Students, educators, and keynotes speakers around the globe came together for the second edition of WAB’s student-led education conference.
The Future of Education Now and Next conference (FOENN21), which was a continuation of WAB’s breakthrough event in 2019, brought people together around the themes of student voice, ethics and equity, and new realities in education. Students were at the center and in the virtual spotlight, leading these global conversations and inspiring educators, parents, and their peers.
The essential role students played in FOENN21 is a defining element of the conference. They hosted workshops, led panels, and pushed forward conversations with keynotes. The students ended the conference paraphrasing an old Latin slogan and stating: "Nothing about us, without us, is for us!"
“Schools should become better at listening to what these young minds need in order to learn better, feel better, and be better equipped to make a difference,” WAB Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic said. “As adults, we often think that we need to have all the answers. However, WAB trusts that we can co-construct more impactful educational experiences and spaces by combining student insights with adult expertise. In the end, in this fast developing world around us, we are all learners.”
More than 60 international schools joined the series of virtual workshops, panels, and keynote presentations. Participants built community and collaborated to shape the future by exchanging ideas and sharing real-life examples of the bold, innovative changes that are taking place in their schools.
Grade 9 WAB student Mia V. joined the conference to gain new perspectives and better understand what it means for a school to be imaginative and future-focused. Mia saw FOENN21 as an opportunity to learn from other students, engage with experts, and use research and experience to help WAB and other schools uncover new ways to support students’ ability to make a difference.
“I genuinely do care about the future of education," Mia said. “I know that even with small, but meaningful changes, education within schools could become even more significant to their students, and these are the things that will influence the rest of my and every other student's life.”
WAB is grateful to its partner, the Association for the Advancement of International Education, for supporting our conference. We would also like to thank the Steering Committee, each and every student, keynote speaker, educator, and parent who took part in any capacity. Please reach out if your school, students, or teachers would like to share your stories at our next event.
If you loved the conversations taking place during the Future of Education Now and Next conference, we’d love to invite you to be part of the WAB community. WAB is hosting its first-ever recruitment fair on October 9. Educators can sign up here. Families looking to enroll at WAB are also invited to register to attend our upcoming Open House event on October 17.