By Solonia Teodros, Head of JUMP! Schools, JUMP! Foundation
On September 23, 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrated its 95th National Day under the inspiring theme “Pride in Our Nature,” honoring the Kingdom’s values of generosity, solidarity, and ambition. This milestone marks the unification of the nation by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1932, a legacy that continues to drive progress under Vision 2030. At JUMP! Schools, we see this occasion as more than a celebration of national unity. It’s a call to nurture the next generation of leaders who will shape a vibrant future. Fresh from the Kingdom’s festivities, with fireworks lighting up Riyadh and cultural performances resonating in Jeddah, a dedicated educator from The KAUST School (TKS) joined our recently completed 3-Day Student Leadership Retreat in Thuwal. This powerful connection between national pride and educational innovation highlights how our program is empowering youth to contribute to a thriving society.
With over two decades of experience bridging education, innovation, and transformation, I’ve seen the profound impact of experiential learning. As Head of JUMP! Schools at the JUMP! Foundation, I lead initiatives to make transformational education accessible globally. Our partnership with TKS, an International Baccalaureate World School serving over 1,800 students from more than 70 nationalities on the KAUST campus, aligns perfectly with this mission. TKS fosters curiosity and global citizenship, complementing our focus on values-driven leadership. The retreat was designed to reflect TKS’s core principles: adaptability, innovation, diversity, inclusivity, and responsibility.
Over three dynamic days, students engaged in reflective exercises to build self-awareness, collaborative activities to strengthen empathy, and real-world simulations to explore situational leadership. These weren’t just lessons; they were catalysts for growth. Participants unearthed shared values and co-developed ideas to deepen their impact as student leaders — from better understanding their peers to rethinking how to lead with greater empathy, inclusivity, and intention. Educators observed the power of experiential education in action — how thoughtful facilitation can turn teachable moments into opportunities for critical thinking and connection. Many shared how student voices and reflections helped them reframe perceived barriers and sparked new possibilities for mentorship and mindset shift.
The impact was both visible and deeply felt. Students walked away with stronger self-belief, greater confidence in collaboration, and renewed clarity on what it means to lead with purpose. For many, the experience sparked a desire to take initiative — whether through new student-led efforts or by showing up differently in their existing roles. These shifts echo the kinds of growth we consistently see across our global programs, where student leaders develop the skills, mindsets, and courage to drive meaningful change in their communities. At TKS, this momentum builds a ripple effect — nurturing future scientists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are not only technically equipped but emotionally ready to lead with empathy, resilience, and intention.
This work aligns directly with Vision 2030, which has achieved 85 percent of its initiatives, from boosting female workforce participation to growing a diversified economy with record tourism revenues. Our program supports the Vibrant Society pillar by fostering inclusive, empathetic leaders. It strengthens the Thriving Economy through innovation-driven collaboration, preparing students for a knowledge-based future. And it advances the Ambitious Nation by channeling the Kingdom’s pride into purposeful global contributions.
To the remarkable TKS community, students, and the educator who brought National Day’s energy to our retreat: your dedication inspires us. As we honor King Abdulaziz’s unifying legacy, let’s commit to building communities rooted in shared purpose. In a world that needs unity, this program shows that progress starts with empowered youth.
What leadership stories are you celebrating this National Day? Share below and let’s keep the momentum growing.
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