Youth ambassadors from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Akhlaquna initiative actively participated in the recent WISE 12 Summit in Doha, emphasizing the critical role of non-classroom learning in developing students’ character and ethical foundations. The summit, a biennial gathering organized by QF’s global education initiative WISE, provided a platform for these young leaders to share their experiences and insights on how activities outside traditional academics shape values and build essential life skills. This focus reflects a growing recognition of the importance of holistic education.
Held from November 27th to 29th, 2024, the WISE 12 Summit brought together educators, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe. The ambassadors’ panel discussion centered on the power of experiential learning and volunteer work to instill responsibility, confidence, and a strong ethical compass in young people, complementing Qatar Foundation’s broader educational mission.
The Impact of Non-Classroom Learning on Character Development
The young ambassadors highlighted that learning extends far beyond textbooks and assessments. Moza Abdulla Al Fakhroo, 19, shared how personal motivation and engagement in initiatives were more impactful than achieving high grades. She noted this involvement fostered a sense of confidence and courage necessary for future endeavors, demonstrating the power of applied learning.
Similarly, Fatima Saad Al-Muhannadi, 18, emphasized the vital link between human values and societal foundations. She pointed out that practical ethics, demonstrated through daily interactions and behaviors, are fundamental to building strong relationships and responsible citizens.
Building Key Skills Through Experience
Abdulla Mohammad Al Biri, 14, underscored that opportunities outside the classroom are not merely supplemental but essential components of a well-rounded education. He explained that these experiences provide skills, such as commitment and respect, that are difficult to cultivate solely through academic study. This concept aligns with growing research on soft skills development.
The ambassadors’ participation came at a time when educational institutions globally are increasingly prioritizing social-emotional learning alongside traditional academic curricula. Qatar Foundation has consistently championed initiatives promoting ethical reasoning and community engagement.
The panel discussion provided a compelling student perspective on these broader educational trends. By sharing their personal stories, the ambassadors illustrated how individual actions—even seemingly small ones—can collectively contribute to positive change within communities. The summit underscores the shared belief that education is not solely about knowledge acquisition, but also about nurturing responsible, ethical, and engaged citizens.
Their involvement in the WISE Summit demonstrates the power of youth advocacy in shaping educational discourse. The session also aimed to highlight the importance of creating more opportunities for students to engage in impactful outside-of-school programs.
Registration for the 2026 WISE Summit is currently open and will close on January 11, 2026. Organizers will likely continue to incorporate themes of character education and the benefits of non-classroom learning into future summits, potentially expanding on the insights offered by the Qatari ambassadors. Further analysis of the impact of these initiatives on long-term student outcomes remains an area for ongoing research.
