'Aspire For Education' Conference Addresses Challenges In Education And Innovation

Doha, Qatar: Aspire Academy successfully organised and hosted the fourth edition of its 'Aspire For Education' conference. This year's theme was 'Well-being in Education,' which brought together participants from Qatar, the Gulf region, and beyond, reinforcing its position as a key platform in shaping the future of education.

The two-day event included keynote addresses from notable figures in the education sector, such as Chairperson and Founder of Well-being and Career Development H E Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Additionally, there were engaging panel discussions addressing current challenges, along with practical workshops aimed at incorporating psychological and social well-being concepts into educational curricula and environments.

Among the attendees were Qatar's Former Minister of Energy and Industry H E Mohamed Al Sada, Director General of Aspire Academy Ivan Bravo, and Acting Director General of Aspetar Khaled Al Mawlawi. In his address, Chairman of the 'Aspire For Education' Conference Jassem Al Jaber (pictured) noted that the conference seeks to establish holistic and educational values that restore the true essence of education.

“Education is more than just transferring knowledge or developing skills; it is about nurturing the mind and body while strengthening the soul and spirit within the individual,” he said.

He added that Aspire Academy has long affirmed that prioritising well-being in education and addressing the psychological, physical, and social needs of student-athletes and educators is crucial for achieving a balanced approach.

“The academy also maintains a quality education and instils core values that prepare our children to face the challenges ahead,” Al Jaber said. During her keynote speech titled“Beyond Balance: Redefining Well-being in Education,” H E Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad remarked that a holistic and integrative perspective on well-being and nurturing the human being extends beyond the individual's inner self to include the entire world and all its diverse entities.

“These elements exist in continuous interaction, influencing and being influenced by one another in a dynamic exchange. Health, wellness, and healing are collective processes shaped by the combined contributions of various universal forces, both directly and indirectly,” she added.

Meanwhile, former international and English Premier League referee Matt Messias, who began his career as a teacher and now runs his own company, Matt Messias Impact Leadership, emphasized that personal growth lays the groundwork for effective leadership and education.

“If we focus on ourselves first, we can then focus on one-on-one leadership. Some of the greatest things in life start with baby steps. Change one small thing today to improve your well-being, because small changes can lead to big success,” he said. Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance & Science at Aspire Academy and the Qatar Football Association, offered a sporting view on the importance of well-being in education.

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