Beyond Education

How do you envision the future of education in Saudi Arabia and the role that Al Faris International School will continue to play in shaping it?

I believe future education in the kingdom will need to focus on successfully integrating emerging educational technology and developing school curricula that prepare young people to be leaders in a competitive global world. Al Faris has been at the forefront of both areas since its beginning, with my goal to offer the breadth of an American curriculum to Saudi youth and our later progression to a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. We were among the first schools to introduce educational technology (Ed tech) into our classrooms, including smart boards, tablets, and the Edmodo Connected classroom. We will continue to forge the path in both of these areas, ensuring that our students have the exposure and opportunities that will help them realize their potential.

What philanthropic endeavors have you been engaged in and how do they create a positive impact in the community?

Al Faris International School gives back to the community in many ways, with 30% of the school’s income used for scholarships, to support current and former employees, and to assist less fortunate families inside and outside Riyadh. I have also personally sponsored the school for the refugee community in Azzraq, Jordan, and involved our students in taking supplies and assisting with projects as part of their community service requirements. I have been involved with various health initiatives too, including cancer awareness, for which the school hosts fundraisers. In particular, we support the Your

Health Matters program at King Fahad Center, and the Sanad Cancer Support Association. I am proud to have involved my students in these initiatives, developing a sense of compassion and responsibility in them.

In what ways does Al Faris International School actively encourage and empower students to pursue careers in the business world?

Approaches to learning (ATL) skills are the cornerstone of all levels of the IB program. These skills broadly develop independent learning and encourage the application of knowledge and skills in new contexts. ATL skills include communication, social (collaboration), selfmanagement (organization), research (acquiring information and media literacy), and thinking (critical, creative, and reflective).

The IB primary years program (PYP) is currently hosting a PYP exhibition, which is the first opportunity for young students to demonstrate these skills in a group project. As for the middle years program (MYP), students are required to work on a MYP personal project, which involves exploring an area of personal interest, documenting their journey to complete a project, and presenting it in an exhibition.

Several students choose to pursue projects that they could one day develop into a business such as architecture, clothing, or jewelry design. Hence, the MYP personal project is an opportunity to present ATL skills in a way that reflects their desires and careers ambitions. Through this experience, they realize the possibilities and gain the confidence to achieve their goals.

Another opportunity to demonstrate ATL skills is through the IB diploma program (DP), which involves extended essay writing on a topic of the student’s choice. Last but not least, our business management course focuses on skills for decisionmaking in a rapidly changing global marketplace, including exciting opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia. Through this course, students explore concepts such as creativity, change, ethics, and responsibility within the business context.

What is Model United Nations and how does Al Faris International School get involved?

Model United Nations (MUN) is an extraordinary extracurricular activity that enables students to simulate United Nations debates. Students assume the roles of delegates and present the perspectives and policies of their assigned countries as they discuss real-world problems. MUN develops essential skills in research, organization, presentation, public speaking, and debate. It also allows students young people, allowing them to lead in developing their country and promoting it globally. At Al Faris, we will continue to develop our curriculum constantly with that goal in mind, paying close attention to our evolving educational needs. With the emphasis on global outreach, a key component of our program is developing a sense of shared responsibility to address both community and global issues through innovation, knowledge sharing, and respect for diverse opinions and ways of life. to develop an openness to other points of view and to see the value of collaboration in solving problems. The focus of MUN synchronizes with the international vision of the kingdom and its evolving global position.

Our students participate in local, regional, and global conferences, and FARISMUN has in fact hosted three successful conferences, including one online in 2020, and our most recent in May 2023: ‘Blast into the Past/ Glimpse into the Future’. Through these conferences, our students gain essential transferable skills for higher education, the workplace, and beyond.

How does Al Faris International School align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and what specific initiatives or programs are in place to support this alignment?

Vision 2030 is about creating a vibrant future for the kingdom’s

Our ultimate goal is not simply to impart facts to our students, but to develop a love of learning through curiosity, discussion, and exploration, and to show them the methods and tools to discover their own answers as life-long learners after their formal education has ended. In doing so, we do not leave behind our own cherished culture and heritage. Indeed, it acts as a launch pad for our students to be active and ethical global citizens, ready to contribute their unique perspectives to addressing the issues of our time.

WOMEN BEHIND MIDDLE EASTERN BRANDS •