(Our Schools and the Making of Role Models) an evening for the ACADEMION Cultural Platform
The non-profit ACADEMION Cultural Platform has worked to attract a distinguished elite of experienced figures in various scientific and literary fields to disseminate knowledge and sciences through the ambassadors and advisors of the institute. The platform also broadcasts a series of interactive weekly meetings that shed light on many important points in various fields. On Tuesday, corresponding to 17/2/1444 AH, which is 13/9/2022 AD, the platform presented an evening titled (Our Schools and the Making of Role Models) presented by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Hijran Al-Ghamdi, founder and chairman of the board of the Qudwati Charitable Foundation for Education and Training on Islamic Values in Mecca, and former director of the girls' education department.The evening was moderated by Dr. Abdulghani bin Naji Al-Qash, chairman of the board of Oyun Al-Madina newspaper and ambassador of the ACADEMION Global Institute for Distance Learning.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi began by quoting the Almighty's words: (Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example) Al-An'am 90, and he pointed out that from this noble verse arises the need for role models with a beneficial impact, and those who leave a mark and are concerned with forming a generation that practices values as behavior, capable of protecting themselves and their community from religious, security, social, and cultural threats, and who possess knowledge, skills, and good behaviors to be of independent character, characterized by initiative, perseverance, and leadership, and have sufficient self-awareness, social awareness, and cultural awareness.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that the development witnessed by the world today in all aspects of life has created a deep gap in our social heritage and our value assumptions, as materialism has become what shapes and drives our lives, seeking to satisfy the desires of the body while ignoring the spiritual meanings of humanity. He stated that theorizing about values remains devoid of spirit, meaning, or impact unless these values and role models are transformed into practical, applicable models that influence individuals' behaviors and actions.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi added that in this era, we are in dire need of good role models and the creation of ideal role models based on moderation and balance. He also pointed out that social media has confused the ideas of some youth and shaken their confidence in their beliefs, leadership, and the sanctity of their country, leading to some of them taking as role models individuals who are famous but lack purpose, goals, or content, while others lack religion or identity.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi clarified that our country, thank God, is rich in good role models in all religious, scientific, and literary fields, who have excelled and dominated forums. Therefore, we must focus on them to be good role models for the current generation and for our future generations. He also presented how to create role models through building conscious minds and preparing them physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially, meaning creating their hearts, souls, and selves in a precise and integrated manner that aligns with our Islamic Sharia and the guidance of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi outlined the influential environments in creating role models, noting that there are external and internal environments. The external environment includes influential factors that are difficult to control or manage, such as "media, cultural centers, civil society institutions, mosques, social media, and others," while the internal environments lie within "the work system inside the education system," which is the environment that possesses the capabilities and mechanisms for decision-making and implementation, and this environment can be dealt with and controlled.
He also explained the importance of the need for role models, which lies in shaping the features of future generations and in the early stages of education, as this is the period for building awareness and personality. The role model is an effective example for the constant reminder of the values of religion through emulating the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his companions, and an ideal model in the ability to unleash the latent goodness in others and activate it.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi concluded the evening with methods of managing the impact of role models, which enhances the creation of the desired effect from achieving complete influence as a role model, and then clarified the mechanisms for creating role models, their sources, and fields.