Is Zakiah Al-Lahyani Redefining Education in Makkah Through Innovation and Tolerance?

 

Zakiah Al-Lahyani, an English-as-a-foreign-language teacher at 134 Elementary School in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, has redefined the role of an educator by combining innovation, cultural preservation, and moral development in her teaching practices. With 24 years of dedication, she has exemplified how education can be a transformative tool to nurture future leaders while fostering global citizenship and inclusivity. Her teaching philosophy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to prepare a generation of students equipped with creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to community impact.

Educational Innovation and Impact

Zakiah’s teaching methodology integrates cutting-edge technology with traditional values to create an engaging and impactful learning environment. As a Microsoft Expert Educator, she has implemented interactive tools like Minecraft Education to design lessons that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy. For instance, her lesson on family vocabulary for fourth graders employed a custom virtual world to enhance collaboration and cultural understanding among students.

In addition to technology, Zakiah’s innovative use of educational puppets, including her self-designed doll “Zoka,” has transformed English learning for young children. By incorporating entertainment, songs, and Saudi cultural elements, she has successfully created an inclusive and dynamic classroom environment. Her unique approach has led to higher attendance rates and increased student engagement, setting a benchmark for educational practices.

Cultural Preservation and Tolerance

One of Zakiah’s passions lies in preserving Saudi heritage and promoting tolerance through education. She has authored children’s books, such as The Red Place Story, and created Saudi-themed educational dolls to celebrate the nation’s culture. Her efforts extend to composing songs that emphasize tolerance and critical thinking, earning her prestigious accolades like the Moderation Award in 2017.

Zakiah’s initiatives, such as the “Tolerance Unites Us” project, highlight her commitment to fostering inclusivity and social justice. This program, which won the 2023 National Dialogue Award, promotes cultural harmony among her diverse group of students. Her classroom, adorned with characters representing Saudi and global cultures, serves as a microcosm of tolerance and understanding. Moreover, her compositions on themes like tolerance have reached thousands, with her celebrated song amassing over 43,000 views on YouTube.

Community Engagement and Global Goals

Beyond her classroom, Zakiah is deeply involved in community service. Her "My Family Reads" initiative encourages literacy and knowledge-sharing within families, fostering a culture of learning that extends beyond school walls. She has also championed environmental awareness through programs like “Green Classroom,” which educates students on sustainability and recycling. Her book Be Like Munira and Saud connects children’s actions to global goals such as “Life Below Water” and “Life on Land,” demonstrating how local actions contribute to global environmental efforts.

Measurable Achievements and Recognition

Zakiah’s impact is evident in her measurable achievements. Her training workshops for national tests have significantly improved her school’s scores, while her students have excelled in competitions like the English Language Olympiad and the Saudi Culture Competition. Her creative plays and educational songs have received widespread acclaim, showcasing her ability to blend artistry with education.

Zakiah’s contributions to professional development are equally noteworthy. She has shared best practices with fellow educators through workshops, conferences, and programs like "Towards Excellence in Teaching English." Her open-access resources on YouTube have reached educators worldwide, extending her influence far beyond her local community.

Vision for the Future

For Zakiah, teaching is more than a profession—it is a lifelong journey of growth and innovation. Her vision includes establishing a global association to promote peace and tolerance among children, further solidifying her role as an educator who transcends borders to inspire change.

Table: Highlights of Zakiah Al-Lahyani’s Contributions

Category	Achievements
Educational Innovation	Interactive lessons with Minecraft Education and self-designed educational puppets
Cultural Preservation	Authored books and created Saudi-themed educational dolls
Promoting Tolerance	“Tolerance Unites Us” initiative; Moderation Award (2017)
Community Service	“My Family Reads” literacy program; “Green Classroom” sustainability initiative
Student Success	Improved national test scores; competition wins in English and culture
Professional Development	Workshops, conferences, and global open-access resources

Figure: Zakiah’s Impact on Education and Community

References

1. Vision 2030. (n.d.). Saudi Arabia’s Vision for the Future. Retrieved from https://vision2030.gov.sa

2.      United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals

3.   Al-Lahyani, Z. (2023). Personal Contributions and Initiatives in Education. Retrieved from https://zakiah-education.com

Zakiah Al-Lahyani’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. By combining innovation, cultural preservation, and a commitment to community, she has not only elevated the teaching profession but also inspired a generation of students and educators to dream bigger and achieve more.