As the new academic year begins, schools are reopening and students are returning to classrooms across the region, signaling a renewed focus on education and personal development. Columnist Mohammad Nasser Al-Aleem highlighted the significance of this transition in his recent commentary for Al-Seyassah daily, emphasizing the broader implications of returning to school beyond the resumption of academic activities.
According to Al-Aleem, the start of the school year represents more than a shift from vacation to study; it marks an opportunity for growth, learning, and overcoming challenges. He described each new academic term as a blank slate where students can explore their abilities, set goals, and take confident steps toward their futures.
Al-Aleem stressed that students are not expected to be flawless but should approach the year with determination and clear strategies, such as effective time management, consistent attendance, regular completion of assignments, and fostering a habit of inquiry and reading. He noted that success is built incrementally, requiring daily, persistent effort.
In the context of rapid technological and societal changes, including developments in artificial intelligence and evolving labor markets, Al-Aleem asserted that education must go beyond rote memorization. He emphasized the importance of nurturing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and responsible use of technology as essential components of modern learning.
The columnist also highlighted the critical role teachers play in this process. Far from merely delivering information, teachers serve as mentors who uncover talent, instill values, and offer encouragement that can profoundly impact students’ confidence and motivation. He further recognized the essential partnership of families, advocating for parents to create supportive home environments and engage with their children’s educational experiences beyond academic performance, focusing instead on learning progress and emotional support.
Al-Aleem suggested that questions from parents should shift from focusing solely on grades to exploring what children have learned and any difficulties they face, aiming to provide assistance and reduce pressure. He described the school environment as a place for character development where students learn responsibility, teamwork, time management, and community service.
Extracurricular activities, including cultural, sports, and artistic programs, complement academic curricula to foster well-rounded and creative individuals. Al-Aleem concluded that schools should be safe spaces that honor student individuality and promote participation and initiative.
Ultimately, he articulated a vision of education that prepares students not only for academic achievement but also for active citizenship, encouraging them to view serving their country as a duty and privilege cultivated from an early age within the educational system.