Zoraib

Student - Dar Jana Establishment for Schools Operations

Zoraib is a young author and changemaker whose voice is reshaping global conversations around education. He wrote his first book at the age of 8 and published it at age 9—a remarkable milestone that sparked international recognition. His book, Curious Giraffe, captured the real frustrations students face in today’s education system, especially the overwhelming pressure of standardized testing. It became a bestseller within 24 hours and received endorsements from global leaders, including a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Zoraib has been honored with multiple international awards for his contributions to youth advocacy, creativity, and educational reform. His work has been featured and celebrated across countries, positioning him as a powerful young voice in global education.

He was also a featured participant at the International Symposium for Innovation in Education, where he shared honest and deeply insightful perspectives on how schools can better support young learners. Zoraib continues to speak on award-winning platforms, raising his voice consistently to drive meaningful change and champion an education system that values diverse intelligences, emotional well-being, and human-centered learning.

With his courage, clarity, and commitment to impact, Zoraib represents the next generation of leaders determined to build a better, more inclusive future for all students.

Speaker Sessions

GESS Talks Live 1525

Apr 21 2026 | 11:50am - 12:20pm

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