The British Council successfully concluded the 11th annual MENA UK Study Tour, bringing together influential education leaders and practitioners from across the MENA region. This year’s tour continued its legacy of fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and addressing critical challenges in education, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of British Council’s commitment to global educational excellence.
The theme for this year’s tour, "Leading in the Digital Age," focused on equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the evolving educational landscape. Participants explored critical topics such as AI integration in schools, teacher recruitment and retention, and frameworks for self-evaluation, aligning with the urgent need to address the opportunities and challenges posed by digital transformation.
Simon Green, Director Exams for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman at the British Council, said: "This year’s study tour focussed on the power of collaboration in tackling shared educational challenges across the MENA region and beyond. By fostering dialogue around digital transformation, well-being, and leadership, we aim to help empower educators to create innovative and inclusive learning environments that prepare students for the future.”
Riyaz Bakali, Director at The Next Generation School in Qatar said: “Collaboration across borders with learned educationists pave the way for innovation in education. Grateful for the enriching insights gained at the British Council MENA Study Tour in London, a truly learning-packed experience."
Programme Highlights:
Participants engaged in an immersive week-long schedule that included visits to leading UK institutions such as The Perse School, Avanti House Secondary School, and Homerton College, Cambridge. Keynote sessions and panel discussions addressed timely topics like ethical AI usage, strategies for staff retention, and fostering leadership in the digital age.
The British Council remains steadfast in its mission to connect educators globally, providing platforms for meaningful dialogue and professional growth. The 11th MENA UK Study Tour underscored the value of shared experiences in addressing educational challenges, enriching curricula, and driving positive change across the MENA region.
