The Ministry of Education discusses school empowerment through 20 workshops in Mecca
In a strategic move aimed at transforming the public education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education has outlined a new phase focused on "school empowerment" as a fundamental option for achieving sustainable quality. This came during an intensive academic event in the Makkah region, which included the presentation of 12 specialized working papers and the holding of 20 specialized training workshops. These workshops discussed mechanisms for transforming schools from operational institutions into independent entities capable of leading their own development processes.
A strategic context that aligns with Vision 2030
These intensive efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically within the initiatives of the "Human Capacity Development Program," which seeks to enhance school autonomy and empower schools to improve learning outcomes. This shift towards "school empowerment" is a response to the demands of the current era, which requires flexible and innovative learning environments capable of adapting to changes and meeting students' skill and knowledge needs, moving away from traditional centralization.
"Our Schools and the Sustainability of Excellence 2026" Forum
The Deputy Minister of Education for Public Education, Dr. Hassan Khurami, inaugurated the "Our Schools and the Sustainability of Excellence 2026" forum, organized by the General Directorate of Education in the Makkah Region. The forum was attended by the Director General of Education in the region, Abdullah Al-Ghannam, along with a number of educational leaders and decision-makers. The forum aimed to translate modern educational theories into practical applications within the field, ensuring that excellence becomes a prevalent and sustainable culture in all schools by 2026.
The six pillars of empowerment
The forum witnessed the transformation of discussion halls into interactive workshops targeting school principals and educational supervisors, where the concept of school empowerment was deconstructed and applied across six vital areas that form the backbone of the educational process:
- Effective school management.
- Modern teaching and learning strategies.
- Improving learning outcomes and measuring impact.
- Developing an attractive school environment.
- Promoting positive values and behavior.
- A framework for improving teaching and professional development.
From theory to field application
Dr. Al-Khuraimi emphasized that this intellectual momentum is not merely about reviewing scholarly papers, but rather about empowering schools with the tools for self-assessment and transferring successful experiences. In the context of bridging theory and practice, the Deputy Minister conducted field visits to several schools in Makkah, observing real-world practices and meeting with educational leaders to discuss ways to translate the workshop outcomes into tangible results within classrooms, positively impacting student achievement.
Expected impact and future of education
The forum concluded with broad agreement that the mechanisms discussed represent the cornerstone for the next phase. This approach is expected to foster healthy competition among schools and enhance the efficiency of administrative and technical processes, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's position in international education indicators and fulfilling the aspirations of the wise leadership to build a globally competitive generation.
