Dubai schools roll out peer mentoring programmes

Several schools across Dubai are rolling out peer mentoring programmes aimed at supporting academic success and personal development among students.

- Nandini Sircar [e-mail]

These initiatives pair senior students with younger peers, offering one-on-one guidance that benefits both mentor and mentee alike.

In many cases, students can sign up for mentoring through dedicated websites, receiving support in any academic subjects from older students who have been trained and vetted for the role.

School leaders say these initiatives not only help younger learners academically but also equip older students with essential skills such as leadership, empathy and effective communication. They explained as mentoring is inherently a form of teaching, it becomes a powerful learning experience for both parties.

Harry Allen, assistant head of secondary at GEMS International School - Al Khail, explained how a student-led initiative laid the foundation for their programme.