Pupils of all ages from Cognita schools across the UAE, including the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Repton Family of Schools, Ranches Primary School, Horizon International School and Horizon English School, joined over 90,000 pupils and 18,000 staff from more than 100 Cognita schools worldwide on Friday, 27^th September 2024, to participate in the sixth annual Global Be Well Day (GBWD). This year’s theme, ‘Giving,’ encouraged the entire school community to come together for a global day of connection, support, and positive change.

Now in its sixth year, Global Be Well Day, a Cognita initiative, showcases a wide array of activities and events centred around Cognita’s Be Well Charter, a six-step formula for lifelong health based on global research. This year’s theme, ‘Giving’, saw pupils, teachers, staff and parents around the world take part in a ‘Be Well Impact Hour’, dedicating one hour of their time to connect, support, and inspire change within their communities.

David Baldwin, CEO, Cognita Middle East said:“Our UAE schools have hosted a fantastic day of events and activities for Cognita’s Global Be Well Day on the theme of ‘Giving’. With thousands of pupils taking part across the country, our young people have learnt the true power of kindness and collaboration,which will help shape them into empathetic leaders of tomorrow.”

At RGS Guildford Dubai, the younger pupils focused on giving to animals, whilst Year 4 pupils collected care packages for the Giving Family Charity. Broadcaster Katie Overy inspired Year 6 pupils on how to produce an outstanding podcast, whilst Chef Luigi Vespero from Fairmont Group, delivered delicious desserts to the community.

Repton Abu Dhabi hosted a variety of activities across the school community. The day featured healthy heart talks and CPR training for Upper Senior School pupils, delivered by experts from Cleveland Clinic. In addition, pupils from KS1 and KS2 engaged in activities inspired by the book The Giving Tree, reflecting on the power of giving, while gratitude journaling sessions were held for pupils to explore personal growth and reflection.

One of the charities that benefitted from Global Be Well Day, was The Sparkle Foundation. Sarah Brook, CEO& Founder, of the Dubai Humanitarian registered charity expressed her gratitude for the contributions from the UAE schools, and said: “We are incredibly grateful for the continuous support we’ve received from the Cognita Middle East schools helping us further our mission.  Sparkle is officially on the map here and the commitment shown by both staff and students reflects the values of compassion and generosity that are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are empowering lives and creating lasting change.”

Pupils at Repton Dubai enjoyed a carousel of events from making friendship bracelets and thank you cards, sustainability workshops and wellbeing sessions and taking part in the Giving Treasure Hunt. In addition, Year 13 pupils gave back to their community by giving their time, care and skills to the youngest pupils in FS1 and FS2 for the day.

Repton Al Barsha hosted a 24 hour fitness challenge, cycle and run, whilst pupils at Ranches Primary School dedicated their time to collecting donations for Sparkle Foundation. Horizon International School hosted a wake and shake for their whole community on the sports pitch and Horizon English School, hosted Giving themed lessons throughout the day, based on Giving to others, the environment and oneself.