Ammar Merhbi

Head of Learning and Development - Dar Jana Establishment for Schools Operations

Ammar A. Merhbi is a seasoned educational leader with over 22 years of experience specializing in critical digital pedagogy, instructional leadership, and the science of learning. Currently serving as Head of Learning and Development at Dar Jana Establishment for Schools Operations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ammar has successfully led curriculum reforms, professional development programs, and technology integration initiatives, impacting thousands of educators and students.

Known for spearheading large-scale projects, including creating digital learning ecosystems and designing data-driven assessment systems, Ammar is an expert in adaptive blended learning systems, the science of learning, professional development, and curriculum design and development.
A passionate advocate for evidence-based practices, Ammar is a die-hard education expert on applying the ‘best bets’, the best available evidence, instead of trends in education.

Speaker Sessions

GESS Talks Live 1525

أبريل 21 2026 | 11:50ص - 12:20م

Fixing the Broken System: A Multi-Perspective Call for Educational Reform

Session Summary:

This powerful session presents a compelling case for educational transformation through the authentic voices of those most affected by current system challenges. Drawing from real student experiences of navigating pressure-filled, test-driven environments that often fail to recognise diverse talents and learning styles, this presentation explores the urgent need for systemic change in education. The session examines how rigid structures, standardised assessments, and one-size-fits-all approaches create barriers to student success and well-being. Through personal narratives and evidence-based analysis, participants will explore the disconnect between what students need to thrive and what current systems provide, while discovering practical pathways toward more human-centered, creative, and empathetic educational approaches. This is a powerful call to action for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to rethink, redesign, and repair educational systems, ensuring every student's voice is heard and every learner's potential is realised through meaningful reform that prioritises individual growth over standardised metrics. Join this session to:

• Understand student perspectives and gain authentic insights into how current educational pressures, rigid testing systems, and limited recognition of diverse talents impact student well-being and learning outcomes

• Identify system failures where traditional educational structures fail to meet diverse student needs and create barriers to creativity, critical thinking, and personal development

• Explore human-centered alternatives to education that prioritise empathy, creativity, and individual potential while maintaining academic rigor and meaningful assessment

• Develop reform strategies and create actionable plans for implementing systemic changes that amplify student voices, support diverse learning styles, and foster environments where all learners can thrive

Speakers

Ammar Merhbi | Head of Learning and Development - Dar Jana Establishment for Schools Operations
Ambreen Nadeem | CEO and Founder - Psychology Talks
Zoraib | Student - Dar Jana Establishment for Schools Operations