reward. These experiences refined me, strengthened my confidence, and gave me the courage to take bigger steps in my path.”“I also realised that values and ethics are not lessons we simply learn from books, they are daily practices that reflect who we are and shape our impact on society. I hope everyone understands that a student is shaped by ethics, experiences, and opportunities just as much as by academics, and that true learning is what helps us discover ourselves and create positive change around us.”Fatima Saad al-Muhannadi, 18, said: “What distinguishes this edition of the conference is its focus on human values, values that are not secondary elements of society, but the foundation upon which we build our relationships, decisions, and daily responsibilities.”During the session, al-Muhannadi highlighted the practical role of ethics in everyday life, beyond theoretical concepts, saying: “Many of the behaviours we practice, whether at home, in school, or in our daily interactions, carry ethical values that influence us and those around us more than we realise.“Through the stories and experiences we shared, it became clear that even simple actions can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the wider community.”Al-Muhannadi emphasised that successful societal policies must be built on a strong ethical foundation, saying: “Young people are capable of contributing to and even leading the shaping of policies. When ethics form the basis of these decisions, their impact becomes far more positive and sustainable.”Abdulla Mohammad al-Biri, 14, spoke about the impact of student participation on building confidence and responsibility, saying: “I believe that initiatives and activities outside the classroom are not a luxury, but an essential part of a student’s development.“They provide us with skills we cannot gain from classroom learning alone, and introduce us to values such as commitment, respect, and responsibility.”Registration for the 2026 edition of the Akhlaquna initiative is open until January 11. More information is available at www.akhlaquna.qa
Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
