It is perhaps one of the most important aspects of being a teacher - having empathy towards every single child, and building a warm and unique relationship with each one.

You must get to know every pupil, understand what makes them happy, what inspires them, and what can help them be the very best versions of themselves.

In an environment where the education syllabus and curriculum are standard for everyone, this is not always easy.

I left the Fourth Creative Childhood Forum, organized by Dar Al-Hanan Schools in Jeddah, pondering what a privileged, exciting, and at times daunting role we have.

Our influence will stay with each child for life — so we must try to be not only a teacher, but also a guiding light, and a friend.

The forum was incredibly enlightening and professionally put together, looking at how we can enhance knowledge and develop teachers’ and educators’ skills in early childhood education.

There were 22 thought-provoking workshops looking at learning difficulties, behavioral modification techniques, and essential skills for this crucial stage of childhood.

Of course, when you look out at a classroom of children, you can see the different eyes, smiles and clothing they wear quite vividly.

What you can’t see is the reason some may not pick up instruction as quickly, why their behavior may not be good, or why their attention span may be short.

Understanding their individual traits, and what makes them unique and special, is the key to unlocking their full potential.

I want to thank Princess Lulwa bint Faisal and Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Faisal for their continuous support for such initiatives.

Their commitment to education and our youth is not surprising, given the legacy of the Al-Faisal family.

Director General Dr. Amal Hameed Aldeen, and everyone from Al-Hanan Schools, who contributed, can also feel very proud.

The closing ceremony highlighted the key achievements and summarized the contribution of 45 participants drawn from government and private schools in Jeddah.

Of course, the overall goal is Vision 2030, raising educational awareness and promoting best practices in early childhood education.

As the forum came to an end, students from kindergarten and elementary schools took to the stage for some special performances.

Some were natural performers, some were gaining confidence just from being there, some were shy and nervous; others were having their best time.

But each individual was growing in their own way just from being there.

And this is education in a nutshell — giving everyone the stage or platform that allows them to shine at their brightest.

This means helping each child grow at their own pace and in their own way into the person they are most happy with.

If we achieve this, we will have the most special individuals, who will lead us to great places in the future.